New
New
Year 8

Rashes, bites, stings, allergies and anaphylaxis

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

New
New
Year 8

Rashes, bites, stings, allergies and anaphylaxis

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

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

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.


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

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

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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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