18/02/2026
Found a mystery bump on your little one? 🧐 Don’t panic! Here is your cheat sheet to identifying and treating the most common summer bug bites.
🦟 Mosquito: Puffy, red, and itchy.
Treat: Wash with soap and water. Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to stop the itch. Tip: Keep fingernails short to prevent infection from scratching!
🐕 Flea: Small red welts, usually in clusters on ankles/legs.
Treat: Wash the area immediately to lower infection risk. Use an anti-itch cream and try not to scratch. (And time to check Fido!)
🐝 Bee: Immediate sharp pain, redness, and swelling.
Treat: If the stinger is there, scrape it out with a credit card or knife. Never pinch it with tweezers (that squeezes more venom in).
Wash the area and apply ice for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
🕷️ Spider: Two tiny puncture marks, often painful.
Treat: Clean well with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and a cool cloth. Most are harmless but keep an eye on it. If the child gets a fever or the bite turns dark and/or ulcerated, visit us immediately.
🚨 When to see a doctor: If you notice difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/lips, or if the bite area feels hot and spreads (signs of infection).
Save this post so you’re ready for the next outdoor adventure! 🌳☀️