Treating Insect Bites and Stings

Most insect bites and stings cause mild pain, redness, swelling or itching that improves within a few days. While these reactions are usually harmless, knowing how to care for the affected area and recognising the signs of infection or a more serious allergic reaction can help you recover safely.

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Common Symptoms

Insect Stings

A sting often causes:

• A sharp, burning pain.
• Redness around the sting.
• A small area of swelling, usually up to 1 cm.

These symptoms usually improve within a few hours.

Insect Bites

A bite may cause:

• Itching or irritation.
• A small raised lump.
• A fluid-filled blister (weal).
• Mild redness around the bite.

Some skin reactions may last for several days, while others can take a few weeks to fully settle.

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Caring for a Bite or Sting

Most bites and stings can be treated at home.

Remove a Bee Sting

If a bee sting is still in your skin:

• Scrape it away as soon as possible using a fingernail, the edge of a bank card or another flat object.
• Avoid squeezing or pulling the sting, as this may release more venom.

Wasps and hornets do not usually leave a sting behind.

Reduce Pain and Swelling

To ease your symptoms:

• Apply a cold compress or wrapped ice pack.
• Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling.
• Use paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need pain relief.
• A mild steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, may also help reduce inflammation.

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Watch for Infection

Occasionally, scratching can allow bacteria into the skin and cause an infection.

Signs of infection include:

• Increasing redness and tenderness.
• Redness spreading away from the bite or sting.
• Thick yellow pus rather than clear fluid.
• Feeling unwell or developing a high temperature.
• A red line spreading away from the affected area.

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Do I Need Antibiotics?

Most insect bites and stings do not need antibiotics.

Redness, swelling and itching are a normal part of your body’s response.

Antibiotics are only needed if there are signs of a bacterial skin infection.

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When to Seek Medical Advice

Seek medical advice if:

• The swelling is severe or continues to worsen.
• You think the bite or sting has become infected.
• Your symptoms are not improving.
• You are worried about your reaction.

If you develop difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, call 999 immediately.