Mosquitoes at the cottage, black flies on the trail, wasps at the barbecue — and sometimes welts with no obvious culprit at all. Bites and hives (urticaria) are summer regulars in the Ottawa area, and while most settle on their own, the itch can be maddening and the questions real: is this normal? Infected? An allergy?
Bites: what's normal and what's not
A typical bite is an itchy bump that fades over days. Some people have large local reactions — impressive swelling around the bite that's uncomfortable but not dangerous. Signs of infection (spreading redness after the first days, warmth, pus) or any bite with fever deserve medical attention.
Hives: the moving target
Hives are raised, itchy welts that appear, fade, and migrate over hours. Most acute hives are triggered by infections, foods, medications, or heat and pressure — and settle within days. Antihistamines are the backbone of treatment; the right agent and dose make a real difference.
When the pharmacy is the right stop
Ontario pharmacists can assess insect bites and hives and prescribe treatment when appropriate — free with a valid Ontario health card. We can step up from drugstore basics when needed and screen for the one thing that changes everything: any swelling of lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, or widespread reaction after a sting means calling 911, not visiting a pharmacy.
Itchy welts ruining the season? Get a free assessment before you scratch through another night. Orleans Community Pharmacy · 613-824-3111 · https://orleansrx.ca/pages/minor-ailments.
Read next: "Tick bites: Lyme disease prevention starts at the pharmacy"
This article is general information, not medical advice. A pharmacist assessment is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you; some situations need a referral to a physician or nurse practitioner, and Ontario pharmacists prescribe only within their permitted scope. Orleans Community Pharmacy · 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orléans, ON · 613-824-3111.
