Infected Insect Bite

Insect bites are common throughout the year in Medway, but particularly during the warmer months when residents enjoy parks, gardens, and the green spaces around Gillingham, Chatham, and the wider Kent countryside. While most insect bites cause only minor irritation that resolves on its own, some become infected — a condition that can worsen quickly if left untreated.

An infected insect bite occurs when bacteria enter the skin through the bite wound, causing a localised infection known as cellulitis or impetigo-like skin infection. Without antibiotics, this can spread to surrounding tissue and, in severe cases, lead to systemic illness. The NHS Pharmacy First service allows our pharmacist Emmanuella Torto-Doku to assess infected bites and supply appropriate antibiotic treatment on the spot.

If you have a bite that has become red, warm, swollen, or is producing a discharge, do not wait — walk in to Medway Pharmacy on Canterbury Street. Our team can assess your bite and, if appropriate, supply antibiotics the same day with no appointment and no charge. We are open 7 days a week until 10pm.

Signs that an insect bite is infected

• Spreading redness beyond the original bite site
• Swelling and warmth around the bite
• Increasing pain rather than improving
• Pus or yellow discharge from the bite wound
• Red streaks extending from the bite (possible sign of spreading infection)
• Fever or feeling generally unwell
• The bite does not look better after 2–3 days of self-care

Who is eligible for Pharmacy First Infected Insect Bite treatment?

The Pharmacy First infected insect bite pathway covers adults and children aged 1 year and over. It applies only to insect bites — it does not cover animal bites, human bites, or tick bites (which require different assessment pathways). The infection must be a localised skin infection (cellulitis or localised impetigo-like infection). Patients who are systemically unwell with fever, rigors, or confusion should be directed to urgent care rather than managed under this pathway.

What can the pharmacist prescribe?

Our pharmacist can supply flucloxacillin as a first-line antibiotic for infected insect bites. Flucloxacillin is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, which are the most common causes of skin infections. For patients who are allergic to penicillin, clarithromycin is prescribed instead. The pharmacist will also advise on keeping the wound clean, avoiding scratching, and recognising signs that the infection is worsening or not responding to treatment.

What to expect at Medway Pharmacy

During spring and summer, infected insect bites are among the most common presentations at Medway Pharmacy. Many patients come in after spending time in the parks and nature reserves around the Medway towns, or after working in the garden. Emmanuella regularly assesses these cases and has found that prompt antibiotic treatment — available immediately under Pharmacy First — makes a significant difference in recovery time. If you have noticed a bite becoming more red or swollen over the past day or two, do not delay: walk in to see us on Canterbury Street.

Frequently asked questions

When to see a GP or call 999

While Pharmacy First covers many cases of Infected Insect Bite, you should seek further care if:

• You have been bitten by an animal, another person, or a tick (different clinical pathways apply)
• You are systemically unwell with fever, rigors, or confusion
• The infection is not improving after antibiotic treatment
• Red streaks are spreading from the wound — seek urgent or emergency care