Insect bites and stings (including infected bites)
Most insect bites and stings cause a small, red, itchy or painful lump that settles within a few days. Occasionally the skin is broken by scratching and a bite becomes infected.
- A normal bite
- Improves over a few days
- An infected bite
- Gets worse rather than better
- Pharmacy First
- Infected bites, ages 1 and over
A normal reaction
A red, raised, itchy or sore lump is the body's normal reaction to a bite or sting, and it is not the same as an infection. Some people get a larger area of swelling, which can take up to about a week to settle.
Signs that a bite may be infected
- Redness, pain or swelling that keeps increasing after the first day or two, instead of improving
- Redness spreading outwards from the bite
- The area feels warm or hot
- Pus or yellow fluid, or crusting
- A fever, chills or swollen glands
What you can do yourself
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Try not to scratch, which can break the skin and let infection in. Keep nails short.
- Hold a cool, damp cloth or a wrapped ice pack against it for a few minutes to ease swelling and pain.
- An antihistamine tablet or liquid can help with itching. Some cause drowsiness — ask us which is right for you or your child.
- A mild hydrocortisone cream can help with itching and swelling on unbroken skin. Do not use it on skin that is broken or looks infected, and ask us before using it on children.
- Do not burst any blisters.
- If a sting has been left in the skin, scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or the edge of a card. Do not squeeze it.
Tick bites
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grip it close to the skin and pull steadily upwards without twisting or crushing it, then clean the area. Do not use petroleum jelly, or burn it off.
Keep an eye on the area for several weeks. If a red rash appears and slowly spreads outwards, or you develop flu-like symptoms, see your GP the same day and mention the tick bite. It could be Lyme disease, which is treated with antibiotics.
How PRX Pharmacy can help
Through Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess an infected insect bite in anyone aged 1 or over without a GP appointment. They will check how the bite has changed and look for signs of a spreading infection. If it is infected, they may be able to supply antibiotics; if not, they will advise on how to ease it.
Bites from animals or people that break the skin are different and need medical advice the same day.
When to get medical help
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- • Your face, lips, tongue or throat is swelling, or you have difficulty breathing or wheezing
- • You feel faint, dizzy or collapse after a bite or sting, or a widespread itchy rash comes up quickly (this can be a severe allergic reaction)
- • You have a sting in the mouth or throat and it is swelling
- • There are signs of a serious infection: confusion, fast breathing, cold, clammy or mottled skin
Contact your GP practice or call 111 the same day if:
- • The redness is spreading quickly, or there are red streaks going away from the bite
- • You have a fever, chills, or feel very unwell
- • The bite is on or near the eye, or the eyelid is swollen
- • You have a rash that spreads out from a tick bite, or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite
- • A joint near the bite is hot, swollen and painful
- • You have diabetes or a weakened immune system and the bite looks infected
- • It is a baby under 1 year old
If you are ever worried and unsure, ask us or call 111. Trust your instincts — it is always better to ask.
This guide is general information written by the PRX Pharmacy team. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor who knows your medical history.
Last updated 24 September 2026. Clinically reviewed by Milan Patel, Pharmacist on 24 September 2026.
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