Bug Bites, Bee Stings, and Sunburns: A Parent's Summer First Aid Guide

Summer in North Texas is made for being outside. Longer days mean more time at the park, in the backyard, and on the trails. But along with all that outdoor fun comes a familiar lineup of warm weather nuisances: bug bites, bee stings, and sunburns. Most of these are minor and easy to treat at home, but knowing what to do in the moment makes a big difference.

Bug Bites

Mosquitoes are practically a fact of life in Texas summers, and most kids will end up with a collection of itchy bumps before the season is over. Ant bites, chiggers, and the occasional spider bite round out the usual suspects.

For most bug bites:

• Wash the area with soap and water

• Apply a cold pack or cool damp cloth to reduce swelling and ease itching

• Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to calm the itch

• Keep your child from scratching, which can break the skin and lead to infection

• Trim fingernails to reduce the risk of skin damage if scratching happens anyway

  
  

Fire ant stings deserve a special mention because they are so common here in Texas. Fire ant stings typically cause an immediate burning sensation followed by raised, fluid-filled blisters. Leave the blisters intact if possible, keep the area clean, and watch for signs of infection.

When to seek medical care for a bug bite:

• The bite area is spreading, warm, or showing red streaking

• Your child develops a fever after a bite

• The bite does not improve after a few days

• You suspect a spider bite, particularly from a brown recluse or black widow

  
  

Bee and Wasp Stings

A bee sting is startling and painful, but for most children it is manageable at home. The first step is to remove the stinger if one is present. Scrape it out gently with a flat edge like a credit card or the back of a butter knife. Avoid squeezing the stinger with tweezers, which can push more venom into the skin.

After removing the stinger:

• Wash the area with soap and water

• Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and discomfort

• An over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl can help with itching and mild swelling

• Children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain

  
  

Watch closely for signs of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• Hives or swelling in areas away from the sting site

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

• Dizziness, vomiting, or a sudden drop in energy

• Pale or bluish skin

  
  

A severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, known as anaphylaxis, is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms appear. If your child has a known allergy to bee stings, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and make sure caregivers and school staff know how to use it.

If your child is stung for the first time and you are unsure how they will react, watch carefully for the first 30 minutes. Most reactions appear quickly.

Sunburns

Even with the best intentions, sunburns happen. A day at the pool, an afternoon at a baseball game, or an hour longer at the park than planned can result in red, tender skin by evening. Texas sun is strong, and children's skin is especially vulnerable.

For mild to moderate sunburns:

• Get out of the sun as soon as you notice the burn

• Cool the skin with a cool bath or damp cloth. Avoid ice or ice water, which can cause additional skin damage

• Apply aloe vera gel or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe the skin

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, as sunburns can contribute to dehydration

• Give children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain and inflammation

• Keep the burned area covered and out of the sun until it has fully healed

  
  

What to avoid:

• Petroleum-based products like Vaseline, which trap heat in the skin

• Popping any blisters that form

• Sending your child back out in the sun before the burn has healed

When to call your pediatrician for a sunburn:

• Blisters cover a large area of the body

• Your child has a fever, chills, or is vomiting

• The child is under one year old

• Your child seems extremely uncomfortable or the burn looks severe

  
  

Preventing the Big Three

A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping summer fun and skin intact.

For bug bites, apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus before heading outside. Dress kids in light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs when spending time in wooded or grassy areas, especially around dusk. Check for ticks after outdoor activities.

For bee stings, teach kids to stay calm and move away slowly if bees are nearby. Avoid wearing strong fragrances and skip brightly colored clothing when spending time in areas where bees are common. Keep food and sugary drinks covered at outdoor gatherings.

For sunburns, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Do not forget commonly missed spots like ears, the back of the neck, the tops of feet, and the part in your child's hair. Hats and UV-protective clothing add an extra layer of defense, and seeking shade during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. makes a real difference.

When to Call Pediatric Health Partners

When in doubt, reach out. If your child has a reaction that concerns you, a bite or sting that is not improving, or a sunburn that seems serious, Dr. Kim Bookout and the team at Pediatric Health Partners are here to help. You know your child best, and there is no such thing as a question that is too small when it comes to their health and comfort.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed. A little preparation and a well-stocked first aid kit can keep your family out there making the most of it!