Insect Bites and Stings | Getting Help

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

When to get medical advice or emergency medical help

Contact your GP, NHS 111 or your local pharmacist if:

• You are worried about a bite or sting
• Your symptoms have not started to improve or worsened within a few days
• The bite or sting is around your mouth, throat or near your eyes
• A large area around the bite becomes red or swollen (around 10cm or more patch of skin)
• You have symptoms of a wound infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling or redness
• You have symptoms of a more widespread infection, such as a high temperature, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms

Dial 999 if you or someone else who has been stung or bitten experience: 

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• A swollen face, mouth or throat
• Feeling sick or being sick
• A fast heart rate
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of consciousness