Infected Insect Bites Service (1+ Years)
Most insect bites and stings settle on their own within a few days, but sometimes they become infected and need proper treatment. At Hubert Figg Pharmacy, our Infected Insect Bites Service allows patients aged 1 and over to be assessed by our pharmacist and, where clinically appropriate, treated on the spot, without the wait for a GP appointment.
How Do Insect Bites Become Infected?
Insect bites and stings naturally cause some redness, itching, and mild swelling as part of the body’s normal reaction. An infection can develop when bacteria enter the skin, often because scratching breaks the skin’s surface and allows bacteria to get in. Once infected, the area tends to become increasingly red, warm, swollen, and sometimes filled with pus, rather than gradually settling as an uninfected bite normally would.
Signs to Look Out For
It can be difficult to tell a normal bite reaction from an infected one, so it helps to know what to watch for.
| Sign | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Increasing redness or swelling after a few days | Normal bites usually start to improve, not worsen, over this time |
| Warmth or tenderness around the bite | A common sign that infection has set in |
| Pus or discharge from the bite | Suggests a bacterial infection requiring treatment |
| Red streaks spreading from the bite | May indicate the infection is tracking along the skin and needs prompt attention |
How Our Infected Insect Bites Service Works
Our Infected Insect Bites Service is delivered under NHS Pharmacy First, a service available through participating community pharmacies in England. Infected insect bites in patients aged 1 and over are one of the seven established Pharmacy First clinical pathways, allowing our pharmacist to assess the affected area and, where appropriate, treat you without a prior GP appointment. Treatment follows the relevant clinical pathway and may involve an antibiotic if the bite is assessed as infected, along with advice on caring for the area while it heals.
Who Can Use This Service
This service is available to anyone aged 1 and over with a bite or sting that appears to have become infected. Patients with signs of a more widespread or serious infection, or with certain underlying health conditions, may be referred on to a GP for further assessment.
| Service | Cost | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Infected Insect Bite Assessment and Treatment (NHS Pharmacy First) | Free (NHS-funded, where clinically eligible) | 1 year and over |
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Our pharmacist will examine the bite, ask when it happened, what kind of insect was likely responsible if known, and how the area has changed since. They will check for signs of spreading infection and review your general health and current medicines. Based on this, they will explain whether treatment is needed and how to look after the area as it heals, including when to avoid scratching or covering it.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Most infected bites respond well to treatment within a few days. However, you should seek urgent medical attention if the redness spreads rapidly, if you develop a fever or feel generally unwell, if the area becomes very swollen or painful, or if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting in the past, as these can be signs of a more serious infection or reaction. Further general guidance on insect bites and stings is available from the NHS.
About the NHS Pharmacy First Service
NHS Pharmacy First allows participating community pharmacies in England to assess and manage certain common conditions, including supplying appropriate medicines where the clinical pathway allows. The seven established Pharmacy First clinical pathways cover acute ear infections in children, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in eligible women, with age and eligibility criteria applying to each. You can read more about how the NHS Pharmacy First service works, and the full service specification is published by NHS England.
Why Choose Hubert Figg Pharmacy?
An infected bite can get worse quickly if left untreated, so prompt assessment matters. Our pharmacists are trained to assess and treat infected insect bites confidently, giving you fast access to care without the wait for a GP appointment.
Book Your Appointment
If you have a bite or sting that looks infected, book an appointment with our pharmacist today, or get in touch if you have any questions first.