Private Bacterial Skin Infection
Infected insect bite / cellulitis / acute paronychia
Book online at a pharmacy in 16 towns in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
About Bacterial Skin Infection
Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin. The skin suddenly becomes red, hot, swollen and painful. A pharmacist can check an infected insect bite, mild cellulitis or infected skin around a nail (paronychia) and, if suitable, supply an antibiotic (flucloxacillin).
Who it’s for
- Adults aged 18 and over
- An infected insect bite, cellulitis without a fever, or an infected nail fold with spreading redness
- Not suitable if you are allergic to penicillin, are pregnant, or have cellulitis on your face
- Not suitable for animal or human bites, surgical wounds, leg ulcers, burns, or cellulitis that keeps coming back
- Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a temperature of 38C or above, feel hot and shivery, or your symptoms get worse quickly
Common questions
How much does it cost?
Each pharmacy sets its own price. You can see it when you choose a pharmacy.
How long do I take the antibiotic for?
The course lasts 5 days. Finish the full course, even if you feel better.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include feeling sick, being sick and diarrhoea. If you get a rash or other signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking it and contact your GP or phone 111.
Can I get this treatment on the NHS at a pharmacy?
If you live in Scotland or are registered with a GP practice there, you can use NHS Pharmacy First Scotland. Some skin conditions, such as cellulitis or insect bites, are on its list of conditions. You can book the private service if you prefer, or if the NHS service does not cover you.
When should I get help?
Get urgent help if the redness spreads, or you get a fever, shivers or feel very unwell. See a GP if you are not better after 48 to 72 hours.
More information
- ScotlandNHS inform: Cellulitis (opens in a new tab)
- Northern Irelandnidirect: Cellulitis (opens in a new tab)
- England and WalesNHS: Cellulitis (opens in a new tab)
Sources: NHS inform: Cellulitis, NHS inform: NHS Pharmacy First Scotland.
How it works
Choose a service
Pick the service you need.
Find a pharmacy
Enter your town or postcode to see pharmacies near you that book it online.
Book a time
Choose a day and time, answer the pharmacy’s questions and send your booking. The pharmacy confirms it by email.