Insect bites

In the UK insect bites and stings are usually harmless and only cause a few red itchy spots or lumps. However, in some people they can cause allergic reactions.

Which insects bite and sting?
• Common biting insects in the UK include: bed bugs, flies, fleas, midges, mosquitoes and ticks.
• Common stinging insects in the UK include: bumblebees, honeybees, hornets and wasps.

How to treat?
• If the sting is still visible, you should remove it as soon as possible. You need to remove the sting by scraping sideways as quickly as possible with a fingernail, or the back of a knife blade or a credit card. Don’t squeeze the sting with fingers or tweezers as you may inject more venom into the wound.
• Wash the wound and apply a cold compress. (soak a small towel or flannel in cold water and apply to the wound).
• Antihistamine tablets or cream can be obtained from any pharmacy and will reduce the itching and soreness. Vinegar is good for wasp stings.
• Mosquitoes and midges cause very itchy bites with localised swelling. Antihistamine tablets and cream will help to relieve the symptoms.
• Infected bites may need treatment with antibiotics.

Urgent medical attention is needed for anyone

• Who shows signs of having a severe allergic reaction
1. Red, blotchy skin
2. Swelling of the face and neck
3. Difficulty in breathing
4. Rapid pulse
5. Swollen lips and eyes
6. Itchiness all over
7. Rash
8. Fainting
9. Severe anxiety

• Stung by several insects at a time
• Has been stung in the mouth or throat where the swelling can interfere with breathing

Call an ambulance immediately
If you have an adrenaline pen (EPIPEN) use it straight away.

Tick bites

Ticks are tiny spider like creatures that attach to the skin and feed on blood. They usually feed on animals such as sheep or horses. If you find a tick attached to your skin, you should remove it as soon as possible with tweezers by grasping as close as possible to the skin so you don’t leave the head or mouth parts behind.
In some areas ticks can carry a bacterial infection called Lyme disease.

If you develop a rash or a flu like illness within a few weeks of a tick bite, it is important that you see a doctor. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can cause more serious symptoms affecting the nervous system, joints and heart.

www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk