Sandwell Pharmacy Group
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Pharmacy First & Minor Illness

Infected Insect Bites

Most bites settle on their own, but a bite that becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful after 48 hours may be infected and need treatment.

Check eligibility & get treated →
Forearm with two red, swollen insect bites alongside a thermometer

How we treat it

We can assess the bite and supply NHS treatment, including antibiotics where appropriate, for anyone aged 1 and over.

Who's eligible?

Available free on the NHS for anyone aged 1 or over. Use our one-minute eligibility checker and our pharmacist will be in touch to arrange your consultation — or just walk in.

Get help today instead if you have:Call us on 0121 500 5756, your GP, or NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.
Start eligibility check →
Understanding Infected Insect Bites

Infected Insect Bites, explained

What it is, what to look out for, and what actually helps — from the pharmacists who treat it every day.

What is an infected insect bite?

Most insect bites and stings cause a small, itchy lump that settles within a few days. A bite becomes a problem when bacteria get in — usually from scratching — and the skin around it becomes infected. That's when redness spreads, the area feels hot and swollen, and it becomes more painful rather than less.

An infected bite left untreated can develop into cellulitis, a deeper skin infection that needs antibiotics. Under Pharmacy First our pharmacist can examine the bite and supply NHS treatment, including antibiotics where clinically appropriate, for anyone aged 1 and over.

A bite may be infected if you have:

  • 1
    Redness spreading outwards from the bite after the first 48 hours
  • 2
    Skin that feels hot, tight, swollen and increasingly painful
  • 3
    Pus, fluid or a yellow crust around the bite
  • 4
    Swollen glands near the bite, or a red line tracking away from it
  • 5
    Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
How do I know if a bite is infected rather than just reacting?
A normal bite reaction is worst in the first day or two, then improves — itchy, a bit red, a bit swollen. Infection tends to show 2–3 days later and gets worse instead: spreading redness, heat, increasing pain, pus or fever. If it's growing rather than fading, get it looked at.
How should I treat an insect bite at home?
Wash it with soap and water, apply a cold compress for the swelling, and take an antihistamine for the itch. Paracetamol or ibuprofen helps with pain. The single most important thing: try not to scratch — broken skin is how bites get infected in the first place.
What will the pharmacist do for an infected bite?
We examine the bite, check how far any redness has spread and whether you're systemically unwell, and rule out red flags. Where the assessment shows a bacterial skin infection, we can supply NHS antibiotics on the spot — and we'll tell you exactly what to watch for while it heals.
When is an insect bite an emergency?
Call 999 for any signs of a severe allergic reaction — swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness or collapse. Get same-day help if redness is spreading rapidly, you have a fever with a spreading rash, or a red streak is tracking up a limb.
How can I avoid getting bitten?
Use an insect repellent containing DEET, cover up with long sleeves near water and at dusk, and keep food and sweet drinks covered outdoors. If you're travelling somewhere with mosquito-borne disease, come and see us about repellents and antimalarials before you go.

Read more on this

Written by our pharmacy team — practical detail on treatment, timing and when to get help.

Health HubInfected Insect Bite? 5 Signs It Needs TreatmentSpreading redness, weeping and fever — when a bite stops being a bite.Read the guide →
All health articles →
This may be free on the NHS

Bites and Stings and Allergies is covered by the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme. If you are exempt from prescription charges and registered with a Black Country GP, our pharmacist can supply the medicine free of charge — no GP appointment needed.

Check if you qualify →
0121 500 5756