Infected Insect Bites · Pharmacy First

Most insect bites are uncomfortable but harmless. A small number become bacterially infected, particularly if scratched. The Pharmacy First scheme lets us assess and treat these without you needing to see a GP.

Who is eligible?

The NHS Pharmacy First infected insect bite service is for:

• Adults and children aged 1 year and over.
• With a bite or sting that has become bacterially infected.
• Where the infection is localised to the bite area.

Signs of infection in a bite

A bite that is becoming infected typically shows:

• Spreading redness around the bite, larger than a 50p coin.
• Heat and swelling that increases over 48+ hours after the bite.
• Pus or a yellow / green discharge.
• Increasing pain rather than improving itch.
• Sometimes a fever or feeling generally unwell.

What we will do

The consultation is private and takes about 15 minutes.

• We examine the bite and surrounding area.
• We assess for signs of bacterial infection vs normal inflammatory reaction.
• Where appropriate, we prescribe a course of oral antibiotics.
• We give you advice on caring for the bite and signs to watch for.

When to seek urgent care

Please call 111 or go to A&E — not the pharmacy — if:

• The redness is spreading rapidly (drawing a line around it shows visible growth in hours).
• There are red streaks tracking from the bite up the limb.
• You feel very unwell, with fever, chills, or shaking.
• The bite is on the face or in the mouth, especially with swelling.
• There are signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of lips or tongue, widespread rash) — call 999.