Animal bites are a common reason for children to visit primary care and emergency departments. Dog bites are the most prevalent, followed by cat bites at 20–30%. Other animals such as bats, monkeys, snakes, and rats collectively contribute less than 1% of cases. Hospitalization is necessary in only 4% of animal bite incidents. The main aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main protocols currently followed in pediatrics in cases involving the most common bites from different animal species. Analysis of the literature showed that the management of common animal bites in children presents a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities associated with each specific species. Effective wound management is paramount in reducing the risk of infection and promoting optimal healing outcomes. Additionally, tetanus vaccination status should be assessed and updated as necessary, and prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated in certain cases to prevent secondary infections. Furthermore, the role of rabies prophylaxis cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where rabies is endemic or following bites from high-risk animals. In addition to medical management, psychosocial support for both the child and their caregivers is integral to the overall care continuum. Future studies exploring the efficacy of novel treatment modalities, such as topical antimicrobial agents or advanced wound dressings, may offer new insights into optimizing wound healing and reducing the risk of complications.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) significantly impact global child health, with mosquito-transmitted infections like malaria and arboviruses accounting for a substantial portion of this burden. However, other arthropod-borne diseases—transmitted by vectors such as ticks, fleas, sand flies, lice, and triatomine bugs—also pose serious health risks to children worldwide. This review specifically excludes mosquito-borne diseases to concentrate on these less-discussed yet clinically important pediatric VBDs. We examine their clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of children, including immature immune systems, behavioral factors, and communication barriers that can delay diagnosis. Additionally, we explore how environmental and anthropogenic factors, such as climate change and urbanization, are expanding the geographic range of these vectors, leading to the emergence of diseases like Lyme disease and leishmaniasis in new regions. By focusing on non-mosquito VBDs, this review aims to raise awareness and inform healthcare providers and public health practitioners about the comprehensive landscape of pediatric vector-borne diseases.

Background: Acute pain in children is frequently under-recognized and undertreated despite validated assessment tools and effective therapies. This systematic review aimed to synthesize recent evidence on assessment and management of acute pediatric pain. Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Clinical questions were developed using the PICO framework, and evidence certainty was assessed with GRADE. PubMed and Embase were searched for studies published from 2016 to 2025. Italian pediatric scientific societies and specialists involved in acute pediatric care contributed to the process. Results: A total of 13 studies were included. Validated pain scales showed high reliability and were associated with reduced pain scores after analgesic administration. Paracetamol and ibuprofen showed comparable efficacy for mild-to-moderate pain; evidence suggesting a modest late advantage of ibuprofen was inconsistent. Combination therapy reduced rescue analgesia in individual studies. Non-pharmacological interventions, including virtual reality, distraction, and hospital play, reduced anxiety and procedural distress, although certainty of evidence was low. Evidence on opioids was limited and did not show clear superiority over non-opioid strategies. Intranasal fentanyl appeared comparable to intravenous morphine and more feasible in emergency settings. Overall, evidence for several clinical questions remains limited, and GRADE recommendations were only possible for selected PICOs. Conclusions: Acute pediatric pain management should rely on structured assessment and multimodal strategies. Validated pain scales should be used routinely. Paracetamol and ibuprofen remain first-line treatments for mild-to-moderate pain, with possible context-specific benefits of ibuprofen or combination therapy. Non-pharmacological interventions may be useful adjuncts, especially for anxiety and procedural distress. Further high-quality studies are needed on opioids, intranasal administration, alternating regimens, and inhaled versus topical analgesia.