Insect Bites

• Wasp, bee and hornet stings cause immediate pain. Wasps and hornets don't leave a sting behind but bees do. Scrape rather than pluck the stinger out as soon as possible with the edge of a credit card or knife.
• Bites from midges, gnats, mosquitos or flies may not be noticed at the time but your body can react to their saliva up to 24 hours later with irritation, itchy lumps or fluid-filled weals that leave a lump behind.
• Use antihistamine or steroid cream as soon as you notice a sting or bite.
• For multiple bites, a pharmacist can advise on a sedative antihistamine which may help you to sleep.
• Applying a cold compress will help reduce pain and swelling.

And if you have ever had an anaphylactic reaction (a very severe allergic reaction that causes an immediate blotchy rash, bbreathing problems, dizziness, light-headedness and possibly collapse) after a bee or wasp sting, any future sting by the same insect is a medical emergency. Always carry an adrenaline injector and dial 999 as soon as you are stung.

February 2016: Avon brand Skin So Soft cream is reported to work well as a midge repellant.