16/08/2026
Stings and Bites
Insect bites and stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. But they can be very painful or itchy, and sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction. If you think a bite or sting has become infected, see a pharmacist.
Sometimes there may be something left in your skin, you can usually remove it yourself. Find out how to do this, and what to do if you get bitten or stung at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/.
Some people may experience an extreme allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and need urgent medical treatment. Symptoms include:
Swelling of the throat and tongue
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or breathing very fast
Feeling tired or confused, faint or dizzy
Cold skin, or blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if the person has brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet
If you, or someone you are with has some of these symptoms after a bite or sting, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. If you have an adrenaline auto-injector pen, follow the simple instructions on the side to use it. To find out more, visit: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/about-anaphylaxis/what-to-do-in-an-emergency/.
Find out about some of the most common insect bites and stings, how to treat them and when to get help.
