You may need to take extra precautions if you're travelling to part of the world where there's a risk of serious illnesses. be careful around flowering plants, rubbish, compost, stagnant water, and in outdoor areas where food is served.avoid using products with strong perfumes, such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants – these can attract insects.apply insect repellent to exposed skin – repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective.cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.remain calm and move away slowly if you encounter wasps, hornets or bees – don't wave your arms around or swat at them.There are some simple precautions you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten or stung by insects. you have symptoms of a more widespread infection, such as a high temperature, swollen glands and other flu-like symptomsĭial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as:Įmergency treatment in hospital is needed in these cases.you have symptoms of a wound infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling or redness.a large area (around 10cm or more patch of skin) around the bite becomes red and swollen.you've been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes.your symptoms do not start to improve within a few days or are getting worse.When to get medical adviceĬontact your GP or call 111 for advice if: Ask your pharmacist about medicines that can help, such as painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines. The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days. avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they're unlikely to help.avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection.raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling.apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.wash the affected area with soap and water.remove the sting or tick if it's still in the skin.What to do if you've been bitten or stung

This requires immediate medical treatment. Occasionally, a severe allergic reaction can occur, causing symptoms such as breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. Some people have a mild allergic reaction and a larger area of skin around the bite or sting becomes swollen, red and painful. The symptoms will normally improve within a few hours or days, although sometimes they can last a little longer. This may be painful and in some cases can be very itchy. Insect bites and stings will usually cause a red, swollen lump to develop on the skin. Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days.īut occasionally they can become infected, cause a severe allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis) or spread serious illnesses such as L yme disease and malaria.īugs that bite or sting include wasps, hornets, bees, horseflies, ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, spiders and midges.

Emergency home bee sting remedy