Warning over 4 common bug bites – and when to seek urgent medical help
OUR enjoyment of summer weather can too often be punctured by itchy or sore bug bites.
It’s bad enough when an insect sting sparks a frenzy of itching, but sometimes bites can get infected too.
This has certainly been the case for a number of Brits during the recent hot weather, with pharmacies seeing a surge in visits for infected bug bites.
Pharmacy chain Boots said consultations for infected insect bites through the Pharmacy First scheme have tripled as temperatures rose in the last month.
Pharmacy First is an NHS initiative that directs patients to local chemists to receive treatment for seven common illnesses – from sore throats to earaches, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and infected bites and stings.
Launched in pharmacies across England this year, it means you can pop into your pharmacy for minor ailments rather than having to wait to see your GP.
Boots saw its Pharmacy First consultations for the sore bug bites tripling between April and May this year.
Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots, shared her advice on how to treat some of the most common summer bites and stings, and what to do differently depending on the cause.
Claire said: “Insect bites and stings can be uncomfortable and irritating, but fortunately are usually nothing to worry about and can be easily treated.
“When treating a bite or sting, it can be tricky to know the cause, particularly if you didn’t see it happen.
“But don’t worry, as the process for treating them is similar and fast action can help avoid the bite getting infected.
“It’s important to visit your pharmacist if there are signs your insect bite is infected – look out for the area of skin becoming more swollen and painful.”
From bee and wasp stings, to mozzie and tick bites, here’s how to tend to them if they get infected.
1. Wasp, bee and hornet stings
Bee, wasp and hornet stings might all sound like the same thing, but you’ll go about treating them in slightly different ways depending on whether a stinger has been left in your skin.
Claire said: “A wasp sting can feel sudden. It starts with sharp pain, followed by a swollen red mark which may form on your skin.
“This may be painful and itchy and can last a few hours. Occasionally, the sting can cause a minor allergic reaction, which can be painful, red and swollen for up to a week.
“A bee sting feels similar, but the sting can be left in the wound.
“If this occurs, this should be removed as soon as possible using tweezers, before washing the area with soap and water.
“If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress such as an ice pack or a flannel soaked in cold water for at least ten minutes and where possible, elevate the affected area to help reduce any swelling.”
2. Mosquito bites
“Mosquito bites can be annoying and itchy, causing small red lumps on your skin.”
Often the itchy bumps are just a nuisance, but Claire warned that a holiday mozzie bite can leave you with unpleasant illnesses.
“Mosquitos can spread serious illnesses, such as malaria, in some parts of the world,” she said.
“It is advisable to try to cover exposed skin when spending time outdoors, especially at the time of day when mosquitoes are most likely to be more active – sunrise or sunset.”
It’s a good idea to spritz yourself with insect repellent too, for good measure – look for products containing DEET.
“There are several insect repellent products available which, when used according to their instructions, can help reduce the risk of being bitten,” Claire went on.
“In addition, if you’re travelling abroad, you should check if antimalarial medication is recommended for the country and region you will be visiting – you can do this using Boots’ online quick check tool.”
3. Tick bites
Claire said: “Tick bites usually aren’t painful, but sometimes they can produce an allergic reaction.
“On rare occasions, they can cause Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection that causes a pink or red circular rash to develop around the area of the bite.”
There are around 3,000 cases of Lyme disease in England every year.
The UK Health Security Agency recently warned Brits about the risks of Lyme disease, advising caution when spending time outside.
Claire said: “If you’ve been bitten by a tick, you should try to remove the tick as soon as possible, using fine-toothed tweezers to gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible before pulling steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick.
“You should then wash your skin with water and soap afterwards and apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.”
4. Horsefly bites
We often don’t expect to be bitten by flies and horsefly bites can be particularly nasty.
Claire said: “Horsefly bites can be very painful and if you have been bitten, you may experience a red, raised rash, dizziness, weakness, wheezing or you may notice part of your body becoming puffy and swollen.
“Horsefly bites can take some time to heal and, in some cases, can become infected.
“If you think the bite has become infected, which may show as increased pain, redness, swelling and pus, you should see your GP straight away or seek advice from a pharmacist at your nearest Boots store.”
What is Pharmacy First?
PHARMACY First is an NHS initiative that directs patients to local chemists to receive treatment for seven common illnesses.
These are:
- Sinusitis (12 years and over)
- Sore throat (5 years and over)
- Earache (1–17 years)
- Infected insect bites and stings (1 year and older)
- Impetigo (1 year and older)
- Shingles (18 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women (16-64 years)
The NHS Pharmacy First Service in England is free, though you will be charged for any over the counter medicine you buy.
Those who receive a prescription medicine and aren’t eligible for free NHS prescriptions will also be charged the standard NHS prescription fee for the medicine.
You don’t need an appointment.
Since the launch of the scheme in January this year, Boots has delivered over 85,000 NHS Pharmacy First consultations in England.