British summers run on a predictable cycle: barbecues, beer gardens, and bites. Most insect bites are a two-day itch and nothing more. But scratch one open, let bacteria in, and a harmless bite can turn into cellulitis — a spreading skin infection that needs antibiotics.
Under Pharmacy First, the Sandwell Pharmacy Group examines suspect bites and supplies NHS treatment, including antibiotics, for anyone aged 1 and over. Here's when to come in.
1. Redness spreading outward — especially after the first 48 hours, when a normal reaction should be fading. 2. Heat and increasing pain, rather than itch. 3. Pus, fluid or golden crusting. 4. Swollen glands nearby, or a red line tracking away from the bite. 5. Fever or feeling generally unwell. The pattern matters more than any single sign: normal bites improve day on day; infected bites deteriorate.
Wash with soap and water, cold compress for swelling, an oral antihistamine for the itch, and paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort. Above all: don't scratch. Broken skin is the front door for infection — keep nails short and consider covering bites on children.
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheeze, difficulty breathing, dizziness or collapse after a bite or sting is anaphylaxis — call 999 immediately. Rapidly spreading redness, fever with a spreading rash, or a red streak running up a limb needs same-day treatment: come straight in or call 111.
1 Lyng Lane, West Bromwich B70 7RW · Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm · 0121 500 5756
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