Insect bites – we can help

We read in the media, that the warm weather, is meaning that more people are getting insect bites. A combination of a wet spring with warm weather now means that there are more horse flies about. If you have an insect bite we can help. This post gives you generic information about how you can treat insect bites. Please call into one of our pharmacies for advice that is specific to you.

Symptoms of bites and stings

Most insect bites and stings are not serious, and will get better within a few days. However occasionally bites can become infected, cause a severe allergic reaction or spread diseases such as Lyme disease. So you may want to come into one of our pharmacies for advice.

Insect bites and stings will usually cause a red, swollen lump to develop on the skin. This may be painful and in some cases can be very itchy. So you may want to treat them with medicines to ease these symptoms. Things will normally improve within a few days, although sometimes they can last a little longer. Some people have a mild allergic and a larger area of skin around the bite or sting becomes swollen, red and painful. This should pass within a week.

What to do if you get an insect bite or sting

The NHS Choices website has the following information on how to treat an insect bite or sting:

• Remove the sting or tick if it’s still in the skin.
• Wash the affected area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.
• Raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling.
• Avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they’re unlikely to help.

The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days. Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments that can help, such as painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines.

We stock a range of treatments to help you.

Antihistamine tablets can reduce your bodies allergic reaction to the bite or sting, reducing redness and itchiness. In the past antihistamines caused drowsiness, but now we stock a range of antihistamines that are non-drowsy. We have antihistamine liquid medicines as well as tablets.

A mild steroid cream can be used to reduce inflammation, that is redness and swelling, if your skin is not broken. We can sell these creams to adults and children over ten years old.

Insect repellents can be used to avoid getting insect bites and stings.

As well as a range of branded products we also stock generic or unbranded products which are better value for money.

When to get help

We recommend that you come and see us if

• Your symptoms are getting worse or don’t improve within three days
• If you have been stung or bitten in your mouth or on your face
• If you have a large red or swollen area around the bit (10cm or more)
• You have symptoms of infection, for example increased pain, redness, swelling or puss
• You feel unwell in yourself for example with a fever or flu like symptoms

Please seek urgent medical attention If you experience breathlessness, swelling around the face or mouth, difficulty swallowing, a fast heart rate or dizziness or fainting.

There is much that we can do to relieve your symptoms, so call into one of our pharmacies for advice.

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