Infected Insect Bites
Treatment for Infected Insect Bites at Ham Pharmacy Group in Richmond & Kingston
An insect bite often causes temporary redness, swelling, or itching. But if bacteria enter the skin — usually after scratching — the bite can become infected. Symptoms of insect bite infection may include:
- Increased redness and swelling around the bite
- Warmth spreading from the area
- Pain or tenderness
- Pus, discharge, or a crust forming on the skin
- Fever or flu-like symptoms (in more serious cases)
If your bite is getting worse, isn’t healing, or you develop a fever, it’s important to seek advice promptly.
What Is an Infected Insect Bite?
Most insect bites cause mild redness, itching, or swelling and usually clear up on their own. However, sometimes bacteria can enter the skin, especially if the bite is scratched, leading to an infection. An infected insect bite can become painful and swollen, and in some cases may need medical treatment to prevent it from getting worse. An insect bite infection may cause redness, swelling, warmth spreading from the bite, pain, or pus or crust forming on the skin, and in more serious cases, fever or flu-like symptoms. If the bite is not improving or is getting worse, seek medical advice.
What Causes Infected Insect Bites?
Many different insects can cause bites that may become infected, including:
- Mosquitoes and midges – often leave itchy bumps that are easy to scratch
- Fleas and bedbugs – usually cause clusters of small red marks
- Horseflies – produce large, painful bites that are more likely to become infected
The main cause of infection is scratching, which breaks the skin and allows bacteria to enter.
How to Treat Insect Bites at Home
If your bite is mild and not infected, you can usually manage it at home with simple steps:
- Gently wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Use over-the-counter creams or antihistamines to ease itching.
- Avoid scratching the bite.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain.
If the bite becomes more swollen, painful, or starts to show signs of infection, it’s time to visit your local pharmacy.
Pharmacy Treatment for Infected Insect Bites
Through Pharmacy First, our trained pharmacists can:
- Assess your bite and check if it’s infected.
- Provide effective treatment for infected insect bites, which may include prescribed creams or antibiotics if required.
- Recommend remedies to ease itching, swelling, or pain.
- Advise when further medical help is necessary.
This service allows you to access expert advice and treatment quickly, without waiting for a GP appointment.
Why Choose Ham Pharmacy Group?
- Pharmacy First Provider – Quick access to treatment for infected insect bites.
- Convenient Locations – Available at 3 pharmacies: Ham Parade, Ham, and Ham Village.
- Expert Pharmacists – Safe, professional care and guidance.
- Community Care – Supporting Richmond, Kingston, Twickenham, Surbiton, Hampton, Teddington, and surrounding areas.
Book Your Pharmacy First Appointment
Don’t let an insect bite infection cause unnecessary discomfort. Visit Ham Parade Pharmacy, Ham Common Pharmacy, or Ham Village Pharmacy today for safe, effective treatment for infected insect bites.
FAQs
Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, pus or crusting, and sometimes fever.
Scratching breaks the skin and allows bacteria to enter, leading to infection.
Wash the area, use a cold compress, avoid scratching, and try creams or antihistamines
If it becomes painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection.
At Ham Parade, Ham Common, and Ham Village Pharmacies under the Pharmacy First.
