Insect Bite
NHS Pharmacy First – Insect Bites & Stings Treatment at Neils Pharmacy
Insect Bites & Stings – Pharmacy First Service
Insect bites and stings are common and can cause redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort. In some cases, symptoms can become painful or infected.
🐝 Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, eligible patients can receive assessment and treatment for insect bites and stings directly from a pharmacist, without needing to see a GP.
Who Can Use This Service?
You may be eligible for treatment at Neils Pharmacy if:
- ✅ You are aged 1 year or over
- ✅ You have an uncomplicated insect bite or sting
- ✅ Symptoms are localised (redness, swelling, itching or mild pain)
- ✅ There are no signs of severe infection or allergic reaction
🩺 Our pharmacist will carry out a private consultation to confirm whether this service is appropriate.
Common Symptoms of Insect Bites & Stings
- 🔴 Redness and swelling around the bite or sting
- 😖 Itching or irritation
- 🔥 Localised pain or tenderness
- 💧 Small blister or raised area
Most insect bites and stings improve within a few days, but treatment can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
How We Can Help
If you are eligible, our pharmacist may:
- 🩺 Carry out a clinical assessment
- 💊 Supply treatment where clinically appropriate (such as creams or oral medicines)
- 💡 Provide advice on itch relief, swelling, and pain management
- 🚫 Give guidance on reducing infection risk
- 📤 Refer you to a GP or urgent care service if required
🔒 All consultations are confidential and take place in a private consultation room.
When You Should NOT Use This Service
You should seek urgent medical advice or attend A&E if:
- ❌ You have signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial swelling)
- ❌ The bite or sting is near the eyes, mouth, or throat
- ❌ There are signs of severe infection (spreading redness, fever, pus)
- ❌ You feel systemically unwell
If needed, our pharmacist will ensure you are safely referred to the appropriate healthcare service.
Do I Need an Appointment?
- 📱 Appointments are recommended, though walk-ins may be available
- ⏱️ Consultations are quick and convenient
- 💷 This service is FREE on the NHS for eligible patients
👉 Book an insect bites & stings consultation
Other NHS Pharmacy First Services Available
Neils Pharmacy also offers assessment and treatment for other conditions under the NHS Pharmacy First service:
- 🩺 Shingles
- 🩺 Sinusitis
- 🩺 Sore throat
- 🩺 Ear infection (acute otitis media)
- 🩺 Impetigo
- 🩺 Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)
Why Choose Neils Pharmacy?
- ✔️ NHS-approved Pharmacy First provider
- ✔️ No GP appointment required
- ✔️ Expert pharmacist-led assessment
- ✔️ Fast access to treatment and advice
- ✔️ Trusted local pharmacy in Prescot
The Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which has run since October 2019. The consultation service enables patients to be referred into community pharmacy for a minor illness or an urgent repeat medicine supply.