Insect bites and stings while visiting Sweden
Medically reviewed by Dr Toha Soodhun, specialist in family medicine · 15 November 2026
Mosquito, midge, wasp and bee bites are common in the Swedish summer. They usually cause redness, swelling and itching that peaks within a day and settles within a few days. Over-the-counter creams and tablets ease the itch. See a doctor if the bite becomes increasingly red, hot and painful after a few days, and call 112 at any sign of a serious allergic reaction.
What you can do yourself
- If a bee has stung you, scrape the sting out with a fingernail or the edge of a card.
- Cool the area. A hydrocortisone cream from the pharmacy eases itching and swelling.
- Antihistamine tablets, sold without prescription, help if you itch a lot.
- Cover the bite with a plaster if you keep scratching — broken skin can become infected.
Infected bite or allergic reaction?
A normal reaction is often at its worst 12 to 24 hours after the bite and then improves. If the redness, swelling and pain instead keep increasing after a few days, the skin may be infected and you may need antibiotics.
An allergic reaction usually starts within 10 to 30 minutes: hives on other parts of the body, swollen lips or eyelids. Breathing difficulties, dizziness or feeling faint are an emergency.
What a video doctor can do
- Look at the bite and judge whether it looks infected
- Prescribe antibiotics when needed, sent to a pharmacy near you
- Advise on allergy medicines and what to carry if you react strongly
See a doctor in person if…
- You were stung inside the mouth or throat
- Redness, swelling and pain are getting worse after a few days
- You have a known insect allergy and have been stung (take your emergency medicine first)
Our clinics in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö can usually see you the same day (3,200 SEK, or +700 SEK after a video consultation). If you cannot come in, we can visit you at your hotel or home in central Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö — see prices.
Seek emergency care or call 112 if…
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, hoarseness, dizziness or fainting after a sting — use your adrenaline pen if you have one and call 112
- A red streak spreading from the bite together with fever and feeling unwell
Questions
How long does a wasp sting take to settle?
The swelling is often worst within the first day and usually settles within a day or a few days, sometimes up to a week.
Can I get an adrenaline pen in Sweden?
A doctor can assess whether you need one and prescribe it. If you already carry one from home, keep it with you.
See a licensed Swedish doctor by video
2,500 SEK · No personnummer or BankID · Insurance documents included
Get Medical HelpLife-threatening? Call 112.