Bug Bites in Kids: What’s Normal and When to Worry
Summertime = Bug Bites (Unfortunately)
If your child is waking up with itchy red welts after playing outside, you’re not alone. Mosquito bites, ant bites, and other bug nibbles are super common in Florida — especially during warmer months.
Most bug bites are harmless and go away on their own. But sometimes, they can cause swelling, discomfort, or even reactions that look a little scary. Here’s how to tell the difference.
What Bug Bite Reactions Are Normal?
Kids (especially younger ones) often react more strongly than adults to insect bites. Their immune systems are still developing, so even a little bite can cause:
A raised, red bump at the site
Swelling around the bite, sometimes a few inches wide
Warmth, itchiness, or tenderness
Mild bruising or skin discoloration around the area
This is all normal, especially with mosquito or no-see-um bites. These reactions usually improve within a 1-2 days.
How to Treat Bug Bites at Home
You don’t need fancy remedies. Here’s what I recommend:
Wash the area gently with soap and water
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for itching
Consider children’s Zyrtec or Claritin if the itching is severe (check with your pediatrician for dosing)
Keep fingernails trimmed to avoid scratching and potential infection
For younger kids and babies: Use distraction, cool compresses, and baby-safe anti-itch lotions. Avoid any strong medicated creams unless directed.
Bug Bites That Deserve a Second Look
Call your pediatrician if your child has:
Spreading redness, warmth, or hard swelling that gets worse after 24–48 hours
Pus or yellow crust forming at the bite site
Fever, especially with swollen lymph nodes or fatigue
A bite that looks like a bullseye, dark scab, or rapidly growing rash
These could indicate:
A secondary skin infection (like cellulitis)
An allergic reaction
Rarely, a bite from a tick, spider, or fire ant that needs extra care
Dr. Alex's Pro Tip: Big Reactions Aren’t Always Dangerous
It’s possible for kids to get a huge local reaction — a golf-ball sized lump, lots of swelling, or even bruising. It looks alarming, but it doesn’t always mean infection or allergy.
If your child is otherwise feeling fine (no fever, acting normal), you can usually manage it at home, closely monitor, and watch for improvement over 24-48 hours.
Preventing Bug Bites in the First Place
A few ways to protect your child outdoors:
Dress them in long sleeves and pants when possible
Use baby-safe or kid-safe bug spray with DEET or picaridin
Avoid playing near standing water or heavily wooded areas at dusk
Use mosquito netting over strollers or playpens
Not sure which insect repellent is safe for your child’s age? I can help you pick the right one; just ask!
Pro tip: You can spray insect repellant on your child’s clothes, instead of their skin, to keep the bugs away while avoiding excessive skin absorption and irritation.
Most bug bites in kids are completely harmless, even if they look a little scary at first. If the swelling is big but your child feels fine, you’re likely in the clear. But trust your gut: if something seems off, reach out to your pediatrician.
Curitas Members Get Peace of Mind — Anytime
At Curitas Pediatrics, you’re never left wondering or going down Dr. Google spirals. When you're not sure if that bite needs a closer look, just text me a photo. That’s the beauty of concierge care! I’m just a message away.
More Summer Safety Tips
Check out these helpful posts next:
[Coming Soon] Dehydration signs in toddlers and babies
Follow us on Instagram @CuritasPediatrics and check out the Ask Dr. Alex series!
