Mon - Fri: 08:45 - 18:00
NHS Pharmacy First Service
Walk-In — No GP Appointment Needed

Infected Insect Bite Treatment

Free NHS treatment for infected insect bites. No GP appointment needed — walk in today.

Walk In Today →
What Are Infected Insect Bites?

Understanding Infected Insect Bites

Most insect bites are harmless and resolve on their own, but some can become infected with bacteria, particularly if scratched. An infected insect bite requires treatment to prevent the infection spreading.

Common Symptoms

  • Increasing redness around the bite
  • Swelling that is getting worse
  • Area feels warm or hot to touch
  • Pus or discharge from the bite
  • Red streaks spreading outward
  • Fever or feeling unwell
  • Increased pain
Pharmacist assessing infected insect bite
Treatment

How We Treat Infected Insect Bites

Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our qualified pharmacists can assess your infected insect bite and provide appropriate treatment without a GP appointment.

  • Clinical assessment of infection signs
  • Prescription of topical antibiotic cream for mild infection
  • Oral antibiotics (flucloxacillin) for more severe infection
  • Wound care and dressing advice
  • Referral to GP or A&E if cellulitis or severe allergic reaction suspected
Infected insect bite treatment at pharmacy
Key Information

What You Need to Know

Who Is Eligible

All ages are eligible for the Pharmacy First infected insect bites service. No GP referral is needed — simply walk in for assessment and treatment.

When to Visit

Visit us if the bite becomes increasingly red, swollen, or warm, produces pus, or you develop a fever. Early treatment prevents the infection from worsening.

What to Bring

Bring a list of any current medications, your NHS number if possible, and a note of when the bite occurred and when symptoms worsened. No prescription or GP letter is required.

Questions

Infected Insect Bite FAQs

Signs of infection include increasing redness spreading from the bite, swelling getting worse, the area feeling warm to touch, pus or discharge, red streaks spreading from the bite, and feeling generally unwell with a fever.
Yes. Under Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess infected insect bites and prescribe antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics if needed.
Yes, completely free on the NHS through the Pharmacy First service.
Clean the bite with soap and water, avoid scratching, apply antiseptic cream, keep the area covered with a plaster, and watch for signs of infection.

Need Help With an Infected Insect Bite?

Walk into our pharmacy for a free NHS consultation. No appointment needed.

0191 265 0131 Book Now