Infected Insect Bite Treatment
Infected Insect Bite Treatment
If you or your child has an insect bite that has become increasingly painful, swollen, hot or is producing pus or fluid, it may have become infected. Our pharmacist may be able to assess and treat the infection through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Adults and children aged 1 year and over can access the NHS Pharmacy First service for suspected infected insect bites without needing to see a GP first.
What is an infected insect bite?
Most insect bites and stings are not serious and usually improve within a few days. They commonly cause a small swollen lump, itching, redness or discomfort.
Sometimes bacteria can enter the skin, particularly if the bite has been scratched, causing an infection to develop. An infected bite may become increasingly painful, hot or swollen and may produce pus or fluid.
It is important to remember that redness and swelling shortly after an insect bite does not necessarily mean that it is infected. This can be a normal inflammatory or allergic reaction to the bite.
You can find more information about bites, stings and their symptoms on the NHS insect bites and stings page.
What are the signs of an infected insect bite?
Signs that an insect bite or sting may have become infected can include:
- Skin around the bite feeling hot to touch
- Increasing pain or tenderness
- Swelling around the affected area
- Redness around the bite, although this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- Pus or fluid coming from the bite or sting
- Symptoms that are becoming worse rather than improving
If you are unsure whether a bite is infected, our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
NHS Pharmacy First Infected Insect Bite Service
Through NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess adults and children aged 1 year and over with signs and symptoms of an infected insect bite.
During your consultation, the pharmacist will ask about the bite, when it happened, how your symptoms have developed and any relevant medical conditions or medicines you are taking.
The pharmacist will assess the affected area and determine whether there are signs of infection or whether your symptoms are more likely to be caused by a normal inflammatory or allergic reaction.
If an infection is identified, the pharmacist can provide appropriate treatment where clinically suitable under the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway. If further investigation or medical treatment is required, we will advise you where to seek further help.
You can find out more about the service on the NHS England Pharmacy First page.
Who can use this service?
The NHS Pharmacy First infected insect bite pathway is available to adults and children who:
- Are aged 1 year or over
- Have symptoms that may indicate an infected insect bite
- Meet the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway criteria
Children under 1 year old with an insect bite or sting should be assessed by their GP rather than through this Pharmacy First clinical pathway.
Some bites, symptoms and medical conditions may also require assessment by another healthcare professional. Our pharmacist will advise you if Pharmacy First is not suitable.
Get help in 4 easy steps
1. Contact our pharmacy
Book an appointment if you or your child aged 1 year or over has an insect bite that you think may have become infected.
2. Speak to our pharmacist
Our pharmacist will ask about the bite, your symptoms, relevant medical history and any medicines currently being taken.
3. Clinical assessment
The pharmacist will assess the affected area for signs of infection and check for symptoms that may require further medical attention.
4. Advice and treatment
We will explain the most appropriate next steps. If treatment is clinically appropriate under the NHS Pharmacy First pathway, the pharmacist may be able to provide it directly from the pharmacy.
Do infected insect bites need antibiotics?
Not all insect bites need antibiotics. Redness, itching and swelling can be a normal reaction to an insect bite or sting and do not necessarily mean that an infection is present.
Antibiotics are only appropriate when there are signs or symptoms of a bacterial infection. Our pharmacist will assess the affected area and determine the most appropriate treatment using the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway.
If antibiotics are supplied, it is important to take them exactly as directed and complete the course as instructed.
How can I look after an insect bite?
There are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms of an insect bite or sting and reduce the chance of infection:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water
- Avoid scratching the bite or sting
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a clean cloth soaked in cold water for at least 20 minutes if the area is swollen
- Keep the affected area raised where possible
- Consider suitable pain relief if the area is painful
- Speak to our pharmacist about treatments that may help with itching or swelling
Avoid using home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda on an insect bite or sting.
For more self-care advice, visit the NHS guide to insect bites and stings.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Some reactions to insect bites and stings need more urgent medical attention.
Contact NHS 111 or seek urgent medical advice if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse or are not improving
- You were stung in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
- You have tummy pain and are being sick
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded
- You have a high temperature and swollen glands
- You have been stung more than once
- You have previously had a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting
Call 999 immediately if there are signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, a tight throat, difficulty swallowing, severe dizziness, fainting or someone becoming unresponsive.
More information about serious allergic reactions is available from the NHS anaphylaxis guidance.
What about tick bites?
Tick bites need particular attention because some ticks can transmit Lyme disease. If you think you or your child has been bitten by a tick and develops flu-like symptoms or a circular or oval rash, you should contact your GP.
Our pharmacist may also refer you for further medical assessment if your symptoms could be associated with Lyme disease rather than a straightforward infected insect bite.
You can find further information on the NHS Lyme disease page.
Do I need to see my GP first?
No. If you or your child is aged 1 year or over and has signs of an infected insect bite, you can contact a participating community pharmacy directly for an NHS Pharmacy First consultation.
You may also be referred to Pharmacy First by your GP practice, NHS 111 or another NHS healthcare service.
Convenient NHS care from your local pharmacy
NHS Pharmacy First makes it easier to get professional healthcare for common conditions without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
Our pharmacist can assess your insect bite, determine whether there are signs of infection and provide advice or treatment where clinically appropriate.
Book an appointment today
If you or your child aged 1 year or over has an insect bite that may have become infected, book an appointment with our pharmacy team. Our pharmacist can assess the affected area and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
