Stings and Bites – How the Pharmacy Can Help

Summer is here. Getting outside to make the most of the good weather means a lot of people are taking the opportunity to sit in the garden, their local park or out in the countryside.

But sitting outside means we are sharing our space with insects and that means there’s a bigger risk of stings and bites.

Allergic Reactions

There are some people who are allergic to insect bites and stings, especially from wasps and bees.  Those with an allergy will either experience more swelling than usual or more seriously, go into anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis means you have difficulty breathing and your blood pressure drops making you feel faint or dizzy. If you know stings provoke a serious allergic reaction you may have been prescribed an AAI (Adrenaline Auto-Injector) like an EpiPen, to carry with you in case of an emergency.

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Another bite that may need the attention of a doctor is a bite from a tick. Ticks can be found in woodland or grassy areas like gardens and parks. If you see a tick on your skin or clothing it is important to remove it immediately.

You should remove a tick by using a pair of tweezers or a tick removal tool which you can buy from the pharmacy.

• Grip the tick using the tweezers as close to your skin as you can
• Pull upwards without squeezing the tick
• Wrap the tick in some tape and dispose of it in a bin outside
• Wash the bite with soap and water

Sometimes you won’t feel the tick bite, but over several days, if you notice a red rash on your skin that looks like a bullseye or you feel achy, hot and tired as if you are coming down with flu, you should see your GP as you may have the symptoms of Lyme disease.

Oak Processionary Caterpillars

Another insect you need to look out for is the Oak Processionary Moth Caterpillar. This caterpillar is found where there are oak trees. If you touch them, its hairs cause skin rashes, sore, itchy eyes and sometimes breathing difficulties.

If you have a caterpillar on your skin remove it gently using tweezers. Rinse the area with water and leave it to dry and then spread sticky tape on your skin and pull it off to remove any remaining caterpillar hairs. Wash your clothes on a hot wash.

For most people though insect bites and stings aren’t a problem. A bite or sting might be temporarily painful but in a few days it’s forgotten.

Other Common Insects that sting or bite

Other common insects you may come across apart from bees, wasps, caterpillars and ticks are:

• Hornets
• Horseflies
• Spiders
• Ants
• Mosquitos

If you are bitten or stung by one of the above insects, then it is likely you will have a small swelling which may be painful, red and itchy. 

Relief From Stings and Bites

If the bite or sting is swollen, you can use an ice pack to reduce the swelling. You can help itching by using an antihistamine cream (except for caterpillar hairs) or a hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching and swelling. Over-the-counter painkillers like Ibuprofen or paracetamol will help to relieve pain.

Infected Insect Bites – Help From the Pharmacy

If you need treatment because an insect bite has become infected, you can register to use the Pharmacy First Service. Treatment is funded by the NHS although you’ll pay for your prescription unless you are exempt.

If you’d like to know more about this service pop into the pharmacy and speak to a member of staff or give us a call on 01276 21002.