What it is
An infected insect bite is an insect bite or sting that has become infected.
Common symptoms
- Increasing redness, swelling, warmth and pain around the bite
- Pus
- The redness spreading
- Sometimes a fever
How we can help at Berkeley Pharmacy
Our pharmacist can assess whether the bite is infected and, if so, may supply antibiotics.
This is part of the NHS Pharmacy First service — free on the NHS, so there’s nothing to pay for the consultation or any NHS medicines supplied.
Self-care tips
- Most bites settle on their own
- Clean the area and try not to scratch
- Use a cold compress, antihistamine or painkiller to ease itching and swelling
When to get urgent help
- Rapidly spreading redness
- Red streaks
- Feeling very unwell
- Any difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, mouth or throat — call 999, this could be a serious allergic reaction
If you’re not sure, call 111 for free NHS advice, or 999 in an emergency.
Worried about infected insect bites?
Speak to our pharmacist about Pharmacy First — free advice and treatment, often without a GP appointment.
Call 01453 810316 — call Berkeley Pharmacy about Infected insect bites Back to Pharmacy First
Address
14 Market Place, Berkeley, GL13 9BB
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm (closed 1–2pm)
Sat 9am–1pm
Sun Closed
This information is a general guide and not a substitute for professional medical advice — always speak to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.