Infected insect bite treatment, Essex | Reliance Pharmacy group

Pharmacy First - Insect Bite

Infected insect bites and stings: NHS treatment at Reliance Pharmacy

Itchy is normal, infected is different

Most insect bites are itchy and swollen for a few days and need nothing more than an antihistamine or a cold compress. A bite becomes a problem when bacteria get in. Signs of infection are spreading redness, increasing pain, heat, pus, or the area getting worse after 48 hours instead of better.

Who can use it

Anyone aged 1 and over with a bite or sting in the UK that shows signs of infection. Bites from abroad, tick bites with a spreading circular rash, bites near the eye, and anyone with a fever, a fast spreading rash or a severe allergic reaction need a GP or urgent care, and the pharmacist will refer you.

What happens in the pharmacy

The pharmacist examines the bite in the consultation room, asks when it happened and how it has changed, and decides whether it is infected. If it is, they can supply antibiotics under NHS rules. If not, they will recommend the right antihistamine, steroid cream or pain relief. The consultation is free.

Preventing the next one

Cover up at dusk, use a repellent containing DEET, and do not scratch: broken skin is how infection starts. Travelling somewhere with mosquitoes? Ask about our travel clinic.

Book today

Book online at reliancepharmacy.co.uk or ask in any Reliance Pharmacy branch.

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