Infected Insect Bites

Insect bites and stings are common and usually get better in a few days. However, sometimes they can become infected or trigger a serious allergic reaction.

You might have an infected insect bite if you have:

Increased pain, swelling and redness
Pus in or around the bite
A fever, or feeling of warmth around the bite
  • Your lips, tongue, mouth or throat have suddenly swollen up
  • You’re struggling for breath
  • You’re struggling to swallow
  • You notice you’re turning, blue, grey or pale
  • The person bitten has fainted and is unresponsive
  • More pain, swelling and redness than other bites
  • Pus in or around the bite
  • A feeling of warmth around the bite
  • A fever or experiencing chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Apply ice or cold water to reduce swelling
  • Use antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching
  • Take low strength painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen)

For more information on how to treat infected insect bites, you can read our blog post.

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The conditions covered by Pharmacy First are:

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