Does A Bug Bite On A Toddler's Arm That Has Turned Pink With A Slightly Swollen Circle Require Any Medical Attention?

Posted on Tue, 4 Jul 2023

Question: My grandson, 3 years old was bitten on the forearm by some kind of insect four days ago. We live in coastal southern California. He still has a pink, slightly swollen circle on his arm (one inch in diameter). It does not itch and has not expanded. He does not have a fever and is eating, sleeping and playing normally. Does this require treatment or will it go away on its own?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Does not seem to be a cause for concern

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I have checked the attached image. The bug bite does not seem to be alarming, especially because there is no fever involved and because the child is doing well. You may give some antiallergic like Cetirizine Syrup. You also need to apply some emollient like calamine lotion or some moisturizer like aloe vera lotion over the affected area.

It might take a few days to recover and so you need to be patient.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards,
Dr. Diptanshu Das

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T