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NHS Pharmacy First

Infected insect bite: see a pharmacist first

A pharmacist looks at the bite and offers advice, and medicine if it is right for you. No GP appointment needed.

NHSNHS consultation. Usual prescription charges apply to any medicine supplied.

Who it is for

  • Aged 1 and over

Outside this age range, the pharmacist can still give you advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.

At Lower House Pharmacy, Liverpool L11 2SF

  • A private consultation room, not the counter
  • No GP appointment or referral needed
  • Your GP surgery is sent a record of the consultation
  • Your care is delivered by the pharmacy, not by WalkInClinics

Based on our reviewed Infected insect bites (NHS Pharmacy First) information.

Reviewed by Benjamin Rawthore, Pharmacist Manager and Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2215432). Last reviewed .

Common signs

  • Redness or swelling that is spreading around the bite
  • The skin feeling hot or painful
  • Pus coming from the bite
  • Feeling unwell, or a high temperature

What the pharmacist does

  • Looks at the bite and the skin around it
  • Advises on caring for the bite at home
  • Offers medicine if it is right for you under the NHS pathway
  • Tells you if you need to see a GP or someone else, and helps you get there

Where you can get this

Lower House Pharmacy

Liverpool, L11 2SF
NHS consultation. Usual prescription charges apply to any medicine supplied.

Questions people ask

Is every red bite infected?

No. Most bites are red, swollen and itchy for a few days and get better on their own. The pharmacist can tell you whether a bite looks infected.

Do I have to pay?

The consultation is free on the NHS. The usual prescription charges apply to any medicine you are given, unless you get free prescriptions.

Will my GP practice know?

Yes. The pharmacist updates your GP record after the consultation, so your notes stay complete.

Where this information comes from

Read more

Book at a participating pharmacy

Your care is delivered by the pharmacy, not by WalkInClinics. The pharmacy team checks your eligibility before the appointment goes ahead.