Practical advice
Ticks and insect bites
Basic steps after a bite and signs that need a check-up.
After spending time outdoors, check your child's skin, especially skin folds, behind the ears, the neck and the scalp. Remove ticks carefully and as soon as possible.
Monitor the bite site over the following days. If expanding redness, swelling, fever, muscle pain or general weakness develops, contact a doctor.
For insect bites, a cold compress and monitoring the local reaction are usually helpful. Emergency care is needed for difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, or a severe allergic reaction.
Note: this information does not replace an examination by a paediatrician when a child has significant symptoms or their general condition is deteriorating.