Insect bites and stings: what actually needs treating
Local swelling is normal. Difficulty breathing, or swelling away from the site, is an emergency.
Most bites and stings in the UK cause a local reaction that settles over a few days. The job is to relieve it and stop scratching turning it into an infected wound.
Straight away
- If a sting is visible, scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or a card rather than pinching it.
- Wash with soap and water.
- Cold pack for ten minutes to reduce swelling.
- Raise the limb if it is swelling.
The itching
Scratching is what turns a bite into a wound. Keep nails short, use a cold compress, and if you have already broken the skin, cover it with a small dressing. A physical barrier works better than willpower.
Call 999 for
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or a tight throat.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or face.
- Dizziness, collapse or a widespread rash.
- Any sting inside the mouth or throat.
These suggest anaphylaxis. If an adrenaline auto-injector is available, use it without waiting.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.