Most insect bites cause small, local reactions (reactions that are confined to the area of the bite) where the symptoms can be easily treated. However, if your symptoms are severe, see your GP as soon as possible.
If you have a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, call 999 immediately to request an ambulance.
Small, local reactions
Most insect bites cause itching and swelling that usually clear up within several hours. If you were bitten by a tick, you need to remove it (see box, right).
Small, local reactions can be treated by:
- washing the bite with soap and water
- placing a cold compress (a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) over the affected area to reduce swelling
- not scratching the bite because this can make the bite more itchy and swollen and increase the chance of a secondary infection (see Insect bites - complications)
Medication
If you are in pain or the bite is swollen, you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. These are available over the counter without a prescription. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure they are suitable for you and that you are taking the correct dose.
If the bite is very itchy, your GP may prescribe crotamiton cream. This should be applied two or three times a day, or just once a day for children under three years of age. Alternatively, a corticosteroid cream can be used to soothe the pain of a bite.
See the Health A-Z topic about Topical corticosteroids for more information about this type of medicine.
Do not apply cream or ointment to broken skin and always follow the instructions on the packet. Although the bite may be itchy, avoid scratching it because you may damage the skin and allow bacteria to enter the wound, leading to an infection.
If itching is disturbing your sleep at night, your GP may prescribe you a type of antihistamine tablet that makes you feel drowsy, to help you sleep. Antihistamine medicine is usually used to treat allergic reactions.
See the Health A-Z topic about Antihistamines for more information about this type of medicine.
Large, local reactions
Large, local reactions are reactions that occur beyond the site of the bite, for example causing a large area to swell or causing severe pain.
Medication
Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be taken to relieve the pain. These are available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure they are suitable for you and that you are taking the correct dose.
You may also be prescribed a short course of antihistamines. These are taken orally (by mouth). You can take non-sedating antihistamines during the day and sedating antihistamines at night if the itching is affecting your sleep.
See the Health A-Z topic about Antihistamines for more information about this type of medicine.
If local swelling is severe, your GP may prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, to take for three to five days.
See the Health A-Z topic about Corticosteroids for more information about this type of medicine.
Blisters
If you develop blisters (small pockets of fluid) after being bitten by an insect, do not burst them because they may become infected. Blisters do not often cause pain unless they rupture (burst), exposing the new skin underneath. If possible, use an adhesive bandage (plaster) to protect the blistered area.
See the Health A-Z topic about Blisters for more information.
Infected bites
See your GP if your bite becomes infected (see Insect bites - symptoms for the signs of an infected bite). Your GP may prescribe oral antibiotics (medicines to treat infections that are caused by bacteria). You will need to take these as instructed, usually two or four times a day for seven days.
Allergy clinics
If previous insect bites have caused a large skin reaction, such as redness and swelling of over 10cm (4 inches) in diameter, your GP may refer you to an allergy clinic. The criteria for referring someone to an allergy clinic may vary depending on what is available in your local area.
Immunotherapy (desensitisation or hyposensitisation) is a possible treatment option if you are allergic to insect bites.
Immunotherapy works by gradually introducing more and more of the substance that you are allergic to, in this case the saliva of a particular insect, into your body. This makes you less sensitive to the substance and eventually your body stops reacting to it. Immunotherapy is more commonly used for wasp or bee stings.
See the Health A-Z page about treating allergies for more information about immunotherapy.
Infestation
If you are bitten by fleas, mites or bedbugs, you may have an infestation (a large amount of the insects) in your home. Try to find the source of the infestation and then take steps to eliminate it.
Signs of an infestation
The following are signs of an infestation:
- Fleas or flea faeces (stools) in your animal’s fur or bedding are a sign of fleas.
- Crusting on your dog’s fur is a sign of fleas.
- Excessive scratching and grooming are a sign of fleas in your cat.
- Dandruff (flakes of skin) on your cat or dog is a sign of mites.
- Spots of blood on your bed sheets are a sign of bedbugs.
- An unpleasant almond smell is a sign of bedbugs.
If you are unsure whether your pet has fleas, speak to your veterinary surgeon (vet).
Eliminating an infestation
Once you have identified the cause of the infestation, you will need to eliminate it.
For flea infestations:
- Treat the animal, its bedding, household carpets and soft furnishings with an insecticide.
- Thoroughly vacuum your carpets and soft furnishings.
For mite infestations, seek advice from your vet as aggressive treatment is required.
For bedbug infestations, your home will need to be thoroughly treated with an insecticide by a reputable pest control company. See the Directgov website's section on pest control services for more information about how your local council can help with an infestation.
