Everything you need to know about insect bites near the eyes in children – what to do and what not to miss
Hello!
We have a fantastic chapter on our website about insect bites in children, which summarizes the different types of bites and possible bodily responses.
Anyone who has read that chapter (link here) knows not to say “my child is allergic to insect bites,” but rather “my child gets localized reactions to insect bites”, which doesn’t usually indicate an allergic reaction…
That chapter includes a paragraph discussing insect bites near the eye, but there are at least two good reasons why we should dedicate an entire post to this topic for children:
a. This is a common concern for many parents who wake up to find their child with a very swollen eye. Not only that, but sometimes they end up visiting the doctor and receiving unnecessary antibiotics, as if there were an infection near the eye.
b. I received a photo of a stunning girl named Rio Guy, who had insect bites near both eyes, which was attached to this chapter. However, note that Rio is an exception to this situation.
So, let’s get started!
Here’s everything you need to know about insect bites near the eyes in children.
Is it an allergy or a localized reaction?
Imagine a certain amount of venom entering from beneath the skin. This venom contains substances that trigger a localized inflammatory reaction, causing the area around it to become tender and swollen. However, this is not an allergic reaction, but simply a localized reaction to the venom.
In only a small percentage of cases can an insect bite cause a localized allergic reaction. In a very small number of cases (especially with bee stings), it can even cause a severe systemic allergic reaction.
Therefore, despite hearing the phrase “my child is allergic to insect bites” hundreds of times, I hope it is now clear to everyone that your child isn’t actually allergic to insect bites.
Which type of insect bites near the eyes?
Obviously, it could be any insect, but we are usually talking about mosquito bites.
Why do mosquitos like to bite near the eyes?
Why do they prefer this area? I’m not sure.
Since the area is exposed, I presume it is easier for them to bite near the eyes than in areas covered by clothing, like under the pajamas.
What are the characteristics of mosquito bites near the eyes?
Typical symptoms include swelling and redness around or under one eye.
What usually happens is that the child wakes up in the morning, and the parents notice the swelling, which is often more pronounced in the mornings.
Note that the bites are typically on one side, so don’t be confused by the picture attached to this post.
How dangerous are these bites, on a scale of 0 to 10?
0. Not dangerous at all.
What else can be the cause of redness and swelling around one of the eyes?
Redness and swelling around one eye, as seen in the image here of Emry, can also occur in an infectious process called periorbital cellulitis, which develops around the eyeball.
Although this may seem similar to insect bites, there are significant differences between the two conditions, as you will learn below.
Swelling around both eyes, in the absence of redness that would typically indicate an insect bite, but can also be seen in rare conditions caused by low protein levels in the bloodstream. These conditions can lead to swelling or edema in both eyes. Such cases must be evaluated by a physician.
How can we distinguish between an infection and an insect bite?
Try to remain focused. Notice the differences between the two photos attached (Rio with her bite and Emry with her infection), specifically:
The general appearance – The redness around an infected eyeball, as seen in periorbital cellulitis, is a kind of “angry red.” It’s not just pink and swollen. The borders of the swelling spread quickly, sometimes within hours, as is common in infectious processes.
The pain – This is the most important part of the post! With insect bites, the child may not mind when you touch the swollen area; it’s not painful because it’s simply swelling from a localized reaction. Infections, however, cause significant pain when you touch the swollen area.
Fever – Bites never cause fever. Infections sometimes do. If the child has a fever, it’s certainly not a bite (unless there’s another coincidental cause for the fever). And if the child doesn’t have a fever? It doesn’t mean much on its own.
For the advanced parents – notice how Emry’s infection also started with a small insect bite (seen at the corner of the nose), but bacteria present on our skin penetrated and caused an unpleasant infection that required treatment with oral antibiotics.
And for the super-advanced parents – notice that Emry had another insect bite on his left cheek, which also became infected, or in other words, underwent impetiginization, a mild localized infectious process.
This is evidence of the presence of bacteria on the skin, which must have caused the infection near the eye as well.
To avoid missing an important infection that requires antibiotic treatment, see your doctor whenever in doubt.
How should an insect bite near the eye be treated in children?
If needed, you can apply a topical antihistamine gel or a steroidal cream/ointment that is safe for use on the face. Since the localized reaction does not indicate a systemic allergic response but is simply a local reaction to the venom, systemic antihistamines are usually not helpful. Whenever in doubt, consult with your pediatrician.
How long do the symptoms of an insect bite last?
Typically, about two days. So, don’t worry if your child wakes up with an eye that is almost completely shut on the second day. It usually improves within a few hours. However, if you’re unsure whether it’s a bite or an infection, it’s best to have it assessed by a doctor.
In summary, this is a small topic, but it can cause distress for many parents and has specific characteristics.
It is important not to overlook the key aspects, but at the same time, it’s crucial to avoid overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
Good luck, and a big thank you to Rio and Emry.
May you always be on the ‘right’ side of the stethoscope. Amen.
For comments and questions, please register