Advice and treatment for infected bug bites that is sponsored by the NHS

Advice and NHS-funded treatment for infected bug bites are available to those one year of age and older.

 

Pharmacy First - infected insect bites service

Have you been bitten or stung by an infectious insect? The NHS Pharmacy First Service now offers free treatment and guidance to people one year of age and up without requiring a visit to your general practitioner. Make an online appointment.

Your eligibility and suitability for the Free NHS Pharmacy First Service will be assessed by the pharmacist. You might not always need an antibiotic to treat your symptoms. Additionally, the pharmacist may recommend you to your general practitioner or another provider for additional evaluation and treatment if they discover that your symptoms point to a more serious infection or disease.

 

What is a bite from an infected insect?

Insect stings and bites usually go away in a few days and are not very harmful. They may, nevertheless, occasionally become contaminated or result in a severe allergic reaction.

Insect bites can occasionally result in illnesses like:
* Malaria from mosquito bites in some high-risk regions of the world
* Scabes from mites
* Lyme disease from ticks


 

What symptoms indicate a bite from an infected insect?

The key signs and symptoms of an insect bite or sting are:
* Pain at the site of the bite or sting
* A small red raised or swollen lump on the skin

You should be able to feel the lump on your skin, even though its red color may not be readily apparent on dark or brown skin.

In a tiny patch of skin, several bites may occur together. At the location of the bite or sting, you may experience a moderate allergic reaction.

If the bite or sting location becomes infected, the affected region may become more painful and swallow.

The type of bite or sting and the afflicted person's sensitivity to the bite or sting determine how severe the symptoms are.

 

Which medications are offered by the Pharmacy First Service for bites from infected insects?

The pharmacist will evaluate your condition during the consultation, and if it is clinically acceptable and you meet the requirements, you can be provided a suitable treatment. Depending on your condition and medical history, the pharmacist will select one of numerous antibiotics.

Antibiotic Tablets/Capsules/Oral Solution – For the treatment of infected insect bite(s) and sting(s)

*If you are issued a prescription medicine, you will pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions.

The pharmacist will either recommend an alternate course of treatment or direct you to another if the therapy for the insect bite or sting is not appropriate or if you do not fit the requirements for Pharmacy First Service eligibility.

How can I learn more about stings and bites from insects? For the most recent information and guidance on bug bites, visit the NHS.uk website.

 

Advice and treatment for other common conditions

The Pharmacy First Service is an NHS service designed to offer free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions including Infected Insect Bites. Patients can access this service at Maplestead Pharmacy in Clayton Pharmacy. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:

-> Earache
-> Impetigo
-> Shingles
-> Sinusitis
-> Sore Throat
-> Uncomplicated UTI