Can you tell the difference? Pharmacist warns of more than eight telltale skin spots, ranging from a harmless mosquito bite to a dangerous spider wound
A pharmacist has warned Brits not to overlook insect bites as the summer season approaches, as a bad reaction could be life-threatening.
From subtle discolorations to a change in texture or feel, the skin can serve as a silent messenger that reveals the first signs of an underlying health condition.
George Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent of Pharmacy Well, pharmacy said: ‘Insect bites and stings are not usually serious and often improve within a few days.
‘However, bites and stings can sometimes lead to infections or cause a serious allergic reaction.
‘Some insect bites can even transmit diseases in certain parts of the world, such as Lyme disease from ticks, scabies from mites and malaria from mosquitoes.’
According to the pharmacist, it is important to be vigilant for any bites or lumps that an insect may cause. Here are the eight most common ones to look out for.
Wasp and hornet stings
A sting from a wasp or hornet can remain in the skin after a sting (photo)
Typically, a wasp or hornet sting leaves a person with a small mark where the sting entered the skin.
In some cases, the sting can even get lodged in your skin after an encounter with a wasp or hornet.
However, it is important to be vigilant when following such a sting as it can be potentially life-threatening, according to the NHS.
The sting can cause pain, redness and swelling for several hours. Some people may also experience a mild allergic reaction that lasts up to a week.
In extreme cases, a sting can cause anaphylaxis, leading to difficulty breathing, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth.
Call 999 immediately to request an ambulance if you experience these symptoms.
bee stings
A bee sting is not only often painful, but can also be life-threatening if you have a severe allergy to the insect (photo)
A bee sting can feel the same as a wasp sting, but crucially the sting usually stays in the wound.
The sting can also cause pain, redness and swelling for several hours.
As with wasp stings, some people may experience a mild allergic reaction that lasts up to a week.
Like wasps, bee stings can also be life-threatening, causing breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth in severe cases.
If you have these symptoms, you should call emergency services immediately.
When removing the stinger, wipe or scrape the stinger sideways with your fingernail or the edge of a bank card.
You should not use tweezers to pull out a stinger because you could force more venom into your body. Be sure to wash the area with soap and water.
Mosquito bites
Mosquitoes do not pose a major risk in Britain, but in certain parts of the world they can transmit deadly diseases such as malaria (photo: mosquito bite)
A mosquito bite usually manifests itself in a small, raised, and itchy spot on your skin.
They often appear as small red bumps on the skin, and in some people they develop into fluid-filled blisters.
Although mosquitoes do not cause major damage in Britain, they can be deadly in other parts of the world and spread diseases such as malaria.
If you experience high fever, chills, headache or nausea after a mosquito bite abroad, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Tick bites
Ticks are bolder in the stinging approach and burrow head first into your skin (photo)
By comparison, ticks burrow their heads into your skin.
Bites from the tiny arachnid creatures are often not immediately painful, but as time goes on you may experience itching, blistering, swelling and bruising of the skin.
Some ticks can carry serious infections, such as Lyme disease. Therefore, they should be removed immediately as soon as they are discovered on the skin.
A key sign of Lyme disease, caused by a tick bite, is a rash that resembles a bullseye on a dartboard.
Another indicator of Lyme disease due to a tick bite is fever.
If you develop symptoms, you can go to your local pharmacist via the Pharmacy First service, instead of waiting for a GP.
Horsefly bites
Horsefly bites are very painful and can even bleed and become infected (photo). If you start to experience additional symptoms, you should see your doctor
Horsefly bites are extremely painful and can sometimes even bleed and become infected.
However, unlike some of the other bites on this list, they are not life-threatening.
The red and raised bite can sometimes become a larger, raised rash (called hives or urticaria).
You may experience dizziness, weakness, wheezing, and part of your body may become swollen and swollen as a result of a bite.
It is recommended that you visit your local GP if you have any symptoms of an infection such as pus or increasing pain, redness and swelling.
Mosquito bites
Mosquito bites appear on the skin as small raised sots and can sometimes develop into fluid-filled blisters (pictured)
Mosquito bites are usually small and grow in groups and appear as several dots on the skin.
Mosquito and mosquito bites are often very similar in appearance to mosquito bites.
As with mosquito bites, the typically small, red bumps can also be painful and very itchy, and can sometimes swell to worrying sizes.
Although some people may develop fluid-filled blisters from a mosquito bite, these are not life-threatening.
Mite bites
Mite bites appear as very itchy bumps on the skin and can sometimes develop into blisters, but are not life-threatening (photo)
Mite bites manifest on the surface of the skin as very itchy bumps and can even develop into blisters.
Mites usually bite exposed skin, but you can also be bitten on your stomach and thighs if your pet has mites and has been sitting on your lap.
In some cases, mites crawl into your skin, causing a condition known as scabies.
Mite bites are not life-threatening.
Flea bites
Flea bites are usually found in clusters below the knees and are very uncomfortable and irritating, but do not pose a risk to your life (pictured)
Flea bites appear as itchy red dots and are usually found in clusters below the knees.
According to the NHS, fleas usually come from cats and dogs that often bite below the knee and around the ankle.
Taking care of your pet and holding it in your arms can also cause flea bites on your forearms.
Although flea bites are uncomfortable and irritating, they do not pose a risk to your life.
spider bite
Spider bites are not common, but these tiny holes can be fatal if you have a severe allergic reaction (Photo: Woodlice Woodlice)
Spiders are nibbled in Britain, but some creepy crawlies native to the British coast can give you a nasty bite.
Spider bites leave small holes on the skin, which can be painful and cause redness and swelling.
A spider bit leaves small holes on your skin, which can be quite painful.
These bite marks can also lead to redness and swelling.
Some spider bites can be life-threatening as some become infected or in rare cases cause a severe allergic reaction.
Some spider bites can also cause illness, sweating and dizziness.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious or concerning symptoms after a spider bite.
George Sandhu from Well Pharmacy added: ‘If you are unsure whether you have been bitten or stung by an insect, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
‘Quickly removing any stingers, ticks or other foreign objects, along with appropriate symptom management, can help relieve discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
‘As part of the new Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can provide advice and recommend suitable treatments for infected insect bites, which may include prescription medicines.
“They may also suggest over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relief to help relieve symptoms.”
‘However, if symptoms worsen or there are signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, throat or difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention is necessary.’
As part of the Pharmacy First program in England, patients can seek advice and treatment for insect bites from their local pharmacy, rather than visiting a GP.