Advise people with an insect bite or sting that:
- a community pharmacist can advise about self-care treatments
- skin redness and itching are common and may last for up to 10 days
- it is unlikely that the skin will become infected
- avoiding scratching may reduce inflammation and the risk of infection
- they should seek medical help if symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time, or they become systemically unwell.
Be aware that:
- a rapid-onset skin reaction from an insect bite or sting is likely to be an inflammatory or allergic reaction, rather than an infection
- most insect bites or stings will not need antibiotics.
Think Tick – Link
- Tick seen? – often drop off after feed
- Erythema migrans – appears 3day-3months
- Ticks most active – spring – April/June