Insect bites are common across West London from April onwards, particularly around green spaces such as Gunnersbury Park, the Thames Path and Kew Gardens. Most bites are a minor irritation. Some, however, become infected — and knowing the difference matters, because the treatments are quite different.

Is Your Bite Infected or Just Irritated?

A normal bite reaction involves localised redness, swelling and itching that develops within an hour of the bite and usually begins to improve within a couple of days. An infected bite presents differently.
Signs that a bite may be infected include:
• Increasing redness that spreads beyond the original site over 24 to 48 hours.
• Growing warmth or hardness around the bite.
• Pus or discharge from the bite site.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, groin or neck near the bite.
• Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
• A red line spreading from the bite (this requires urgent medical attention).

If you notice a spreading red line from the bite site, do not wait — go to A&E; or call 111 immediately. This can indicate a serious infection called lymphangitis.

When OTC Treatment Is Appropriate

For mild bites that are irritated but do not show signs of infection, over-the-counter treatment is usually sufficient. Products available at Alisha Pharmacy include:
• Antihistamine cream or tablets — to reduce itching and swelling.
• Mild hydrocortisone cream (1%) — to reduce local inflammation. Not suitable for use on broken skin.
• Antiseptic cream — to prevent secondary infection in broken skin.
• Cooling gels — to relieve discomfort.

Our pharmacist can recommend the most suitable option based on your symptoms and medical history.

When Pharmacy First Is the Right Choice

If your bite shows signs of infection — spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever — you should seek a clinical assessment rather than self-treating. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, Alisha Pharmacy can assess infected insect bites and prescribe antibiotics where clinically appropriate. You do not need a GP appointment or referral.

Pharmacy First is designed precisely for situations like this: a condition that needs prompt clinical attention, where waiting for a GP appointment could allow the infection to worsen.

Common Insects in West London to Be Aware Of

In the Chiswick and Hammersmith area, the biting insects you are most likely to encounter in spring and summer are mosquitoes, horseflies, midges and occasionally bees or wasps. Tick bites can also occur in areas with long grass or woodland and warrant particular attention — if you find an attached tick, remove it carefully with a tick removal tool and monitor the area over the following days. Any rash, flu-like symptoms or a circular “bullseye” pattern around the bite site should be reviewed by a GP due to the risk of Lyme disease.

A Simple Decision Guide

• Mild redness, itching, no spreading symptoms — OTC treatment from Alisha Pharmacy.
• Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus — Pharmacy First at Alisha Pharmacy.
• Fever, spreading red line, feeling severely unwell — A&E; or 111 immediately.

Getting Help at Alisha Pharmacy

Walk in to Alisha Pharmacy on Acton Lane for over-the-counter bite treatment advice, or ask our team about a Pharmacy First consultation if you are concerned about infection. No appointment is required for most consultations. We are here to help you get the right treatment quickly.

FAQs

Q: How quickly can an insect bite become infected?
An infected bite can begin showing signs of infection within 24 to 48 hours of the bite, though in some cases symptoms develop more slowly. If you notice spreading redness or warmth, seek advice promptly rather than waiting.

Q: Can I get antibiotics from the pharmacy without a GP?
Yes — under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics for infected insect bites where clinically appropriate. This means faster treatment without the need for a GP appointment.

Q: Should I pop the blister on my insect bite?
No. Breaking the skin increases the risk of infection. Keep the area clean, apply antiseptic if the skin is broken and speak to our pharmacist if you are concerned.

Q: What is Lyme disease and should I be worried?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites. It is relatively uncommon but serious if untreated. If you have been bitten by a tick and develop a bullseye rash, fever or flu-like symptoms, see your GP promptly.