• Reference Number: HEY1010/2025
• Departments: Emergency Department
• Last Updated: 30 November 2025

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your treatment of bites or stings. Your healthcare practitioner will have considered several factors when assessing your wound, including what you were bitten or stung by, the location of the bite or sting, and your individual risk of infection.

Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

Wounds and bites

Puncture and Open Wounds

These wounds will have been thoroughly cleaned by the practitioner caring for you. Due to the high risk of infection, they may not be closed with stitches, steri-strips, or glue. Instead, a dressing will be applied. You’ll need to attend your GP or a Dressing Clinic within 5 days for a wound check and/or dressing change. The practitioner may also have provided you with spare dressings to take home.

Stings and Insect Bites

Stings and insect bites can cause an inflammatory reaction, leading to redness, swelling, and itching. These symptoms are common within the first 48 hours and are usually not a sign of infection. To reduce the risk of secondary infection, maintain good hygiene and avoid scratching the affected area.

Treatments offered

Usually, no treatment beyond simple first aid is needed. You may find the following helpful:

– Cold compress: Applying a cold compress (e.g., a cold, wet flannel) can help relieve symptoms. Avoid heat, as it may worsen them.

– Topical creams: Use topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone) as directed to reduce inflammation and itching.

– Oral antihistamines: Take antihistamine tablets as instructed. These may cause drowsiness – if this happens, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or drinking alcohol.

– To help manage your pain, we recommend taking regular, simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which can be purchased over the counter. If you have allergies or medical conditions that prevent you from using pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication, please seek advice from your GP or pharmacist.

– If you have been prescribed antibiotics, it is important to complete the full course, even if your symptoms improve. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or side effects, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.

When to seek further advice?

Signs of Infection

It is normal for the wound to be itchy, slightly red around the edges, or have a small amount of discharge. These are common signs of the healing process and not usually a cause for concern.

However, if the redness continues to spread over the next few days, if you develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, or fatigue) or if you develop any joint swelling please seek further medical advice.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Emergency Department on Tel: 01482 482102 / Tel: 01482 482118.