Insect bites in Spain. Pediatric guideline for Primary Care

Insect bites are a common reason for consultation in primary care. There are enough pediatric guidelines and protocols for treating children appropriately. However, stings are heavily influenced by lore. Because of this, pediatricians could change their performance sometimes, mainly if they are guided by customs and practices based on unscientific treatments. A review on the subject is presented with the aim of recommending a general attitude to treat insect bites in children. Several comments about some particular cases are also carried, such as spiders, scorpions and ticks, always taking into account the real possibilities in the Spanish territory, regardless of tropical or exotic insects. Preventive measures against stings and hypersensitivity phenomena are also covered in this document.