Some children become preoccupied with the bite or may scratch the bite open. A cold compress or a little first-aid cream may reduce the itching and swelling as well as the child's tendency to be overly concerned. Usually, in a few hours or days, the bite disappears on its own. On rare occasions, a child will develop a severe allergic reaction to a bite. Reactions can begin immediately after the child is stung.
Symptoms can include breathing difficulty, hives, and possibly shock.
If a child has this sort of reaction, seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, an allergic reaction may be helped by giving the child an oral antihistamine, a common ingredient in cold medicines. However, this should only be given with the consent of a parent and the child's physician. Talk about this possibility with parents before an emergency arises. A parent may not know if his child is allergic to stings, but it is helpful to have such information in the child's record if it is available.