Bites & stings
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Bites
There are two main types of bites: animal and insect. The majority of animal bites are caused by pets, such as dogs and cats, and they can often be painful and bleed. Cat bites, in particular, can be quite deep and difficult to clean.
If you're bitten by an animal, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The most common culprits of insect bites include mosquitoes, sandflies, midges, ants, horseflies, fleas and lice.
Insect bites affect people in different ways. Some people will find the affected area becomes red, swollen or itchy (due to an allergic response to a substance that the insect injects into the skin), while other people will have a much more severe reaction.
In tropical countries, mosquitoes spread malaria by transferring infected blood from one person to another when they bite. Malaria is a serious condition and you should always take precautions to avoid contracting it. See Malaria prevention for further advice.
Stings
Insect stings can be extremely painful, although the pain doesn’t usually last for long. Some people are particularly sensitive to bee and wasp stings and become dizzy, and may suffer breathing difficulties or facial swelling after being stung. If this is the case, seek immediate medical attention.
Other stings from jellyfish and sea anemones cause an itchy rash, which can be very painful. In particular, weever fish stings can be extremely painful. Nettles and other plants can irritate the skin leaving a red, mottled rash, but this usually clears up quickly.
Click the links above to find out more about bites and stings.
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This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
