Get Free NHS Treatment for Infected Insect Bites

If you get bitten or stung by an insect, it can cause a red, swollen lump to develop at the site of the bite or sting.  While this is not usually serious and can heal quickly, in some cases the site can become infected or even trigger a serious allergic reaction.

The images below show insect bites that have become infected.

What are the symptoms of an infected insect bite?

Symptoms of an infected insect bite may include:

• Pus (in or around the bite)
• Swollen glands
• Increased pain, swelling and redness (in or around the bite)

What should I do if I get bitten or stung by an insect?

If you have been bitten or stung by an insect you can do the following:

• Put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a clean cloth soaked in cold water on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes, if it’s swollen
• Keep the area raised if you can
• Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the sting is painful
• Use antihistamines to relieve any itching (but do not use antihistamine cream if you had caterpillar hairs on your skin)
• Use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling

How can I prevent being bitten or stung by insects?

You’re more likely to be bitten or stung if you work outdoors or regularly take part in outdoor activities, such as camping or hiking.

Using insect repellent and keeping your skin covered when outdoors will help you avoid being bitten or stung.

Try not to panic if you come across wasps, hornets or bees, and back away slowly. Don’t wave your arms around or swat at them.

When to get advice from a GP

You should contact your GP if you suspect you have been bitten or stung by an insect and:

• Your symptoms get worse or are not getting any better
• 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
• A large area around the bite or sting becomes red and swollen
• You have a high temperature and swollen glands
• You were stung more than once
• You’ve had a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting before
• The bite or scratch was caused by animal(s)
• The bite was caused by human(s)
• The bite was caused by a tick in the UK and signs of Lyme disease such as erythema migrans (bullseye) rash
• The bite or sting occurred while travelling outside of the UK with concern of insect-borne diseases e.g. malaria, tick-borne encephalitis
• The bite or sting was caused by an unusual or exotic insect

You should go to A&E or Call 999 if develop any of the following symptoms:

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• A fast heart rate
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Confusion, anxiety or agitation

Check if you qualify for FREE treatment with NHS Pharmacy First, without seeing your GP

Most insect bites are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days, and do not require treatment with antibiotics.

You can check your eligibility to use the NHS Pharmacy First service if you suspect you have an Infected Insect Bite and you:

• Are 18 years or over
• It has been at least 48 hours since you were bitten or stung.

And you have THREE or more of the following symptoms:

• Redness of skin
• Pain or tenderness to the area
• Swelling of skin
• The skin surrounding the bite feels hot to touch

The NHS Pharmacy First service may NOT be suitable if:

• The bite or scratch was caused by animal(s)
• The bite was caused by human(s)
• The bite was caused by a tick in the UK and signs of Lyme disease such as erythema migrans (bullseye) rash
• The bite or sting occurred while travelling outside of the UK with a concern of insect-borne diseases e.g. malaria, tick-borne encephalitis
• The bite or sting was caused by an unusual or exotic insect

The NHS Pharmacy First service is available to all NowPatient users who are registered with the NHS in England. If you are exempt from paying for your prescriptions, the service and the treatments are provided free of charge. If you are not exempt from paying prescription charges, treatments are provided at the prevailing NHS prescription charge rate. There is no charge for consultations.

What NHS Pharmacy First treatments are available for an Infected Insect Bite?

You do not normally need antibiotics for an insect bite because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. You will only be considered for antibiotics if you could have an infection associated with your insect bite.

Sources

• NHS Scotland – Insects Bites and Stings
• Clinical Pathways – Infected Insect Bites
• NHS – Insect Bites and Stings