- Boots reports consultations for infected insect bites through Pharmacy First in England have doubled from April to June.
- Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson shares advice on how to treat some common bites and stings, including wasps, bees, ticks and horseflies
Boots has reported a significant increase in patients needing support for infected insect bites, with Pharmacy First consultations for the condition having doubled from April to June this year.1
In England, as part of the NHS Pharmacy First Service, patients can seek advice and treatment for insect bites at their local pharmacy, rather than having to wait for a GP appointment.
Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacies in England can now offer patients access to advice and treatment, including some prescription medicines, for infected insect bites alongside sinusitis, sore throat, earache in children, impetigo, shingles or an uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.2
Since the launch of the scheme in January this year, Boots has delivered almost 526,500 NHS Pharmacy First consultations in England, potentially saving as many GP appointments.3
Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, shares her advice on how to treat some of the most common summer bites and stings, and what to do differently depending on the cause.
Claire said: “Insect bites and stings can be uncomfortable and irritating but fortunately are usually nothing to worry about and can be easily treated. When treating a bite or sting, it can be tricky to know the cause, particularly if you didn’t see it happen. But don’t worry, as the process for treating them is similar and fast action can help avoid the bite getting infected. It’s important to visit your pharmacist if there are signs your insect bite is infected – look out for the area of skin becoming more swollen and painful.”
Wasps, bees & hornets
“A wasp sting can feel sudden. It starts with sharp pain, followed by a swollen red mark which may form on your skin. This may be painful and itchy and can last a few hours. Occasionally, the sting can cause a minor allergic reaction, which can be painful, red and swollen for up to a week. A bee sting feels similar, but the sting can be left in the wound. If this occurs, this should be removed as soon as possible using tweezers, before washing the area with soap and water. If there's swelling, apply a cold compress such as an ice pack or a flannel soaked in cold water for at least ten minutes and where possible, elevate the affected area to help reduce any swelling.”
Mosquitoes
“Mosquito bites can be annoying and itchy, causing small red lumps on your skin. Mosquitos can spread serious illnesses, such as malaria, in some parts of the world. It is advisable to try to cover exposed skin when spending time outdoors, especially at the time of day when mosquitos are most likely to be more active – sunrise or sunset. There are several insect repellent products available which, when used according to their instructions, can help reduce the risk of being bitten. In addition, if you’re travelling abroad, you should check if antimalarial medication is recommended for the country and region you will be visiting – you can do this using Boots’ online quick check tool.”
Ticks
“Tick bites usually aren't painful, but sometimes they can produce an allergic reaction. On rare occasions, they can cause Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection that causes a pink or red circular rash to develop around the area of the bite. If you've been bitten by a tick, you should try to remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-toothed tweezers to gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible before pulling steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick. You should then wash your skin with water and soap afterwards and apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.”
Horseflies
“Horsefly bites can be very painful and if you have been bitten, you may experience a red, raised rash, dizziness, weakness, wheezing or you may notice part of your body becoming puffy and swollen. Horsefly bites can take some time to heal and, in some cases, can become infected. If you think the bite has become infected, which may show as increased pain, redness, swelling and pus, you should see your GP straight away or seek advice from a pharmacist at your nearest Boots store.”
The NHS Pharmacy First Service in England is free at the point of access. Patients are charged for any over the counter medicine purchased and those who receive a prescription medicine and are not eligible for free NHS prescriptions will be charged the standard NHS prescription levy for the medicine. No appointment is needed, and most Boots stores offer a private consultation room in the pharmacy area for confidential discussions about patients’ health concerns.
Boots has around 1,800 stores across the UK and over 80% of the population lives within 10 minutes of a Boots store, most are open at weekends and many after 6pm.
1An increase of nearly 333% in Pharmacy First consultations at Boots in England for infected bites in April 2025 compared to June 2025.
2Supply of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment. In most stores in England only. Subject to availability and store opening hours. Charges may apply.
3Number of Pharmacy First consultations at Boots in England, 31 January 2024 to 30 June 2025