- Pharmacist George Sandu warns Brits not to ignore insect bites on their skin
- Reactions to the bite may include texture, spots, rash, and discoloration.
A pharmacist has warned Britons not to ignore insect bites as the summer season approaches as a bad reaction could be life-threatening.
From subtle discoloration to changes in texture and feel, your skin acts as a silent messenger that reveals the first signs of potential health conditions.
George Sandhu, Deputy Pharmacist well pharmacy “Insect bites and stings are usually not serious and often improve within a few days.
“However, bites and stings can cause infections and severe allergic reactions.
“In certain parts of the world, insect bites can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease caused by ticks, scabies caused by ticks, and malaria caused by mosquitoes.”
Pharmacists say it’s important to be on the lookout for insect bites and lumps. Here are eight of the most common things to look out for.
Being stung by a wasp or wasp
Hornet or wasp stings usually leave a small mark where the stinger penetrates the skin.
In some cases, the stinger may even penetrate the skin after an encounter with a wasp or wasp.
However, it is important to be careful after this type of sting, as it can be life-threatening. NHS.
A sting can cause pain, redness, and swelling for several hours. For some people, a mild allergic reaction can last up to a week.
In extreme cases, a sting can cause anaphylaxis, which can cause difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling of the face and mouth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, dial 999 immediately to request an ambulance.
be stung by a bee
A bee sting may feel similar to a wasp sting, but the important thing is that the stinger usually remains in the wound.
A sting may cause pain, redness, and swelling for several hours.
Similar to a wasp sting, some people may experience a mild allergic reaction that can last up to a week.
Like wasp stings, bee stings can be life-threatening and, in severe cases, can cause difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling of the face and mouth.
If you have these symptoms, you should contact emergency services immediately.
To remove the needle, brush or scrape it sideways with your fingernail or the edge of your bank card.
Avoid using tweezers to remove the needle as this may force more venom into the body. Be sure to wash the area with soap and water.
bitten by a mosquito
Mosquito bites usually result in small raised itchy marks on the skin.
They often look like small red lumps on the skin, but in some people they can develop into fluid-filled blisters.
Mosquitoes do not cause much damage in the UK, but in other parts of the world they can be deadly and spread diseases such as malaria.
If you experience a high fever, chills, headache, or nausea after being bitten by a mosquito while abroad, you should seek medical attention immediately.
tick bite
In comparison, the head of a tick burrows into the skin.
Bites from small spider-like creatures often don’t hurt right away, but over time, the skin can become itchy, blistered, swollen, and bruised.
Some ticks can carry serious infections such as Lyme disease and should be removed as soon as they are found on your skin.
The main sign of Lyme disease caused by a tick bite is a rash that looks like a dartboard target.
Another indicator of Lyme disease from a tick bite is fever.
If you develop symptoms, you can visit your local pharmacist under the Pharmacy First service, rather than waiting to see your GP.
bitten by a fly
Horsefly bites can be very painful and can cause bleeding and infection.
However, unlike the other bites on this list, they are not life-threatening.
Red, raised bites can sometimes develop into larger raised rashes (called hives or hives).
Bites can result in dizziness, weakness, wheezing, and swelling of body parts.
If you have symptoms of an infection, such as pus, increased pain, redness or swelling, we recommend seeing your local GP.
midge bite
Midge bites are usually small, occur in clusters, and appear as several dots on the skin.
Midge and gnat bites look very similar to mosquito bites.
Similar to mosquito bites, the usually small red lumps can also be painful and very itchy, and in some cases can swell to a worrying size.
Some people develop fluid-filled blisters as a result of midge bites, but these are not life-threatening.
bitten by a tick
A tick bite appears on the surface of the skin as a very itchy lump that may develop into a blister.
Ticks typically bite uncovered skin, but if your pet has a tick and sits on your lap, it could bite your pet’s stomach or thighs.
In some cases, mites can invade the skin and cause a condition also known as scabies.
A tick bite is not life-threatening.
bitten by a flea
Flea bites appear as itchy red dots that usually occur in clusters below the knees.
According to the NHS, fleas usually come from dogs and cats that bite below the knees and around the ankles.
Similarly, if you take care of your pet and hold it in your arms, you may also notice flea bite marks dotted along your forearm.
Bites from fugitives are unpleasant and infuriating, but they are not life-threatening.
spider bite
Spider bites are extremely rare in the UK, but some of the creepy crawlies that live on British beaches can bite you badly.
Spider bites leave small puncture marks on the skin that can be painful and cause redness and swelling.
Spider bits leave tiny puncture marks on the skin, which can be extremely painful.
These bite marks can also cause redness and swelling.
Spider bites can be life-threatening as they can cause infections or severe allergic reactions in rare cases.
Spider bites can also make you feel sick, sweating, and dizzy.
If you develop serious or worrisome symptoms after being bitten by a spider, seek immediate medical attention.
George Sandhu of Well Pharmacy added: “If you are unsure whether you have been bitten by an insect, we recommend that you seek medical advice.”
“Prompt removal of needles, ticks, and other foreign bodies, along with proper symptom management, can help reduce discomfort and risk of complications.”
“As part of our new Pharmacy First service, pharmacists will be able to advise and recommend appropriate treatments for infected insect bites, which may include prescription fortification medications.”
“We can also suggest over-the-counter antihistamines or painkillers to help alleviate symptoms.
“However, if your symptoms worsen or you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips or throat or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.”
As part of the UK’s Pharmacy First scheme, patients can receive advice and treatment for insect bites at their local pharmacy, rather than seeing their GP.
