Buzz
Though often unseen, blood-sucking flies are always lurking, ready to disrupt your summer enjoyment. These tiny flying insects leave behind painful, itchy, and potentially harmful bites. Fortunately, you can alleviate the symptoms caused by these bites. Once you identify the symptoms, you can begin home treatment or seek medical care. Additionally, preventive measures can help you avoid being bitten by these pests.
Steps
Treating Bites at Home
Wash the bite with soap and warm water. This step is essential after any insect bite. Soap helps clean the wound and reduces the risk of infection. It also removes any insect saliva left on your skin.
Apply ice or a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth and apply it to the skin for up to 15 minutes at a time. You can repeat this process several times a day during the first two days after the bite.
Use hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. You can purchase over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream at a pharmacy. This cream helps reduce itching when applied to the skin. Follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure safe use.
- Consult a doctor before using this product on children under 12, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
- Apply the cream only to the bite, not the surrounding skin.
- Do not use hydrocortisone cream for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor.
Apply calamine lotion to soothe itching. Calamine lotion is an alternative to hydrocortisone cream. Shake the bottle, then pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and dab it onto the bite.
- Follow the instructions on the lotion bottle.
- Consult a doctor before using calamine lotion on children under 12, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers.
- You can apply calamine lotion as needed for up to 7 days. If symptoms persist beyond this period, consult a doctor.
Use aloe vera to alleviate pain and itching. Aloe vera is a natural remedy that helps reduce pain and itching caused by insect bites. Simply apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the bite.
- You can purchase aloe vera at most pharmacies or online. Ensure the product contains pure aloe vera without additional ingredients. For example, avoid using lotions containing aloe vera, as they may not effectively relieve bite symptoms.
Take an antihistamine to reduce itching. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a good option, but you can also choose a non-drowsy alternative. Antihistamines help suppress the body's reaction to the bite, thereby reducing itching. However, these medications may cause drowsiness.
- Consult a doctor before taking antihistamines.
- Always follow the dosage instructions on the medication label.
- Be aware that antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring high concentration after taking them.
- If you need to take diphenhydramine for more than 7 days, consult a doctor. Use the medication only until symptoms subside.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to alleviate pain and inflammation. Options like ibuprofen, aspirin, or Motrin are effective in reducing pain and swelling caused by bites. However, it's crucial to use them sparingly and avoid combining them with other medications.
Avoid scratching the bite. Scratching can cause the bite to break open and bleed, leading to discomfort, pain, and an increased risk of infection. Additionally, scratching won't relieve the itch!
Allow about two weeks for the bite to heal. While it may take time for the bite to fully heal, you should notice gradual improvement each day. If there's no improvement, consult a doctor.
Seek medical attention
Seek emergency care if you experience an allergic reaction. Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to a bite. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, tongue swelling, hoarseness, loss of consciousness, intense itching, rash, and a tingling or itching sensation in the mouth.
Watch for signs of infection. Unfortunately, bites can become infected, often due to germs from the insect's sting. Scratching can also tear the skin, worsening the issue. Key symptoms to monitor include fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, pus, pain, swelling, and redness.
Complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. If an infection occurs, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It's essential to finish the entire course to prevent symptoms from recurring.
Ask your doctor about steroid prescriptions for severe itching. In rare cases, steroids may be recommended to reduce intense inflammation and itching. This option is typically considered when other treatments fail to provide relief.
Preventing insect bites
Use DEET insect repellent to protect against insect bites. These products are effective for outdoor use. You can spray repellents or use items like citronella candles to deter insects. DEET is the most effective, but alternatives like lemongrass oil also work. Always follow product instructions, as improper use can be harmful.
Wear protective clothing to shield your body. Prevent insects from getting close and biting you. Cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, socks, and hats. You can even wear a hat with a fine mesh net to keep flies from biting your face!
- Light-colored fabrics repel insects better than dark-colored ones.
Keep windows and doors closed from mid-summer to late summer. These pesky insects will invade your home and bite you. Blood-sucking flies are so small they can slip through window screens, so it's crucial to keep windows tightly shut to block their entry. Since these flies are most active in the morning and evening, closing windows and doors during these times is especially important.
- Install screens on windows and doors to keep these insects out.
Use fans to deter blood-sucking flies. Insects struggle to fly in areas with active fans. Any type of fan will work, but oscillating fans provide the broadest protection.
- Use fans safely! Avoid placing them near pools or water sources, as they could fall in and pose an electrical hazard. Ensure power cords are securely plugged in and not a tripping risk.
Avoid damp areas like those near water bodies during peak season. Blood-sucking flies lay eggs in moist soil around rivers, lakes, and other water sources. From mid-summer to late summer, their activity peaks, so you're likely to encounter more of them during this period.
- When camping during summer, choose locations far from water.
- Coastal areas are often hotspots for these flies, so consult local maps before traveling or purchasing property near the coast.
Warning
- Consult a doctor if the bite does not improve after a few days.
- Exercise caution when using insecticides. Always follow the instructions on the product label, as improper use can be harmful.
- Seek medical attention if the bite is near the eyes or mouth.
