Bug bite reaction?

[anaps28]

This happens to DS1 with some bug bites. Twice we went to the pedi. Both times the swelling increased over time and was extremely hot to the touch. Benadryl for sure and one time we were on an antibiotic bc they though one of the bites may have been infected.

[carolinagirl831]

I would want to make sure it wasn't a spider bite? Dh had a horrible spider but on his forehead that blew up and had to be drained

[Elsa]

Dd has a slight reaction to bug bites, esp mosquito and ant bites. It will often swell bigger than her fist, and get red. Never hot though, so I don't consider them infected. We treat with a topical Benadryl cream and then give Benadryl at nap (only on weekends) and at night. It seems to help. Dd got a bite on Thurs and it's finally not bothering her anymore today.

There are also some essential oils that help take the itch away- peppermint and lavender. I have them in roller bottles and let her apply as necessary, since I don't want her constantly applying the Benadryl cream.

[cajunmom]

Definitely go get the Benadryl. My niece has terrible reactions to bug bites (any kind, it seems) and hydrocortisone cream doesn't do anything at all to help but the Benadryl does.

[dcn]

Ds1 gets terrible reactions too, like me. Topical benedryl cream works better than regular hydrocortisone. And some sort of oral antihistamine.

[Deleted]

My sister gets hand sized welts from gnat bites. She just deals with it.

[SpartanGirl]

DS has a terrible reaction to mosquito bites. They swell, then turn to giant water filled blisters. It's so gross.

Our pedi said to use the highest level of deet bug spray that we're comfortable with, wear long pants/sleeves when possible and treat with an allergy med before exposure (if we know we're going to be hiking in a mosquito area). After the bite she recommends caladryl lotion.

[CloudBee]

Walmart has chewable generic Benadryl tablets. Benadryl discontinued their own and only have liquid for kids. The chewables are good enough that DS doesn't mind them.