Infected Insect Bite Care – Fast & Professional
What is an Infected Insect Bite?
A bite from a mosquito, midge, flea or tick is usually nothing more than an itchy nuisance. But if bacteria get into the skin through the bite, whether from scratching, dirt, or simply not giving it a chance to heal, things can turn into a proper infection.
Most bites settle down on their own within a few days. The trouble usually starts when the skin stays irritated, gets scratched repeatedly, or is exposed to dirt while it’s healing. Left alone for too long, an infected bite can spread and end up needing medical attention rather than a tube of cream from the cupboard.
Symptoms of an Infected Insect Bite
It helps to know what to look out for, so you can act before things get worse:
– Redness, swelling and a warm feeling around the bite, a sign the skin is inflamed
– Pain or tenderness that seems to be getting worse rather than better
– Pus or a yellowish discharge, which usually means bacteria have taken hold
– A fever or chills, which can point to the infection spreading further
– Swollen glands nearby, as your body works to fight it off
– A rash spreading outward from the original bite
Home Treatment for an Infected Insect Bite
If you’ve caught it early, there’s a good chance you can manage things yourself before booking an appointment:
– Clean it properly: Wash the area with soap and water rather than just wiping it over
– Cool it down: A cold compress can take the edge off swelling and irritation
– Reach for an antibiotic cream: A good over the counter ointment can stop things escalating
– Take the edge off the pain: Ibuprofen or paracetamol will help with discomfort and swelling
– Try not to scratch it: Easier said than done, but scratching only invites more bacteria in
How S&S Chemists Can Help?
If the bite isn’t settling down, or you’re simply not sure whether it’s serious, pop in and see us. We’re based on Hillside and Harrow Road, and easy to reach if you’re coming from Ealing, Acton, Notting Hill, Harlesden, Harrow, Wembley, Neasden or Cricklewood.
Here’s what we can offer once you’re through the door:
– Prescription antibiotics for infections that haven’t responded to anything from the pharmacy shelf
– Prescription strength ointments for bites that are proving more stubborn than usual
– Anti itch creams to calm things down and take away the temptation to scratch
– Advice tailored to you, based on the bite itself and how it’s behaving
When to Visit S&S Chemists?
It’s worth coming in if:
– The bite hasn’t improved after a few days, or seems to be getting worse
– The redness or swelling is spreading beyond the bite itself
– You’ve developed a fever, chills, or swollen glands
– Nothing you’ve tried at home is making a difference
We see this sort of thing regularly, so there’s no need to feel like you’re making a fuss. If you’re in Hillside, Harrow Road or anywhere nearby including Ealing, Acton, Notting Hill, Harlesden, Harrow, Wembley, Neasden and Cricklewood, drop into S&S Chemists and we’ll get you sorted.