How to recognise, treat and manage an allergic reaction from a bite or sting

Animal bites

Bites from sharp, pointed teeth cause deep puncture wounds. This can lead to tissue damage which will allow germs to enter the skin. Therefore you need to treat any bite that breaks the skin, to prevent a risk of infection. 

What to do:

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water to reduce the risk of infection being transferred from the animal.

2. Raise and support the wound and pat it dry, preferably with clean gauze from your first aid kit. Then cover it with a sterile wound dressing.

If the wound is large or deep, treat the bleeding, and call 999 or 112 for emergency help.

If the casualty is not sure if they’ve had a tetanus jab or the wound is dirty, advise them to seek medical help straight away.

If you think there’s a risk of rabies, call 999 or 112 for emergency help. 

If the bite is from another human, there’s also a small risk of getting hepatitis or the HIV/AIDS virus. Advise the casualty to seek medical help straight away.

What are bedbug bites?

Bedbugs are small insects that feed on blood. They may seem to appear from nowhere but they ‘hitchhike’ on clothing or furniture brought into the house from a place where they are present. For example, from a hotel, hostel, or second-hand items. They can be found in beds, furniture, carpets, and other soft furnishings.

Bedbugs usually come out and bite at night. Their bites are not dangerous and do not cause any health problems, but some people react to these bites more than others. They can leave multiple red, itchy spots. Very rarely someone could have a severe allergic reaction, leading to anaphylactic shock.

You may need to contact your local council or pest control service to get rid of bedbugs.

Signs and symptoms

Look for:

Small itchy red spots on the skin usually in a line or cluster and often found on the face, neck, and arms.

In more severe cases, there may be severe itching and some swelling.

What to do

Avoid scratching the bites as this will increase the risk of infection.

Keep the area with the bites cool and clean.

Apply a cool damp cloth to help relieve any itchiness and swelling.

If the bites are very itchy, you can take the recommended dose of antihistamines. Ask a pharmacist for advice about creams that can be used to help.

Seek medical advice, if: the bites become red, hot, or painful (signs of infection) you’re worried that the bites are getting worse you have signs of an allergic reaction.

How to treat a allergic reaction

An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an allergen or ‘trigger’ substance.

One of the most common allergens is plant pollen, which often causes hay fever. Other allergens include animal hair, bee stings, medication (especially penicillin), and food, such as nuts and shellfish.

What is a severe allergic reaction?

A severe allergic reaction can develop just seconds after someone comes into contact with the allergen. It can affect the whole body, and if it’s not treated quickly enough it could be fatal. This is called anaphylactic shock.

Signs and symptoms

Look for: 

A red, itchy rash, or raised area of skin (weals).

Red, itchy, watery eyes.

Swelling of hands, feet, or face.

Abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

There may also be:

Difficulty in breathing.

Swelling of tongue and throat with puffiness around eyes.

Confusion and agitation.

Signs of shock leading to collapse and unresponsiveness.

What to do

1. Call 999 or 112 straight away and tell ambulance control that you suspect a severe allergic reaction.

2. If someone’s having a severe allergic reaction, then they may have medication, like an auto-injector. This is a pre-filled injection device containing adrenaline which when injected, can help reduce the body’s allergic reaction. 

Check if they have one, and if they do, help them to use it or do it yourself following the instructions.

3. Help them to get comfortable and monitor their breathing and level of response.

Repeated doses of adrenaline can be given at five-minute intervals if there is no improvement or the symptoms return.