If you’ve had a chance to flick through the latest edition of Family Matters, you will have spotted our article on how to look out for tick bites when you’re enjoying the great outdoors during the summer. As there has been reports of an influx of calls to the non-emergency NHS number regarding insect bites, here are a few more tips for you to treat insect bites. The number of people calling the NHS non-emergency helpline over insect bites doubled in the space of a week, data has revealed, numbers suggest that approximately 7,000 people called NHS 111 regarding insect bites between 2-8 July, Public Health England have confirmed this is double the usual amount of calls.
The most common questions have been about Horsefly bites, with many more people attending A&E with infected bites than usual. Horseflies can leave particularly nasty bites, you’ll find the whole area around the bite becomes red and raised and according to the NHS website, can cause itchiness, dizziness, swelling and wheezing, though you only need to contact a doctor if the bite becomes infected and starts oozing. Otherwise, they can be easily treated at home using over the counter medicines including antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream. Speak to your local pharmacist to get brands and recommended doses depending on the severity of the bite.
The warm weather has also brought an influx of mosquitos to the UK, of course, those of you lucky enough to head abroad for the summer may also experience mosquitos and if you have a certain blood type, you’ll find that they are more attracted to you than others, which can result in bites. Mosquito bites usually cause an itchy lump to appear on the skin and occasionally, small blisters may develop. To treat a Mosquito bite without having to make a doctors’ appointment, you can take antihistamines, which will ease the itching and discomfort, pouring rum over the bite will also help ease the irritation. Alternatively, it is recommended to apply a mild steroid cream to the area which can be bought over the counter and in some supermarkets. Other treatment options include applying calamine lotion to affected areas and cooling the skin with a cold compress. Again, you can speak to a pharmacist about your options, depending on the amount and severity of bites. There are plenty of old wives tales that can help you avoid being bitten by mosquitos in the first place, which include eating marmite – which we know isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! Your local pharmacy will also be able to advise on proven methods to help ward away insect bites.
Like with horsefly and other insect bites, you only need to make an appointment to see a GP if the bite begins to get infected or takes more than a week to get better. If you’re concerned and start experiencing strange symptoms, particularly if you’ve been in long grass or near open water, do speak to your doctor.
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