At Seaton Pharmacy, we often see patients reach for insect bite cream as soon as the itching starts – and for good reason. Insect bites can be irritating, painful, and even affect your sleep. In most cases, over-the-counter remedies work well to soothe the area and reduce inflammation. But occasionally, a bite can become infected, and standard treatments may no longer be enough.
Understanding when to escalate care is essential, especially if you’re trying to avoid a long wait for a GP appointment. That’s where our Pharmacy First service can step in and help you manage your symptoms promptly.
When Is Insect Bite Cream Enough?
For the majority of bites—from mosquitoes, midges, fleas, or horseflies—mild redness, swelling, and itching are normal. Insect bite creams containing antihistamines, hydrocortisone or antiseptics can calm irritation, reduce inflammation, and prevent scratching, which lowers the risk of infection.
Applied properly, these creams often resolve symptoms within a few days. But sometimes, a bite worsens instead of getting better.
Signs Your Bite Might Be Infected
If you’ve been applying insect bite cream for more than two to three days and symptoms are intensifying, it could be a sign of infection. Keep an eye out for the following red flags:
–> Increasing redness and swelling around the bite
–> The area becoming hot to the touch
–> Yellow or green pus oozing from the site
–> A red streak spreading outwards from the bite
–> Swollen glands nearby (especially in the armpit or groin)
–> Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
These symptoms suggest a local or spreading infection and should not be ignored.
What You Should Do Next
If you suspect an infected bite, visit Seaton Pharmacy as soon as possible. Our trained pharmacists can assess the area and determine whether your condition can be managed under our Pharmacy First service.
You might not need to see your GP. We’re equipped to provide advice and recommend treatments such as antiseptic dressings or stronger creams. In some cases, if the infection is mild, we may be able to provide antibiotic creams or refer you to a doctor swiftly.
Delaying treatment could lead to more serious infections, such as cellulitis—a condition that may require oral antibiotics or even hospital care – so book an appointment now!
Dos and Don’ts: Insect Bite Care and Prevention
While insect bites are often unavoidable—especially during the warmer months—there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of complications.
Do:
–> Clean the bite area gently with soap and water as soon as possible.
–> Apply an appropriate insect bite cream, ideally one with antihistamines or mild steroids, to reduce itching.
–> Keep fingernails short and clean to avoid breaking the skin when scratching.
–> Use insect repellent, especially when travelling or camping.
–> Wear long sleeves and trousers in areas with high insect activity.
Don’t:
–> Scratch the bite excessively, as this increases the risk of infection.
–> Use insect bite cream more frequently than the packaging advises—it won’t speed up healing and may irritate the skin.
–> Ignore signs of infection hoping they’ll go away on their own.
–> Cover a hot, weeping bite without first cleaning and drying the area—this can trap bacteria.
When to Choose Pharmacy First
Pharmacy First is an NHS-backed service that allows patients to receive expert care from their local pharmacist for common conditions—no GP appointment needed. At Seaton Pharmacy, we’re proud to offer this convenient alternative for managing infected insect bites and other minor ailments.
Our trained pharmacy team can help you decide whether a cream, antiseptic, or referral is needed. If your condition can be treated on-site, we’ll ensure you get the right care straight away.
Supporting You Before and After the Bite
Whether you’re dealing with a troublesome bite or planning a holiday in a bug-prone destination, Seaton Pharmacy has the tools to help you stay comfortable and protected. We offer a range of insect bite creams, antihistamines, repellents, and advice on building a reliable travel first aid kit.
Don’t let a small bite become a big problem. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal or a sign of something more serious, drop by and speak to our team. You’ll get peace of mind—and possibly avoid a lengthy wait to see your GP.
Contact Seaton Pharmacy today and ask about our Pharmacy First service. We’re here to help you feel better, faster.
This blog was written on behalf of Seaton Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.