Infected Insect Bites
Learn more about the medications that can treat Infected Insect Bites
- FLUCLOXACILLIN
- FREE secure consultation service
- Fast and effective treatment
- FREE tracked and signed delivery
- ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE
- FREE secure consultation service
- Fast and effective treatment
- FREE tracked and signed delivery
- ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYL SUCCINATE
- FREE secure consultation service
- Fast and effective treatment
- FREE tracked and signed delivery
- ERYTHROMYCIN
- FREE secure consultation service
- Fast and effective treatment
- FREE tracked and signed delivery
- CLARITHROMYCIN
- FREE secure consultation service
- Fast and effective treatment
- FREE tracked and signed delivery
Infected Insect Bites key facts
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
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Service Guide
Everything you need to know about NHS Pharmacy First for Infected Insect Bites
What is NHS Pharmacy First for Infected Insect Bites?
If you are aged 18 years and over, and registered with the NHS in England, you may qualify for a FREE remote video consultation and treatment covering six common conditions, without having to see your GP.
Pharmacy First is the name of a new service which is available to ALL NHS patients across England and will allow you to get treated with prescription-only medications, without having to visit your GP or obtain a prescription.
The FREE service is subject to eligibility requirements. To check if you qualify, select the condition you would like to get treated in the search box and answer the screening questions.
What conditions do you treat with NHS Pharmacy First?
We assess and treat the following conditions:
- Sinusitis
- Sore throats
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
If treatments are prescribed, they are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from NowPatient’s online pharmacy.
Is this a safe service for Infected Insect Bites diagnosis and treatment?
Yes. Our formulary of medications prescribed for Infected Insect Bites are controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by the NHS. Our service is conducted through remote video consultations, also known as synchronous consultations. This builds patient safety and prescribing appropriateness into our service, ensuring our clinicians can be satisfied with who and what they are treating. There is no guarantee of supply of medications, and any medications supplied are at the sole discretion of our assessing clinician.
How will I know that the service is being provided by a trustworthy clinician?
Our clinicians are board-certified pharmacists who can also prescribe selected medications for six common treatable conditions, which is set out by the NHS. Our clinicians are registered with their respective regulatory bodies. For example, a pharmacist is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each clinician undergoes an extensive background check including a disclosure and barring service check (DBS). In addition, they undergo a rigorous license verification process. When you book an appointment with one of our clinicians you will see their full name, license number, and any specialized credentials they have.
Is the service available in the United States and the United Kingdom?
No. At the moment, it is only available in England.
Can I use NowPatient’s NHS Pharmacy First service for Infected Insect Bites if I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
This service is commissioned by NHS England and is only available to patients in England. You will not be able to use the feature if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Do I need to pay for this service?
This is a FREE service for NHS-registered users. If you are prescribed medication at the end of your assessment and you are not exempt from NHS prescription charges, then you will need to pay a single NHS prescription charge. If you are exempt from prescription charges, for example, if you are on Income Support or aged over 60, then you will not be charged.
How do I know if I qualify?
If you suspect you are suffering from any of the following conditions:
- Sore throats
- Sinusitis
- Infected insect bites
- Impetigo
- Shingles
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
You will need to complete a screening quiz. This will allow us to check if you are eligible for treatment.
To get started, go to the NHS Pharmacy First service card on the dashboard. Select the following action – ‘Treat Condition’
You will be taken to a selection screen where you will need to select the condition that you are looking to treat. After you have selected the condition, you will need to complete a short screening quiz, which will determine if you are eligible for the service. If you do not qualify, we will signpost you to the right NHS care provider or service.
What are the next steps, if I qualify?
If you qualify, you will need to follow a few simple steps to complete a consultation booking with one of our NHS Pharmacy First trained clinicians.
During the booking confirmation, you will be able to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language and gender of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available expert clinicians who are trained to assess the medication or condition chosen. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification, SMS notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before the virtual consultation is due to start.
Depending on certain medications which require our clinicians to have your up-to-date blood pressure readings, you may be required to submit a virtual blood pressure check, using your smartphone or device. We will provide you with full instructions, when this is required.
Will you have access to my GP records?
Yes, as an NHS patient, our pharmacists will be able to access your GP record including medications, observations, and investigations. This ensures we are able to assess and treat your condition safely and appropriately.
What happens during the remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your Infected Insect Bites and potential treatment options. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment is a safe and suitable option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the various treatment options that may be available, so that you can jointly agree on the option that is most suited to you. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription order which will be available in your Cart at the end of the consultation.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens at the end of the consultation?
At the end of the Infected Insect Bites consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician.
If a referral letter was issued to your doctor, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘Documents’ section of the dashboard.
If you were prescribed a treatment, it will now be available in your Cart.
When you go to your Cart, you will be able to select the treatment, checkout and make payment. Once the checkout is complete, your prescription order will be sent to our regulated online pharmacy for processing.
What if the clinician does not prescribe a treatment for Infected Insect Bites?
We operate a safe prescribing service. This means that our prescribing clinicians always exercise their clinical judgment when prescribing. Unfortunately, we do not operate a self select service where you can choose a medication and simply buy. If the clinician that sees you does not prescribe anything, then you will not be charged.
Will I get status updates for my order?
Yes. When your treatment is approved, and after you have checked out and paid for your order, we will keep you fully updated with the status of your order. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in the ‘Notification Feed’ section on the dashboard.
How will my order be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).
For thermo-sensitive orders we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes in England. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK.
Our delivery options have the following delivery times (England Only):
-
- Royal Mail Standard Tracked & Signed for Delivery for NHS prescriptions – 2/3 day delivery (normally 48 hours)
- DHL Express Tracked Delivery – 1/2 day delivery (normally 24 hours)
- Royal Mail Special Delivery – Next working day (Royal Mail Guaranteed before 1pm)
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.
Is NHS Pharmacy First safe for me to use?
Yes. The NowPatient NHS Pharmacy first eligibility triage for Infected Insect Bites is classified as a class I medical device under UK MDR 2002 regulations, for its intended use.
About Telehealth
Everything you need to know about video consultations
Watch the video below for a rundown of how NowPatient’s remote video consultations work:
Are remote video consultations right for me?
Remote video consultations or synchronous consultations are suitable for many patients who do not need a physical examination and who can communicate via video. Remote video consultations might not always be suitable – for example, if you need a test or physical examination. If that is the case, you will need to attend your doctor’s practice.
Although our Clinicians are clinically trained in various services that we provide, they are not a substitute for your doctor if you have a serious illness or life-threatening condition. If at any time during your remote video consultation, you feel that you would like to end that consultation, then you can say so and the consultation will be ended.
How do I know if the remote video consultation service is safe?
NowPatient has specific safeguards and protocols in place that ensures the service we provide you is safe, secure and effective. Our video technology platform is certified to the highest industry standards of data security and clinical governance.
Do I need to verify my identity during the remote video consultation?
Yes, for your safety and to ensure that the service we provide you, complies with regulations, our clinicians will request that you hold up your ID at the start of your virtual consultation to verify your identity.
Can I have a chaperone (carer, friend, family member) join a remote video consultation?
Yes. If they are in the same location as you, it is possible to have someone with you during your video consultation. You should let your clinician know if you have someone with you at the start of your appointment. You may be asked what relationship the chaperone has to you.
How can I be sure that you are handling and protecting my data securely?
We not only meet the UK and US standards for data security but we exceed them. We demonstrate this by regularly auditing our systems, both internally and externally.
Our various externally audited accreditations such as ISO27001, DTAC, DSPT, and Cyber Essentials + demonstrate our compliance with global security standards and should give you peace of mind.
How is my data stored?
NowPatient’s commitment to data residency is a key priority, and to that end, we only house data in validated data centers. We pledge that UK-based data remains solely in the UK, while US data is governed by HIPAA-prescribed data security protocols.
The data centers we use align with the highest standards of security and privacy, which is demonstrated by a programme of regular external audits to demonstrate the efficacy of safeguards against contemporary threats.
Are my consultations confidential?
Yes, we follow strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force in May 2018. This places legal requirements on ourselves to ensure your personal data is managed securely with the utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of the processing that is carried out and reported when breaches of the regulation do occur. Our platform is also HIPAA compliant which means we are able to handle PHI (Personal Health Information) securely.
Can I select which clinician I have my consultation with?
Yes. NowPatient allows you to choose from a pool of clinicians based on competencies, gender and languages spoken.
Will my doctor be informed of any consultations I have through the app?
We recognize that your doctor is responsible for your overall care. Our clinicians will communicate with your doctor if they have concerns or recommendations that could be beneficial for your overall care. Referrals are only made upon your explicit consent or if they form part of the terms of service that you consent to.
Do remote video consultations save money for health systems?
The traditional healthcare model encourages patients with health concerns to visit their doctor or pharmacy to seek a consultation. NowPatient is the first remote video consultation service that connects patients to a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians.
It allows patients to book a consultation with a clinician from anywhere in the United Kingdom and the United States. Consultations can be conducted using a smartphone, tablet or PC.
Are remote video consultations safer than online questionnaires?
NowPatient only provides its services in real time over a live video feed. This is called synchronous telehealth. We believe it is the safest way for you to receive remote care because it is in real-time. It is especially beneficial in an emergency situation as the clinician and patient can visually see each other. The clinician can ask all the questions they need to make a diagnosis or build a treatment plan during the consultation. Equally, any concerns you have can be addressed at the point of consultation.
Some providers use a low-tech approach for conducting clinical services such as a questionnaire or quiz. Although it may be suitable for low-risk clinical services, it often means you will not have any face-to-face interaction nor be able to raise concerns about treatment or diagnosis, in real-time, with the clinician who is providing your care.
What quality of care can I expect to receive from a remote video consultation?
Your remote video consultation, conducted by a NowPatient clinician, will always seek to provide you with safe, high-quality care. Your health and well-being is our priority. We continuously monitor and assess the services we provide you to ensure that it is safe, effective, caring and well-led.
Why am I being asked to provide my Blood Pressure reading?
For certain treatments and services, our clinicians require you to provide your most up-to-date blood pressure reading. This is to ensure that the service or treatment being considered is both suitable and safe for you.
If I don’t have a Blood Pressure monitor, how can I provide my readings?
The NowPatient app uses a new approach to measuring blood pressure using your smartphone camera held in front of your face. It is the world’s only blood pressure check without a cuff or wearable.
Is the remote blood pressure monitor safe and medically accurate?
Yes. It Is classified as a Medical Device. It conforms to EU CE and UKCA Class I Medical Device standards. There is also an impending CE Class IIa conformity, expected in Q2 2025.
How does the remote blood pressure monitor actually work?
The diagram below outlines how NowPatient’s blood pressure reading works:
When and how is my remote blood pressure reading taken?
At the point of booking any service or treatment, we will let you know whether there are any requirements for an up-to-date blood pressure reading.
If you are required to give a reading, you will be guided through a series of simple steps.
What devices does the remote Blood Pressure monitor work on?
You will need a recent iOS or Android smartphone with a front-facing camera. It is not available for use on desktop devices.
Why do my results keep failing when using the remote blood pressure monitor service?
Possible reasons why results are not being generated include:
- Bad lighting – Make sure you are well-lit by diffuse lighting. Avoid strong shadows and uneven lighting.
- Unstabilised device – Ensure your device is kept still during the reading.
- Not remaining still – You must stay still during the reading and avoid talking.
- Poor Wi-Fi – The service requires a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal.
Can I Trust NowPatient
Our product and services are certified to international healthcare, medical device and data security standards
Medicines Experts
Meet our medical team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives
The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
Download our app today
Your Questions Answered
For your peace of mind, we can answer your questions quickly
What does NowPatient do?
NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health.
Get started today and benefit from medication reminders, Get Treated Privately, NHS online pharmacy, GP appointment booking, Rx savings card, Drug Coupons, US drug savings programs, health conditions information, genetic testing, home test kits, BMI Risks, Type 2 Diabetes Risks, pollen meter, air quality monitor, and lots more!
Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. You can view the online services that we provide by clicking Features.
UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order NHS prescriptions online with the benefit of free tracked delivery.
US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various drug savings programs including drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
Where is NowPatient located?
NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.
In the UK, we are located at:
NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA
In the US, we are located at:
NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX
How can I contact NowPatient?
To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:
UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977
Who owns NowPatient?
NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.
Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.
Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).
Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.
How do I make a complaint?
From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?
Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:
• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old
NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.
You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States.
Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.
NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.
Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:
What are NowPatient’s opening hours?
Our office hours are:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:
UK – 999
US – 911
In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:
UK – 111