Infected Insect Bites

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Please select an appropriate time for the pharmacist to conduct a video consultation with you to review your condition.

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Pharmacy First: Infected Insect Bites assessment form.

When assessing potential reactions to bites or stings, it's crucial to identify any symptoms that could indicate a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Please review the following symptoms carefully. If you or someone you are assisting exhibits any of these signs, seek medical help without delay.

Red Flag Symptoms for Immediate Concern:

Risk of Airway Obstruction:

Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
Inability to speak or swallow normally
Bite or Sting Around the Eyes:

Significant swelling around the eyes, potentially impairing vision.

Signs of Anaphylaxis:

Swollen Eyes, Lips, Hands, and Feet: Noticeable swelling that extends beyond the immediate area of the bite or sting.
Feeling Lightheaded or Faint: A sudden feeling of dizziness or near fainting, especially when standing up.
Swelling of the Mouth, Throat, or Tongue: This can lead to severe breathing and swallowing difficulties.
Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress following a bite or sting.
Collapse or Unconsciousness: Any sudden loss of consciousness or collapse.

If the patient is experienceing any of the critical symptoms outlined above, IMMEDIATE ACTION is required. They must dial 999 without delay or visit their local accident and emergency centre. Prompt action is crucial for their safety.
You can find your nearest A&E by clicking on this link.

What is the individuals gender at birth?(Required)

Male

Female

Date of Birth(Required)

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Age

Children under 1 are not eligible for treatment of infected insect bites through the Pharmacy First service due to their developing immune system, which increase the risk of adverse reactions to medications. Their condition requires medical assessment to ensure safe and appropriate treatment.
Please contact your GP to arrange an appointment, or contact your local Accident & Emergency centre (A&E) if symptoms are severe.
You can find your nearest A&E by clicking on this link.

Is the individual pregnant? (Required)(Required)

Yes (under 16 years old)

Yes (over 16 years old)

Pregnant women under 16 are not suitable for treatment for infected skin bites under the Pharmacy First service due to the need for specialised care that considers the health of both the young mother and the unborn child. There are also legal and ethical considerations regarding consent and confidentiality for minors. This patient requires tailored healthcare to address their specific needs and risks.
Please contact your GP to arrange an appointment, or contact your local Accident & Emergency centre (A&E) if symptoms are severe.
You can find your nearest A&E by clicking on this link.

Does the patient meet any of the following criteria?

Suffered a bite or scratch from an animal
Suffered a bite from a human
Experienced a tick bite in the UK and shows signs of Lyme disease, such as an erythema migrans/bullseye rash (for more information please click HERE)
Suffered a bite or sting while travelling outside of the UK, with concerns of insect-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, tick-borne encephalitis)
Suffered a bite or sting from an unusual or exotic insect

Does the patient meet any of the above criteria?(Required)

Yes

This patient is not eligible for treatment through the Pharmacy First service. This is because these conditions may require more specialised assessment and treatment beyond what is offered through Pharmacy First. Therefore, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your GP promptly for a thorough assessment of your insect bite.
Your health and well-being are of utmost importance. If you have any further questions or concerns, please free to contact the pharmacy on 01204 456390.

Has it been 48 hours since the initial insect bite or sting?(Required)

Yes

If it's been less than 48 hours since an insect bite or sting, infection is unlikely for several reasons:

1. Incubation Period: Infections typically take time to manifest, with signs like redness, swelling, and warmth not fully appearing within the first 48 hours.
2. Immediate Symptoms: Absence of severe pain, intense itching, or pus within 48 hours often indicates no infection.
3. Early Signs: Spreading redness or fever are less common within the first 48 hours.
4. Natural Healing: Most insect bites improve within days with proper care, including cleansing and antiseptic application.
5. Reducing Risk: Not scratching helps prevent infection.

For self-care:
- Take oral antihistamines for itching and inflammation.
- Apply topical steroids to alleviate itching and redness.
- If symptoms worsen or signs of infection like increased pain or pus appear, or if systemic symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing occur, contact your GP immediately.

Is itch the principal symptom?(Required)

Yes

(in the absence of other signs or symptoms).

If itching is the main symptom following an insect bite, it suggests that an infected bite is less likely. You are advised to manage symptoms through self-care, which includes taking oral antihistamines and applying topical steroids, both of which can be purchased over-the-counter.

It's important to note:
- Skin redness and itching are typical reactions that can last up to 10 days.
- The chance of the bite leading to an infection is considered low.
- To reduce the risk of infection and minimize inflammation, one should avoid scratching the affected area.

If the condition worsens or you develop new symptoms, please contact your GP to book an appointment.
If you have any further questions or concerns, or would like to purchase over the counter products please feel free to contact the pharmacy on 01204 456390.

Does the patient have acute (rapid) onset of 3 or more of the following symptoms of an infected insect bite?

Redness of skin
Pain or tenderness to the area
Swelling of skin
Skin surrounding the bite feels hot to touch

Please choose one(Required)

I have less then 3 conditions from the above symptoms

I have 3 or more then 3 conditions from the above symptoms

If the patient has less than 3 of the above symptoms following an insect bite, it suggests that an infected bite is less likely. You are advised to manage symptoms through self-care, which includes taking oral antihistamines and applying topical steroids, both of which can be purchased over-the-counter.

It's important to note:
- Skin redness and itching are typical reactions that can last up to 10 days.
- The chance of the bite leading to an infection is considered low.
- To reduce the risk of infection and minimize inflammation, one should avoid scratching the affected area.

If the condition worsens or you develop new symptoms, please contact your GP to book an appointment.

If you have any further questions or concerns, or would like to purchase over the counter products please feel free to contact the pharmacy on 01204 456390.

Does the patient meet ANY of the following criteria:

Redness and swelling of skin surrounding the bite is spreading
There is evidence of pustular discharge at site of bite/sting?

Do you have any from the above criteria?(Required)

Yes

If a patient does not exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned above following an insect bite, it indicates that an infected bite is unlikely. They are advised to adopt self-care practices, including the use of oral antihistamines and topical steroids, available for purchase over-the-counter.

Key points to consider are:
- Experiencing skin redness and itching are common responses, potentially lasting up to 10 days.
- The likelihood of the bite resulting in an infection is low.
- Avoiding scratching the area can help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

Furthermore, please follow the following advice:
- Patients are advised to clearly mark the affected area and monitor it closely, looking for any signs of changes.
- They should return to the pharmacy if symptoms either worsen at any point or do not show improvement after three days of over-the-counter treatment for a pharmacist's re-evaluation.

Should the patient's condition deteriorate or if new symptoms emerge, it is recommended they contact their general practitioner (GP) to arrange an appointment.

For any additional inquiries, concerns, or to acquire over-the-counter products, patients are encouraged to call the pharmacy on 01204 456390.