OUR enjoyment of summer weather can too often be punctured by itchy or sore bug bites. It's bad enough when an insect sting sparks a frenzy of itching, but sometimes bites can get infected too. This has certainly been the case for a number of Brits during the recent hot weather , with pharmacies seeing a surge in visits for infected bug bites.
Pharmacy chain Boots said consultations for infected insect bites through the Pharmacy First scheme have tripled as temperatures rose in the last month. Pharmacy First is an NHS initiative that directs patients to local chemists to receive treatment for seven common illnesses - from sore throats to earaches, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and infected bites and stings. Launched in pharmacies across England this year, it means you can pop into your pharmacy for minor ailments rather than having to wait to see your GP .
Boots saw its Pharmacy First consultations for the sore bug bites tripling between April and May this year. Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots, shared her advice on how to treat some of the most common summer bites and stings, and what to do differently depending on the cause. Claire said: “Insect bites and stings can be uncomfortable and irritating, but fortunately are usually nothing to worry about and can be easily treated.
"When treating a bite or sting, it can be tricky to know the cause, particularly if you didn’t see it happen. "But don’t worry, as the process for treating them is similar and.
