Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about a bite or sting that's looking infected — video within 90 minutes, or in-clinic in Manchester the same day if needed. Antibiotics arranged with your pharmacy if appropriate.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
If any of these apply, please go straight to the service listed. FastTrack is for non-emergency private GP care only.
Good for a first look and advice. Photos help us judge whether the bite is infected or just reacting.
For a proper look, to mark the edge of the redness, or to assess whether you need stronger treatment — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP reviews the bite, how long you've had it and how it's changing. Video works well — send photos in advance.
Most bite reactions aren't infected — they're just big and itchy. Your GP tells you which this is.
If the bite is infected, treatment is arranged with your pharmacy the same day.
Most insect bites and stings cause a small itchy bump that settles in a day or two. A bite becomes infected when bacteria get into broken skin — usually from scratching. An untreated infected bite can develop into cellulitis (a spreading skin infection). Things that make infection more likely:
If you have facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, or red streaks with fever, call 999.
A few things can look like an infected insect bite. A GP can tell the difference quickly and start the right treatment the same day.
Yes. Your GP examines the bite (in clinic or via clear photos on video), checks how far the redness has spread, and arranges antibiotics if the picture fits a bacterial skin infection. Most infected bites are treated with a short oral antibiotic course; severe cases may need a hospital review.
If the consultation suggests a bacterial skin infection — spreading redness, warmth, pain, sometimes pus or fever — antibiotics are arranged and arranged with your nominated pharmacy after the call. Most patients pick up within the hour and start improving within 48–72 hours.
A normal bite reaction is itchy, slightly red, and settles within a few days. Infection looks different: redness spreading well beyond the bite, increasing pain, warmth, sometimes pus or a streak of red travelling up the limb, and feeling generally unwell. If you're unsure, book — it's a quick decision for a GP.
Video works for most infected bites — a clear photo plus your description usually gives a GP enough to diagnose and arrange. Book in-clinic if the redness is very widespread, you're feverish, or you'd prefer a hands-on examination. We can switch you between formats the same day if needed.
On the right antibiotic, redness should stop spreading within 24–48 hours and start fading from the edges in. Pain and swelling settle over 3–7 days. A bite that's getting worse rather than better after 48 hours of antibiotics needs review — the bug may not be responding.
Severe pain, rapidly spreading redness over hours rather than days, a high fever, feeling very unwell, dark or blistering skin, or a red streak travelling up the limb can mean a serious infection and need urgent assessment — go to A&E or call 999.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Treatment arranged with your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Insect bites and stings · NICE CKS Insect bites and stings