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      Rashes, bites, stings, allergies and anaphylaxis

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe symptoms of rashes, bites, stings, allergies and anaphylaxis and how to support myself.

      Key learning points

      1. There are a range of symptoms of rashes, bites, stings and mild allergies.
      2. There are many ways to self-care for rashes, bites, stings, and mild allergic reactions.
      3. Some severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, need medical help.

      Keywords

      • Bite - a wound caused by fangs, pincers or a sting

      • Rash - an area of irritated or swollen skin, often red, itchy and sometimes painful

      • Sting - an injury caused by the venomous stinger of insects or plants

      • Allergy - a reaction by the immune system to substances that are usually harmless

      • Analphylaxis - a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties

      Common misconception

      Allergies are just a mild reaction, they aren't serious.

      Some allergic reactions can be very serious and even life-threatening.

      Teacher tip

      The NHS has a range of videos explaining some key conditions that can be useful in explaining concepts.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The best treatment for a cold is ...

      Correct answer: rest, hydration and over-the-counter medicines if needed
      a series of prescribed antibiotics
      exercise and eating healthily
      late nights and sugary foods

      Q2.
      Which of these statements are correct? The flu virus can be ...

      Correct answer: more serious than a cold
      cured by antibioitics
      Correct answer: dangerous to older or more vulnerable people
      not as serious as a cold

      Q3.
      Which is the correct definition for 'hydration'?

      Correct answer: maintaining an adequate amount of water in the body to support its functions
      when the body produces water on its own to stay hydrated
      the absorption of oxygen by the body through drinking water
      the process of drinking any liquid, to quench thirst

      Q4.
      Match the action to the benefit.

      Correct Answer:regular exercise,strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health

      strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health

      Correct Answer:getting enough sleep,supports brain function and benefits immune system

      supports brain function and benefits immune system

      Correct Answer:good hygiene,prevents the spread of infections

      prevents the spread of infections

      Correct Answer:eating a balanced diet,provides essential nutrients for energy and growth

      provides essential nutrients for energy and growth

      Q5.
      You can get advice about non-emergency health conditions by ...

      Correct answer: going online to reliable websites, like the NHS
      Correct answer: calling 111 for help with symptoms
      Correct answer: making an appointment with a GP
      calling 999 or visiting accident and emergency

      Q6.
      Order the stages of being infected by the cold virus.

      1 - exposure to the virus from a contaminated surface or breathing in airborne germs
      2 - incubation where the virus multiplies in the body
      3 - early symptoms like a sore throat and tiredness start to develop
      4 - symptoms peak with coughing or sneezing
      5 - immune system starts to fight back and recovery begins
      6 - full recovery when most symptoms disappear

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the definition.

      Correct Answer:bite,a wound caused by fangs, pincers or a sting

      a wound caused by fangs, pincers or a sting

      Correct Answer:rash,an area of irritated or swollen skin, often red and itchy

      an area of irritated or swollen skin, often red and itchy

      Correct Answer:sting,an injury caused by the venomous stinger of insects or plants

      an injury caused by the venomous stinger of insects or plants

      Correct Answer:allergy,a reaction by the immune system to things that are usually harmless

      a reaction by the immune system to things that are usually harmless

      Q2.
      Match the condition to the symptoms.

      Correct Answer:insect bite,a small bump that is raised and swollen, it may be red and itchy

      a small bump that is raised and swollen, it may be red and itchy

      Correct Answer:rash,swelling or raised bumps that are itching, burning, dry or peeling

      swelling or raised bumps that are itching, burning, dry or peeling

      Correct Answer:sting,very painful, red and swollen bump

      very painful, red and swollen bump

      Q3.
      To treat a rash, you can ...

      Correct answer: keep the area clean and dry
      Correct answer: cool the skin to reduce inflammation
      wear tight clothing to protect it from the sun
      Correct answer: use a natural moisturiser to soothe the skin
      scratch the skin to relieve the itchiness

      Q4.
      You should seek medical help for a bite, rash or sting if ...

      Correct answer: the bites, sting or rash become infected
      Correct answer: a rash starts to blister or spread
      Correct answer: you have a very high temperature
      you are bored of having itchy skin
      your symptoms start to improve

      Q5.
      Which of these is not a symptom of anaphylaxis?

      wheezing or having trouble breathing
      Correct answer: feeling slightly unwell but generally fine
      swollen face, mouth or throat or difficulty swallowing
      feeling faint or dizzy
      a fast heart rate

      Q6.
      An over-the-counter medication that can used to ease symptoms of pain would be ...

      Correct Answer: paracetamol

      To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Rashes, bites, stings, allergies and anaphylaxis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...