Could YOU tell the difference? Pharmacist warns over eight tell-tale skin marks from a harmless midge bite to a dangerous spider wound

• Pharmacist George Sandhu warns Britons not to neglect insect bites on their skin
• Reactions to bites may include texture, spots, rash, and discoloration

A pharmacist has warned Britons not to neglect insect bites as the summer season approaches, as a bad reaction could put their lives at risk.

Whether it’s a subtle discoloration or a change in texture or feel, the skin can serve as a silent messenger revealing early signs of an underlying health problem.

George Sandhu, assistant pharmacy manager at Well Pharmacy, said: “Insect stings and stings are usually not serious and often improve within a few days.

“However, bites and stings can sometimes lead to infection or trigger a serious allergic reaction.”

“Some insect bites can even transmit diseases like Lyme disease caused by ticks, scabies caused by mites, and malaria caused by mosquitoes in some parts of the world.”

According to the pharmacist, it is essential to be vigilant for possible bites or bumps that an insect could cause. Here are the eight most common ones you should look out for.

Wasp and hornet stings

Typically, a wasp or hornet sting leaves a small mark where the stinger penetrated the skin.

In some cases, the stinger may even become stuck in your skin after an encounter with a wasp or hornet.

However, it is important to be careful following a sting of this type, as it can potentially be life-threatening, according to the NHS.

The sting can cause pain, redness and swelling for a few hours. Some people may also have a mild allergic reaction that lasts up to a week.

In extreme cases, a sting can cause anaphylaxis, leading to difficulty breathing, dizziness and swelling of the face or mouth.

Call 999 immediately to request an ambulance if you experience these symptoms.

bee stings

A bee sting may look like a wasp sting, but the most important thing is that the stinger usually stays in the wound.

The sting can also cause pain, redness and swelling for a few hours.

As with wasp stings, some people may have a mild allergic reaction that lasts up to a week.

Like wasps, bee stings can also be life-threatening and, in severe cases, cause difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling of the face or mouth.

If you experience these symptoms, you should call emergency services immediately.

When removing the stinger, brush or scrape the stinger sideways with your fingernail or the edge of a credit card.

You should not use tweezers to remove a stinger, as you may cause more poison to enter your body. Be sure to wash the area with soap and water.

Mosquito bites

A mosquito bite usually appears as a small, raised, itchy mark on your skin.

They often look like small red bumps on the skin and, in some people, turn into fluid-filled blisters.

Although mosquitoes do not cause major damage in the UK, they can be deadly in other parts of the world, spreading diseases such as malaria.

If you experience a high temperature, chills, headache or nausea after a mosquito bite abroad, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Tick ​​bites

In comparison, ticks will bury their heads in your skin.

Bites from small spider-like creatures are often not immediately painful, but you may experience itching, blistering, swelling, and bruising on the skin over time.

Some ticks potentially carry serious infections such as Lyme disease, so they should be removed immediately once discovered on the skin.

A key sign of Lyme disease caused by a tick bite is a rash that looks like a target on a dartboard.

Another indicator of Lyme disease from a tick bite is fever.

If you develop symptoms, you can see your local pharmacist as part of the Pharmacy First service rather than waiting for a GP.

Horsefly bites

Horsefly bites are extremely painful and can sometimes even bleed and become infected.

However, unlike other bites on this list, they are not life-threatening.

The red, raised bite can sometimes develop into a larger rash (called hives or hives).

You may experience dizziness, weakness, wheezing, and part of your body becoming puffy and swollen following a bite.

It is recommended to see your local GP if you have symptoms of infection, such as pus or increasing pain, redness and swelling.

Midge bites

Midge bites are usually small and grouped and appear as several dots on the skin.

Midge and midge bites often look very similar to mosquito bites.

As with mosquito bites, the 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 midge bite, they are not life-threatening.

Mite bites

Mite bites appear on the surface of the skin in the form of very itchy bumps and can even turn into blisters.

Mites usually bite uncovered skin, but you can be bitten on the stomach and thighs if your pet has mites and is sitting on your lap.

In some cases, the mites will infiltrate your skin, causing a condition also known as scabies.

Mite bites are not life-threatening.

Flea bites

Flea bites appear as itchy red spots and are most often found in clusters under the knees.

According to the NHS, fleas usually come from cats and dogs who often bite below the knee and around the ankle.

Likewise, if you care for and hold your pet, flea bites may also be dotted along your forearms.

Although flea bites are uncomfortable and irritating, they do not pose a risk to your life.

spider bite

Getting nibbled by a spider in the UK is quite rare, but some creepy crawlies native to British shores have the potential to give you a nasty bite.

Spider bites leave small puncture marks on the skin, which can be painful and cause redness and swelling.

A spider bit will leave small puncture marks on your skin, which can be very painful.

These bite marks can also lead to redness and swelling.

Some spider bites can be life-threatening, as some become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction in rare cases.

Some spider bites can also cause nausea, sweating and dizziness.

Get medical help right away if you have serious or concerning symptoms after a spider bite.

George Sandhu of Well Pharmacy added: “If you are unsure whether you have been bitten or stung by an insect, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

“Prompt removal of any stinger, tick or other foreign body, along with appropriate management of symptoms, can help relieve discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.

“As part of the new Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can offer advice and recommend suitable treatments for infected insect bites, which may include prescription medicines.

“They may also suggest over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers 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 needed.”

Under the Pharmacy First program in England, patients can seek advice and treatment for insect bites at their local pharmacy, rather than visiting a GP.