- 45 South Street, Lancing, BN15 8AN
- Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 · Sat 09:00–13:00
- 01903 752191
- Delivery Available
Advice and NHS-funded treatment for infected insect bites for those aged 1 year and above through the Pharmacy First Service.
Infected insect bites can occur when a bite becomes irritated or infected, usually due to bacteria entering the skin. This can cause redness, swelling, pain and sometimes pus.
We offer a free advice and treatment service through the NHS Pharmacy First Service for those aged 1 year and above, without the need to see your GP.
The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and check your suitability and eligibility for the service. If your symptoms suggest a more serious infection or condition, you may be referred to your GP or another service for further assessment and treatment.
Infected insect bites happen when bacteria get into the skin after an insect bite, such as from a mosquito, bee, wasp, flea or other insect. The bite can become red, swollen, warm and painful, and may contain pus or fluid. They can be itchy and uncomfortable.
Through the Pharmacy First Service, we can offer advice and treatment for eligible patients with infected insect bites.
An insect bite may become infected if it becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful or produces pus. The main signs and symptoms include:
A pharmacist will assess your symptoms during a consultation. If it is clinically appropriate and you are eligible through the NHS Pharmacy First service, treatment may be offered to you for infected insect bites. The available treatment options include:
If you are not eligible for treatment through the Pharmacy First Service or the available treatments are not appropriate for you, the pharmacist may recommend an alternative treatment option or sign-post you to another service.
If your symptoms are severe, spreading quickly, or do not improve, seek medical help.
Visit the NHS.uk webpage for up-to-date advice and information on infected insect bites.
The service is available to children and adults aged 1 year and above who have signs of an infected insect bite.
Your pharmacist will check your suitability and eligibility during your consultation.
The pharmacist will assess your symptoms during a private consultation and check your suitability and eligibility for the NHS Pharmacy First Service.
If it is clinically appropriate, treatment may be offered. If your symptoms suggest a more serious infection or condition, you may be referred to your GP or another service.
The advice and treatment service is free through NHS Pharmacy First. If you are issued a prescription medicine, you will pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions.
Your pharmacist will explain how long to use your treatment for and what improvement to expect. Always follow their instructions and complete the course as advised, even if the sores start to look better.
If your symptoms are severe, spreading quickly, or do not improve, seek medical help. Your pharmacist may recommend contacting your GP if your symptoms require further investigation or a different type of care. You can contact NHS 111 for urgent guidance if unsure what to do. In a medical emergency, call 999.
