Features

Child health: bites and stings - Once bitten

Practice
Do you know how to recognise and treat the different bug bites? Karen Sullivan offers timely advice.

No matter how careful you are, children will get stung and bitten. In most cases, stings and bites are nothing to worry about, but it's worth taking care to prevent infection and a potentially serious reaction.

First of all, if you know there are biting or stinging insects near your nursery, advise parents to dress children in long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and to cover them with a child-friendly insect repellent (see box). Keep food and drink away from windows (which should be kept firmly shut or screened) and tables outdoors. Avoid planting flowers (particularly purple flowers, which attract bees) anywhere near a play area. Mosquito coils can be placed in unobtrusive spots.

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