Pharmacy First

Insect Bites

insect bite

Pharmacy First is an NHS service which enables you to get expert advice and treatment for an insect bite from our pharmacy, without needing you to see your GP.

Insect bites can be treated in the pharmacy. If you or your child need advice you can come to our pharmacy and get in touch with our pharmacists who will provide you with expert advice.

What are insect bites & stings?

Insect bites and stings are very common, especially in warmer weather. They usually cause mild pain, redness, and itching, and most get better within a few days.
Sometimes, bites or stings can cause allergic reactions or infections, so it’s important to know what to look out for.

    • Pain or stinging feeling

    • Red, itchy lump on the skin

    • Mild swelling

    • In some cases, a larger red, painful area if you’re mildly allergic

  • Wash the area with soap and water

  • Remove a bee sting with a bank card or fingernail (don’t pinch it)

  • Remove ticks with tweezers or a tick remover

  • Apply a cold compress (ice pack or damp flannel) for 10 minutes

  • Raise the affected area to help reduce swelling

  • Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable)

  • Use antihistamine tablets, hydrocortisone or crotamiton cream for itching

  • Avoid scratching or bursting blisters

Most bites and stings improve within a few days. If they don’t, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Call 999 immediately if you:

  • Have trouble breathing or swallowing

  • Have swelling of the face, mouth, or throat

  • Feel dizzy, faint, or have a racing heart

  • Become unresponsive

See your GP if you notice signs of infection, such as:

  • Redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness

  • Fluid, pus, or spreading red streaks

Some bites carry extra risks:

  • Horsefly bites: more likely to get infected

  • Tick bites: can sometimes spread Lyme disease (look for a red target-like rash or flu-like symptoms)

  • Wasps, bees, hornets – sharp stings, bees may leave the sting in the skin

  • Ants – can bite and sting, often in numbers

  • Mosquitoes – itchy bites, can spread malaria abroad (not in the UK)

  • Ticks – can spread Lyme disease (rare)

  • Horseflies – painful bites, prone to infection

  • Midges & gnats – itchy, swollen bites

  • Bedbugs, mites, fleas – itchy red bites, often in clusters

  • Spiders – most UK spiders are harmless, but some bites can be painful

  • Ladybirds & flower bugs – can bite, sometimes painful or itchy

 

  • You don’t always need a GP for an insect bite.
    Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can:

    • Check if your bite or sting is infected

    • Give advice and recommend treatments

    • Supply certain prescription medicines if appropriate

    This service is available in most Boots pharmacies in England.

    Seek urgent medical help at A&E if:

    • You have a very weak immune system and develop an infection

    • You show signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)

    • You’re stung in the mouth, throat, or near the eyes and swelling develops

 

✅ Eligible:

  • Patients aged 1 year and over living in England

  • Anyone with an insect bite that might be infected

  • People who want quick advice or treatment without seeing a GP

If you’re not sure, our pharmacist will advise you and refer you if needed.

Why use this service?

If you are suffering from a sore throat you are able to come to our pharmacy and get assessed by our pharmacist. Potentially you can receive antibiotics without having to wait.

✅No GP appointment needed

You can walk in to the pharmacy when it suits you best. Our pharmacists are trained to provide you with advice and treatment on the spot.

✅NHS funded service

This service is funded by the NHS. For eligible patients this service is offered for free.

✅Fast access to expert advice

You wil receive trusted, professional care and potentially receive treatment on the same day

You need another service?

Check other services now
Scroll to Top