Infected Insect Bites – NHS Advice & Fast Treatment Options

Infected Insect Bites – NHS Advice & Fast Treatment Options

For infected insect bites, treatment can be obtained without notifying your GP. NHS Pharmacy First offers the right services and care. Other NHS Pharmacy First services available for insect bites also include the provision of flucloxacillin 500mg antibiotics and Hydrocortisone cream. Furthermore, antibiotics can be ordered from within the UK and be delivered free of charge the next day.

What Are Infected Insect Bites?

Insect bites can lead to infections if first aid is not properly applied or if the bite is scratched excessively. Knowing the types of insect bites in the UK can help you understand the insects in your area. This knowledge can help you avoid bites and infections. Some bites can be very annoying and require your attention. 

In Liverpool, UK the biting insects you are most likely to encounter are: Mosquitos Midges Horse flies Fleas Ticks

Symptoms of an Infected Insect Bite

Bacterial infections can very easily occur with insect bites. An infection can be present if the bite is worsening over time. 

The signs of this include:

  • Increasing redness and swelling Infected areas becoming hot Pain or tenderness to the infected areas Discharge of pus or fluid Fever and other severe illness symptoms
  • If you are experiencing the symptoms above, visit a Pharmacy First in Liverpool.

Causes of Infection After an Insect Bite


Every time an insect bites your skin, germs can enter the bloodstream and cause an infection. This could happen more often if someone participates in outdoor activities without proper hygiene, or has a chronic condition such as poorly controlled diabetes, or a skin condition like dermatitis or eczema, particularly those conditions that cause extreme itching and scratching.

To minimize the chances of an infection occurring, always remember the following:

  • Clean and dry the bite area.
  • Don’t scratch the bite.
  • Take the anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medication that was prescribed to you.

Insect Bite Swelling Remedies & Home Care


For the most part there is no need to obtain a prescription to treat insect bites as most are harmless. Self-care instructions are more than enough to manage the itching and support the healing process.

For example:

  • Cold compress: Apply to the area for 10-15 minutes to help with swelling.
  • Insect bite cream: Any over-the-counter hydrocortisone insect bite cream will help with swelling.
  • Antihistamines: They will help with itching and the allergic response.

The best way to reduce the chances of an infection is to wash the bitten area with soap and water.

Treatment Options for Infected Insect Bites

Infection from insect bites can become worse. However, this can be treated without having to see your GP for the NHS Pharmacy First service.

Over-the-Counter Creams

For inflammation from shingles, the recommended course of treatment for dry, angry rashes from insect bites recommends the use of strong, over-the-counter medication. These prescriptions silence the itching to the most extreme level and deflect subsequent bouts of itching and irritation. These infections do assist in the excessive inflammation of the skin.

Hydrocortisone Cream for Insect Bites

The skin Health care practitioner first recommends this cream for insect bites to be treated in moderation. It promotes the elimination of inflammation, reduces swelling, and calms the skin for several hours. It works for moderate insect bites. It helps with the skin after the irritation and clinical discomfort.

Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream

This skin cream is one of a kind and special as it treats skin inflammation and scald dermatitis simultaneously. The unique compound of Clotrimazole works with Hydrocortisone to relieve itching and inflammation of the skin while Hydrocortisone treats the inflammation of the skin due to insect bites. It is most effective on the skin located in sweaty and chafing areas.

Key Benefits of OTC Creams:

  • Quick Help: They’re convenient, uncomplicated, and most don’t need a doctor’s consent.
  • Infections: They help manage persistent irritation and scratching that could lead to an infection.
  • Convenience: They are designed for use in outdoor settings, and are easy to carry and use wherever needed.

2. Prescription Antibiotics

Insect bites can be problematic and may become infected. They require attention and in some cases, infected ones need prescribed antibiotics. Untreated infected bites, while not severe, need to be treated aggressively with prescribed antibiotics.

Flucloxacillin 500mg Pill

Flucloxacillin is used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. It is prescribed for skin and soft tissue infections because of its efficacy in eliminating infections and controlling bacterial growth on the cell walls, an essential part for bacterial survival.

Bacterial infections of the skin caused by flucloxacillin will present as:

  • Red, swollen, and painful skin areas
  • Warm and tender skin areas
  • Areas of skin discharging pus or fluid

Fast-acting flucloxacillin allows the skin to heal and helps the skin to improve of return to normal.

Why Choose Antibiotics for Severe Bites?

In the majority of cases, infections are managed effectively with antibiotic treatment and symptoms will subside quickly, typically within the first three days, which is crucial. This is mostly true for skin-related complications, as the antibiotics treat the infection and avoid complications.

3. NHS Pharmacy First Service Benefits

With the NHS Pharmacy First Service, you can avoid GP appointments for uncomplicated, mild conditions like insect bites. This comes as a means to improve access to the service and to ease some pressure from GPs.

  • Immediate access to treatment: Speak directly to a qualified pharmacist who can assess your symptoms and recommend the right treatment.
  • No GP appointment needed: Avoid long waiting times and unnecessary doctor visits for minor conditions.
  • Free next-day UK delivery: Once prescribed, medicines are delivered to your home quickly and discreetly.

This service is ideal for busy individuals, those with mobility issues, or anyone who prefers the convenience of online consultations.

Hydrocortisone Cream

Canesten Hydrocortisone Anti Fungal Foot Cream 15g. This cream has two ways to approach any inflammation; Hydrocortisone for inflammation and Clotrimazole for any fungal infections. This cream is largely suggested for itchy and inflamed insect bites, on high fungal infection areas. It gives infection relief with irritation and even protects the skin from getting worse. 

Get fast relief today – Order Hydrocortisone Cream Now and enjoy free next-day delivery anywhere in the UK.

Prevention of Insect Bites in the UK

As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”.

Practical tips: Insects can be easily seen when you are wearing light-colored clothes. Using DEET insect repellents when going out is also a must. Light long sleeves and long pants are recommended when going to higher-risk areas like gardens and forests. You should also install screens on your windows and doors to keep bugs out.

Why Choose Pharmacy First for Infected Insect Bites?

Pharmacy First simplifies your access to treatments and values your time. In pharmacy first liverpool​ you do not need to visit a GP to obtain a prescription. You can consult a pharmacist and they will assess your case and will provide you with safe treatment options.

All your treatment options have been approved by the NHS! We offer next-day free delivery of medication across the UK!

Get the Right Treatment for Insect Bites Today

Prescriptions for the treatment of infected wounds and bites are prioritized due to the severity of infected bites. NHS pharmacy first liverpool​ will help you with the treatment options you need as quickly as possible.

FAQs

How can I tell if an insect bite is infected?

If the bites are warm to the touch, red, swollen, and pus filled then crusted and scabbed, these are indications of an infected bite. We strongly recommend that you see a doctor or a qualified pharmacist.

How long does flucloxacillin take to work for insect bites?

After taking flucloxacillin, it will take 48 hours for the medication to work and then a few days to completely resolve the infected bug bite with swelling. There will be some swelling to the bitten area which will be present for several days but you should see improvements over a few days.

Can I use hydrocortisone cream on all insect bites?

Hydrocortisone can be used for most insect bites, as it helps soothe some itching and reduces any swelling. However, if there is angry, inflamed skin or if the bite looks like it is infected, check with the doctor first before trying hydrocortisone.

What’s the best treatment for swelling from insect bites?

You can use a cold pack in a towel or a hydrocortisone cream for mild swelling, but if the swelling is significant or spreading, you should seek emergency care.

Do I need antibiotics for every insect bite?

No, not all bug bites need antibiotics to heal. You can tell if you need them if the area is infected along with pain, redness, and pus.

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