What to do: Dealing with Bites and Stings

As summer arrives and the weather warms up, many of us are heading outdoors to enjoy picnics, barbecues, and nature walks. Unfortunately, this season also brings an increase in bites and stings. In the UK, the usual culprits include bees, wasps, ticks, hornets, mosquitoes, horseflies, and even spiders.

While most bites and stings are harmless and heal on their own, some can lead to infections or allergic reactions. Here’s a simple guide to help you handle bites and stings effectively.

How to identify common UK insect bites and stings

Knowing what bit or stung you helps you treat it correctly. Here’s how the common culprits typically look and feel, according to NHS guidance:

• Bee, wasp and hornet stings: a small mark where the stinger entered the skin, with pain, redness and swelling around it
• Mosquito bites: small, raised and itchy bumps, often several together
• Tick bites: a tiny, spider-like insect that burrows into the skin and can stay attached for several days
• Horsefly bites: larger, painful bites that may bleed and take longer to settle
• Midge bites: small, raised bumps that often appear in clusters
• Mite bites: very itchy lumps that can sometimes blister
• Flea bites: small, itchy bites that tend to appear in groups, usually below the knee

First aid for bites and stings

Step 1: Remove the stinger (for bee stings)

Bees often leave their stinger in the skin. To reduce pain and swelling, remove it as quickly as possible by scraping it off with your fingernail or the edge of a credit card. Avoid using tweezers or squeezing the stinger, as this may inject more venom into the wound.

A tick needs a different technique: use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp it as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight upwards slowly and steadily, without twisting or squeezing the tick’s body. Clean the area with antiseptic afterwards, and see a GP if a rash or flu-like symptoms develop over the following weeks.

Step 2: Clean the area

Wash the affected area gently with cool water and mild soap. This helps to remove venom, dirt, or bacteria that could cause further irritation.

Step 3: Apply ice or a cold compress

Reduce swelling and discomfort by applying an ice pack or cold compress to the bite or sting for 10 minutes. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel to avoid direct contact with your skin. Remove the ice for 10 minutes, then reapply if needed.

If the area is swollen, raising it can also help, and it’s best to avoid scratching the bite or sting even if it’s itchy, since scratching increases the risk of infection, per NHS advice.

Step 4: Visit the pharmacy

Over-the-counter remedies can help manage symptoms. Consider:

• Pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease discomfort
• Itch relief: Mild antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream may reduce itching

Always follow dosing instructions and consult a GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure.

Choosing the right cream, antihistamine or painkiller

A pharmacist can point you to the right option, and often the following work well together:

• Hydrocortisone 1% cream: reduces itching and swelling when applied to the bite or sting itself — avoid it on broken, cut or infected skin, on the face without advice, and generally in children under 10 without a pharmacist or GP
• Oral antihistamines, such as cetirizine or loratadine: help with widespread itching or a mild allergic reaction, and can be used alongside a hydrocortisone cream
• Cooling or calamine lotion: a gentler option that can soothe itching, especially for children
• Antiseptic cream: helps prevent infection, particularly after removing a tick or scratching a bite
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen: ease pain from a more painful bite or sting, such as a horsefly bite

A pharmacist can advise on all of these without needing to see a GP first, according to NHS inform guidance.

When to seek emergency help

Dial 999 immediately if you or someone nearby shows signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), including:

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness or fainting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of consciousness
• A widespread rash or hives

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and urgent treatment is crucial.

If the person has an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen), help them use it straight away, or use it for them, while you wait for the ambulance. A further dose can be given after 5 minutes if there’s no improvement or symptoms come back.

Getting the right help: pharmacist, GP or online GP

If home treatment isn’t quite enough, here’s a simple escalation ladder to follow:

• Pharmacist first: for creams, antihistamines and advice on which to choose — no appointment needed
• GP or online GP: if the bite is very swollen, blistered, looks infected, or isn’t improving after a few days — a same-day online GP appointment is a convenient way to get it assessed
• Urgent help: if symptoms spread quickly, you feel unwell, or you develop any of the signs of a severe allergic reaction below

When to book an appointment

Contact a healthcare professional, such as a Doctor Care Anywhere clinician, if you notice:

• Symptoms that persist or worsen after a few days
• Large, red, and swollen areas around the bite or sting
• Signs of infection, such as pus, increasing pain, or warmth around the area
• Symptoms of a widespread infection, like fever, swollen glands, or flu-like symptoms
• A tick bite, especially if there’s a rash around the bite mark

With Doctor Care Anywhere, you can upload photos of the bite or sting site during your online appointment. This allows the clinician to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.

How to prevent insect bites and stings

A few simple habits reduce your chances of being bitten or stung in the first place, according to NHS inform guidance:

• Use an insect repellent on exposed skin
• Cover up with long sleeves, trousers and shoes, especially at dawn and dusk
• Avoid strong perfumes and scented products, which can attract insects
• Keep food and drink covered when eating outdoors
• If a wasp or bee comes near you, stay calm and move away slowly rather than swatting at it

Take extra care when travelling somewhere with mosquitoes, ticks or other insects you’re not used to, and check for ticks after walking through long grass or woodland. If you have a diagnosed allergy to insect bites or stings, our guide to getting ready for allergy season has more on managing allergies day to day.

Stay prepared and stay safe

While bites and stings are often minor, they can sometimes lead to complications. By knowing how to respond and when to seek medical advice, you can enjoy the great outdoors safely.