logo

Infected Bites & Stings Treatment

Quick access to treatment for infected bites and stings

Our Treatment Service

Patients aged one year and over who have an infected insect bite can receive support from the Pharmacist and team. If you have been bitten and the bite area is red, itchy, tender or swollen, visit the pharmacy today.

Expert Assessment

Our pharmacists will assess your bite or sting and provide appropriate advice and treatment.

Treatment Options

Access to prescription antibiotics and other treatments for infected bites and stings.

Professional Advice

Get expert advice on managing symptoms and preventing infection.

No GP Appointment Needed

Quick access to treatment without waiting for a GP appointment.

Follow-up Care

We'll ensure your treatment is working and provide additional support if needed.

Quick Service

Get assessed and receive treatment in a single visit to our pharmacy.

Understanding Insect Bites and Stings

About Insect Bites and Stings

Insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. But sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction.

Bites from some insects can also cause illnesses, such as Lyme disease from ticks, scabies from mites, and malaria from mosquitoes in certain parts of the world.

Main Symptoms

The main symptoms of an insect bite or sting are:

  • Pain where you were bitten or stung
  • A small, swollen lump on the skin

The lump may look red. It may be more difficult to see on black or brown skin, but you should be able to feel it.

Common Types of Bites and Stings

Bee, Wasp and Hornet Stings

Painful, red swelling that appears immediately after the sting

Mosquito Bites

Small, itchy red lumps that appear soon after being bitten

Tick Bites

Small, red bump that may appear where the tick attached to the skin

Horsefly Bites

Painful bite that can be very itchy and may cause a raised rash

Midge or Gnat Bites

Small, itchy red welts that can appear in clusters

Mite Bites

Very itchy, small red spots that can be scattered across the body

Flea Bites

Small, itchy red spots often in groups of three or four, commonly around ankles and legs

Not Sure?

If you're unsure about the type of bite, check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional

Treatment and Care

What to Do If You've Been Bitten or Stung

You can often treat an insect bite or sting without seeing a GP. Here's what to do:

Removing Stingers, Ticks or Caterpillars

For Stingers:
  1. Brush or scrape the stinger sideways with your fingernail or the edge of a bank card
  2. Do not use tweezers to pull out a stinger as you could squeeze poison out of it
  3. Wash the area with soap and water
For Ticks:
  1. Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
  2. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze the tick
  3. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water
For Caterpillars:
  1. Gently remove the caterpillar using tweezers or a pen
  2. Rinse your skin with running water and allow it to air dry
  3. Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining hairs
  4. Remove any jewellery in case of swelling
  5. Remove and wash clothes at a high temperature

Treatment and Relief

Do

  • Put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes
  • Keep the affected area raised if possible
  • Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen if painful
  • Use antihistamines to relieve itching
  • Use hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling

Don't

  • Do not scratch the bite or sting, as it could get infected
  • Do not use home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda

Get Urgent GP Help or Call NHS 111 if:

  • Your symptoms get worse or are not getting better
  • You were stung in your mouth, throat, or near your eyes
  • You have tummy pain and are being sick
  • You feel dizzy or lightheaded
  • A large area becomes red and swollen
  • You have a high temperature and swollen glands
  • You were stung multiple times
  • You've had a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting before

Call 999 Immediately if:

  • Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
  • You're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe
  • Your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
  • Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale
  • You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
  • Someone faints and cannot be woken up

These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction requiring immediate hospital treatment.

Pharmacy Help

A pharmacist can advise you about medicines that can help, such as:

  • Antihistamines
  • Steroid creams
  • Painkillers

They can provide treatments without you needing to see a GP.

Not Sure It's an Insect Bite?

If you're not sure about your symptoms, you might want to check:

  • Other causes of itchy skin
  • Common rashes in babies and children

Always consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure about your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about infected bites and stings.

Need Treatment for Infected Bites & Stings?

Book your consultation at Taffs Pharmacy today and get quick access to expert care.