Insect Bites & Stings: Fast Relief at Your Local Badham Pharmacy
As the warmer weather continues, we’re all spending more time outdoors – enjoying gardens, parks, holidays and countryside walks. Unfortunately, that also means insect bites and stings become much more common.
The good news is that you don’t always need to wait for a GP appointment. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our trained pharmacy team can assess and provide advice and treatment for infected insect bites for anyone over the age of 1years old, helping you feel more comfortable sooner.
When is an insect bite infected?
Most insect bites and stings are harmless and will settle within a few days. However, sometimes they can become infected.
Signs of an infected insect bite may include:
- Redness that continues to spread
- Swelling that becomes worse rather than better
- Pain or tenderness around the bite
- Warm skin around the affected area
- Pus or fluid coming from the bite
- Feeling generally unwell
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s worth speaking to one of our pharmacists.
How Pharmacy First can help
Our pharmacists can:
- Assess your symptoms
- Check whether your bite is likely to be infected
- Recommend the most appropriate treatment
- Supply NHS treatment where clinically appropriate, including antibiotics if needed
- Advise if you need to be referred to another healthcare professional
There’s no need to book a GP appointment first, making it a quick and convenient way to get the care you need.
Who can use the service?
The NHS Pharmacy First service for infected insect bites is available for people aged 1 year and over who meet the eligibility criteria.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, simply ask a member of our pharmacy team, we’ll be happy to help.
When should you seek urgent medical help?
While most bites can be treated safely, you should seek urgent medical attention if you:
- Have difficulty breathing or swallowing after a sting
- Develop swelling of your face, lips, mouth or throat
- Feel faint or collapse
- Have a widespread rash after being stung
- Develop severe pain, rapidly spreading redness or signs of a serious infection
These symptoms require immediate medical assessment.
We’re here to help
If you’re worried about an insect bite or sting, don’t wait and wonder. Pop into your local Badham Pharmacy and speak to one of our friendly pharmacists.
We’ll assess your symptoms, provide expert advice, and if appropriate, offer treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service, helping you get back to enjoying the outdoors as quickly as possible.