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Infected insect bites - advice and treatment service
Are you suffering from an infected insect bite or sting? Those aged 1 year old and over can now access free advice and treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First Service, without the need to see your GP. Search your local participating pharmacy and book online.
*The pharmacist will check your suitability and eligibility for the Free NHS Pharmacy First Service. In some cases, an antibiotic may not be required for your symptoms. Also, if the pharmacist finds that your symptoms suggest a more serious infection, they may refer you to your GP or another service for further assessment and treatment.
How It Works?
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Our Featured Pharmacies
Find featured pharmacies that offer the NHS Pharmacy First Service. This service includes seven different common conditions including infected insect bites.
What is an infected insect bite?
Insect bites or stings are generally not serious and resolve within a few days. However, in some cases, they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction.
Bites from insects can also cause illness sometimes, such as:
- Malaria from mosquito bites in some high-risk regions of the world
- Scabes from mites
- Lyme disease from ticks
What are the signs of an infected insect bite?
The key signs and symptoms of an insect bite or sting are:
- Pain at the site of the bite or sting
- A small red raised or swollen lump on the skin
The red colour of the lump might not be easily visible on black or brown skin but you should be able to feel the lump on the skin.
It is possible to have many bites together in a small area of the skin. You might have a mild allergic reaction at the site of the bite or sting.
The affected area may become more painful and swallow if the site of the bite or sting becomes infected.
The severity of the symptoms depends on the type of bite or sting and the sensitivity of the person affected to the bite or sting.
What treatments are available for infected insect bites through the Pharmacy First Service?
During the consultation, the pharmacist will assess your condition and if clinically appropriate and you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be offered a suitable treatment. There are several antibiotics that the pharmacist will choose from depending on your condition and medical history.
Antibiotic Tablets/Capsules/Oral Solution - For the treatment of infected insect bite(s) and sting(s)
If treatment for the insect bite or sting is not suitable or you don’t meet the eligibility criteria of the Pharmacy First Service, the pharmacist will either suggest an alternative treatment option or sign-post you to another service.
For up-to-date advice and information on infected insect bites, visit the NHS.uk webpage.
What is the Pharmacy First Service?
The Pharmacy First Service is an NHS service designed to offer free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions. Patients can access this service at participating pharmacies in England. The additional conditions covered by this service include:
Find your nearest pharmacy offering the Pharmacy First Service and book online.
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