Who this is for
Adults and children aged 1 and over. If you fall outside this, we can still give advice and point you to the right care.
About infected insect bite
A normal reaction to a bite — redness, mild swelling and itching — usually improves after a day or two. An infection tends to develop and worsen after about 48 to 72 hours, rather than getting better.
Symptoms and what to look out for
Common signs include:
- Redness, swelling or warmth that spreads and gets worse after a few days
- Pus or fluid leaking from the bite
- Increasing pain around the bite
- Swollen glands near the bite
- A raised temperature or feeling generally unwell
A normal itchy reaction does not need antibiotics. Where the bite is genuinely infected, the pharmacist can supply antibiotics under the NHS protocol and advise on wound care.
When to get help urgently
Seek urgent help
Some reactions need emergency help. Call 999 if, soon after a bite or sting, you have:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, mouth, throat or tongue
- Feeling dizzy, faint or confused
- A rapidly spreading redness, or red streaks spreading from the bite
- A high temperature with chills and feeling very unwell
Swelling of the face or difficulty breathing may be a severe allergic reaction — call 999 immediately.
What to expect from the consultation
You will be seen in our private consultation room — a room with a door, not the shop floor. The consultation itself is always free.
- The pharmacist will examine the bite and ask when it happened and how it has changed.
- They will decide whether it is infected or a normal reaction.
- You will get wound-care advice, and antibiotics only if there is an infection.
- If there are signs of a spreading infection or allergy, we will arrange urgent care.
If we supply a medicine and you pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies — the same as at your GP. If you are exempt from prescription charges, it is free.
Book a consultation
Book a infected insect bite consultation
Choose how you would like to be seen. Both options use our online calendar — pick a time that suits you. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Phone consultation
Speak to a pharmacist over the phone. Good for advice and for situations that may not need a physical examination.
Face-to-face at the pharmacy
Come in and be seen in our private consultation room at 44 Malabar Road. Best if we may need to examine you.
Prefer to talk to us first? Call 0116 360 2000.
Sources
The information on this page is based on current NHS and NICE guidance for Pharmacy First:
- NHS — Insect bites and stings
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries — Insect bites and stings
- NHS — Pharmacy First service
Guidance reviewed for this page in September 2026. Always follow the advice of the pharmacist who assesses you.
This page is general information
It isn't a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or doctor about your own health. Please read our disclaimer. If you're unwell and need urgent help, call NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.