It's a good idea to take a picture of the insect that has stung or bitten you. If this isn't possible, make a mental note of where and when you were bitten. This can help medical professionals identify what insect bit or stung you and therefore give you the most appropriate treatment, should you need it. If you experience breathlessness, swelling of the mouth, dizziness, or a racing heart, call 999 for an ambulance immediately If you would like to speak in private, most of our stores have a private consultation room where you can speak to a member of our pharmacy team discreetly. For long-term skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use treatments for longer.

Talk to your doctor if you're worried about the risks of your child using hydrocortisone. Serious allergic reaction Pflipsen MC, Vega KM. Anaphylaxis: Recognition and management. American Family Physician. 2020;102(6):355-362. There is a stronger hydrocortisone cream called hydrocortisone butyrate. This is only available with a prescription. Mepyramine works by preventing the actions of histamine - a compound produced by the body when it reacts to a foreign substance, such as venom from insect bites or stings (these are known as allergens). An increase in skin redness, swelling and itching in the area where you have used the cream. This might be due to a mild allergic reaction.A severe allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue

Bites and stings usually leave a red lump on the skin, which may be painful, and are often very itchy. Some people might have a mild allergic reaction, which causes a larger area around the bite or sting to become swollen, red and painful. This should pass within a week, but if it's still causing discomfort after that, it's a good idea to see your GP.Stings can cause a sharp pain. Bee stings are similar to wasp and hornet stings, but the sting is barbed, so it often gets left in the skin.