First aid for insect bites
It is important to first identify the sting site and the type of insect, in order to determine whether to seek professional assistance at the nearest health facility or provide first aid yourself.
Body
Treatment of the change at the sting site includes the following procedures:
- Soothe the child, and do not allow him/her to scratch the sting site.
- Remove the sting with gentle movements using a blunt object (e.g. the blunt side of a knife). This is important to do as soon as possible because as long as it is in the skin, the sting continues to release venom.
- Rinse the sting site with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress (for example, ice wrapped in a cloth) to the sting site to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the compress for a maximum of 15 minutes, and never put ice directly on the skin, but only wrapped in a cloth.
- If the sting site is on an arm or leg, it is necessary to raise the arm or leg to reduce swelling.
- After the appearance of localized changes, it is necessary to closely monitor the general condition of your child in the following hours in order to detect the possible occurrence of a severe allergic reaction in time.
If you notice the previously described symptoms and signs of a serious allergic reaction in the child, or he/she is stung on the mouth, nose, throat, or swallows or inhales an insect, call the emergency medical service immediately (194).
If the circumstances are such that you can reach a doctor faster in some other way, arrange for the child to be transported to the nearest health institution (clinic, health center, hospital), with the provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures if necessary during the transport.
