What to do if you are bitten by a gadfly: signs, consequences, first aid

What kind of insect is a gadfly and what does it look like?

Another name for the gadfly is paut, which is what these flies used to be called in the northern regions.
The more common name is string, and the origin of all these words still remains a mystery to lexicographers. Botflies belong to the order of Diptera and the infraorder of round-stitched flies. Their closest relatives are blowflies and true flies. To date, entomologists have described about 150 species of gadflies, all of them are typical synanthropes, i.e., their habitats are closely related to human life.

Gadflies are distributed throughout the globe, they are not found only in Antarctica. The inhabitants of temperate latitudes resemble an ordinary fly in appearance, but slightly larger in size. The size of an adult gadfly is about 17-20 mm. The insect has a fuzzy abdomen and translucent wings with veins.

A distinctive feature is large eyes, but the horsefly, with which the gadfly is often confused, has even larger eyes and is larger. The differences between the insects are clearly visible in the photo of the gadfly and the photo of the horsefly.

Horsefly with sucker on nose; Gadflies do not have such a sucker.

Gadflies from the northern regions are painted in discreet tones: dark brown, lead-gray and grayish-blue specimens are found.

Southern and tropical species of gadflies, with their orange-striped color, are more reminiscent of medium-sized bumblebees.

These flies are not interested in cows, horses and humans as food objects; the adults do not eat at all, but use up the reserves accumulated in the larval stage. But the biology of parasites is such that they are able to develop normally only within certain species of animals.

One of the types of gadflies. One of the types of gadflies.

Who are gadflies and why are they dangerous?

The gadfly is a two-winged insect belonging to the Tachi-nidae family, outwardly similar to an ordinary fly, but larger in size.
There are more than 150 species of gadflies, and only one species can parasitize humans. He lives in Central America. It will be difficult for an ignorant person to distinguish a gadfly from an ordinary fly, and this is the main difficulty. One of the common types of gadflies found in our area is Hypodermabovis. The insect is not carnivorous or blood-sucking. It lives in many natural areas. Adults do not need food. Their oral apparatus is not developed. They have enough of the nutrients that they accumulated at the larval stage. It is the larvae that need a lot of food. In cities, parasites often congregate in green areas. The period of their activity is warm, windless and dry weather. At temperatures below +14 and above +40 degrees, insects go into hibernation.

Only fertilized female gadflies sting people. Nature arranges it in such a way that they lay their larvae in living flesh during a bite. This is the only reason why they attack animals and people.

The bite of a gadfly is similar to the bite of a horsefly - the same two-winged insect, similar to a fly.

When a female gadfly stings, the eggs of the larvae penetrate the skin. Over the course of several weeks, they mature into the worm phase and emerge. Insects mainly choose large animals as their victims - cows, bulls, goats, rams, deer, camels, horses. But sometimes their bite becomes a parasitic invasion for humans. Mature larvae begin to literally gnaw their way to freedom, simultaneously feeding on the blood of their host. Sometimes they penetrate the gastrointestinal tract and come out along with feces.

The consequences of such a gadfly bite are extremely dangerous and are fraught not only with allergies, but also with inflammatory processes.

There are species of gadflies that, at a certain stage of development, suck blood and feed on organic food. Their bites do not threaten the deposition of larvae under the skin, but can cause a severe allergic reaction and infection.

On a note! Bodfly bites can cause myiasis, a parasitic disease caused by insect larvae entering the body.

Gadfly bites are dangerous to humans

Causes of bites

As already described above, an insect of the Tachi-nidae species stings only in one case - when it is necessary to lay its eggs. But gadflies extremely rarely choose humans as the carrier of their offspring.

Instincts force them to avoid contact with people. The cause of the attack and parasitic infestation can be circumstances when the female needs to shed the larvae as soon as possible, but she could not find a suitable animal.

Horse flies, which are very similar to gadflies and belong to the same genus, feed on blood. In one sting, they can suck out the amount of blood that is feasible for 50-70 mosquitoes.

When do they bite?

Different types of gadflies have different life cycles. The peak of their activity occurs in mid-spring and early summer. Insects are practically invisible in windy weather and during rain. They do not fly out of their hiding places when it is cold - early in the morning or late in the evening. At night, gadflies can only be active in well-lit places.

Parasites attack people mainly in nature. They will not touch a person in the active stage and sting those sleeping or dozing, so that nothing interferes with the laying of eggs. In some cases, the parasite may sting as a defense if a person tries to drive it off their body.

How to recognize a gadfly bite?

The difficulty is that it is extremely difficult to distinguish a gadfly bite on a human body from the sting of some other types of insects, for example, a wasp or a tick. In addition, much depends on the sensitivity of the victim and his immunity. But such a lesion usually does not go unnoticed. Gadfly saliva contains substances that are toxic to the human body and causes a reaction.

The main signs of what a bite looks like:

• There is redness in the form of a spot with clear boundaries.
• The bite mark (small red dot) is clearly visible.
• Blood may ooze from the wound for some time.
• With sensitive skin, swelling or a bump immediately appears.

When a gadfly bites, the characteristic symptom is swelling. It doesn't always happen right away. It all depends on the human immune system. After 2-3 hours or later, the swelling may spread and become extensive.

What happens if a gadfly bites?

The consequences of stinging are very different. The immune system recognizes the insect's saliva as an antigen and begins to produce antibodies. The more active this process is, the stronger the reaction. Also, a lot depends on where the parasite bites. On mucous membranes and more sensitive areas with thin skin, symptoms develop faster.

After a gadfly bite you may experience:

• Allergies of varying severity.
• Formation of painful bumps and swellings.
• Increased body temperature.
• Suppuration of the bite site due to the development of a secondary infection.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the area of ​​the bite.
• Deterioration in general health.

general characteristics

People often call all the large gray flies that attack a person, painfully biting the skin and sucking blood, as gadflies. Horseflies actually do this. The gadfly is not a bloodsucker. This insect lives off the nutrients it accumulated in the larval phase. Their mouthparts are not developed, and they do not feed during their lives. They are more like bumblebees.

But then why do gadflies bite people is a question to which not everyone can find an answer. Males consume only flower nectar, but the fertilized female seeks a warm-blooded incubator. Therefore, the bite of a gadfly has another purpose: to lay eggs under the skin of the victim. Typically, the main hosts for the offspring of these insects are cattle, horses, camels, and deer. The larvae live and develop in the body of their host until they develop into adults. And the life cycle repeats again. Parasitism in the human body is very rare.

Interesting!

There are about 150 species of these insects in the world, but only one attacks humans - the human skin gadfly. Luckily, it is only found in Central America.

How does a horsefly bite?

The horsefly is a large blood-sucking insect, widespread throughout the Russian Federation. Based on the name, you might think that horseflies have poor vision, but this is not the case. Moreover, they have color perception, just like humans. And in the light of the sun, the iris shimmers in different shades.

On a note! A female horsefly can see potential prey at a distance of up to 1 km.

It must be said that only females bite; they need blood to ensure fertilized testicles. Their main prey is cattle, but they are also capable of attacking humans. Male individuals are harmless - the nectar of fragrant plants is enough for them. The female makes an incision in the skin of the victim with her fleshy proboscis and jaws and feasts on the blood. At the same time, horsefly saliva penetrates inside, which is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting. At the same time, the insect does not have a suction apparatus; the blood is simply licked off by another part of the proboscis, similar to a sponge. Many people know why a horsefly bite is dangerous: the main danger to humans is that the bloodsucker can be a carrier of a serious disease: tularemia, polio, anthrax.

Important! Despite the fact that the size of the insect is small, the female sucks up to 200 mg of blood at a time.

The greatest activity of bloodsuckers is observed during the daytime. Their attention is especially attracted by the aroma of sweat, humidity and active movements. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution when going swimming in areas where they live.

Where does a female horsefly lay her eggs?

But can a horsefly lay eggs under the skin when bitten? People who ask this question confuse the bloodsucker with the gadfly - it is this insect that can choose as a host for future human larvae. First, a lump appears at the site of the bite, from which mucus or pus is secreted, and after a while larvae begin to crawl out of it. Worms can be removed from under the skin using medication and surgery.

The female horsefly lays her eggs in water, grass near water bodies, or soil saturated with moisture. And an attack on a person is due only to the search for blood, which the insect uses as a source of food for the full development of the offspring.

Gadfly bite: photo

If you have been bitten by a gadfly, this means that there are already or have begun to appear holes in your body through which the insect penetrates into the body. Externally, such bites may look like this:

• A large tumor appears at the site of the bite.
• Severe redness is observed, and the tissues may gradually turn blue.
• A dark dot is visible in the center of the bite, which is the passage through which the insect enters the body.
• Many such bites can appear simultaneously.

Skin damage by larvae looks extremely specific, but if you still have doubts, you can additionally look at what a gadfly bite looks like in the photo.

Signs of parasitism on the skin

You can see what a horsefly bite looks like in the photo. Symptoms in humans are unpleasant, painful, and can occur with varying degrees of intensity. Main symptoms:

• instant redness of the skin;
• burning, severe itching;
• pain at the site of the bite;
• prolonged bleeding;
• puffiness, swelling;
• When pathogenic microorganisms enter the wound, suppuration develops.

The reaction to a bite in children is much stronger; red spots are clearly visible on sensitive skin. An allergy to a bite in sensitive people is manifested by large-scale redness of the skin, an additional rash, severe swelling, and unbearable itching.

After a horsefly bite, it is recommended to wash the wound and disinfect it, but in the field this can rarely be done. For people with strong immunity, the consequences of a horsefly bite are not so terrible, while people with a tendency to allergies have to undergo special treatment. The horsefly bite in the photo is shown below; you can assess the scale of the problem.

Insect bite on human body

General information about horseflies

Horsefly

A simple person who does not have serious knowledge of biology cannot distinguish a gadfly from a horsefly, which belongs to the order Diptera, but knows that the bite of a gadfly can be painful, so he is afraid of such an insect. The horsefly is a blood-sucking parasite. It lives in forest, taiga, forest-steppe zones. In arid areas, the insect can be found mainly near rivers and lakes; in the mountains it spreads to the borders with eternal snow.

Horseflies are popularly called gadflies. Only fertilized females, who need blood for the development of eggs, bite humans and animals. Males are smaller in size and feed on plant nectar. Females have a proboscis in their mouthparts, with which they cut the skin of the victim and inject substances into the wound that prevent blood clotting.

The length of the insect ranges from 6 to 30 mm. The color of the wings is gray, marbled, or it can be variegated. Bloodsuckers fly in good weather without rain or wind. The air temperature should not be lower than +15, but not higher than +32 degrees. Outside these temperature limits, bloodsuckers are inactive.

On a note!

The most common representatives in our country are rainflies, lacewings and horseflies. They show noticeable activity before the rain, but in wet weather you will not see them. Only rainflies can attack humans even during light precipitation.

What you need to know

The overwhelming majority of people cannot accurately distinguish a horsefly (large, often with multi-colored eyes playing with colors) from a gadfly (smaller, less bright), and the assistance that should be provided to the victim depends on this. There are more than 3.5 thousand varieties of large flies that attack humans and mammals.

Most are classified as horseflies (3000 species) and gadflies (50 species). They are quite similar, so at first glance it can be difficult to determine exactly which particular insect this is, even for an experienced biologist.

Subcutaneous botfly - more often causes invasion in humans than other species

Important. The fundamental difference between horseflies and gadflies is that the former feed on blood, while the latter lay eggs under the skin of warm-blooded animals.

Only females always bite. If she manages to lay a clutch, then after a short period of time the larvae begin to hatch under the epidermis.

The duration of the infestation may vary, depending on the type of insect. For humans, the danger is posed by the subcutaneous gadfly (see photo), in this case it lasts about two months - all this time the larvae will parasitize and cause severe discomfort.

Most often, laying does not occur due to noticeable pain at the time of piercing the skin, but in certain cases (deep sleep, intoxication, the inability of a person (for various reasons) to drive away an insect, etc.) the eggs still end up under the skin.

All other types of gadflies are not so dangerous for humans, except in cases where the larvae end up in the eyes, which can cause the development of conjunctivitis and deterioration of the visual analyzer; in special situations, treatment even requires surgical intervention. Most of all, insects bother large warm-blooded animals, but sometimes small rodents also suffer. The larvae infect various organs, and when they accumulate in large numbers in the body, they cause the death of the infected individual.

Possible consequences

The consequences of a bite from a female gadfly depend on the person’s defenses. When a fertilized fly is parasitized, the victim may not immediately understand that there are harmful larvae in his body. To avoid serious consequences, you must definitely see a doctor and find out if there is excess under the skin.

When bitten by a blood-sucking horsefly, the consequences can also be severe. Reactions of the immune system such as Quincke's edema, bronchospasm, anaphylactic shock, without immediate medical assistance, lead to blockage of breathing and death of a person.

In addition, secondary infections easily attach to the inflamed wound, causing suppuration and inflammation.

The gadfly is a dangerous insect: what does a bite feel like for a person?

If a gadfly bites you, it means the insect is at the larval stage; the bite for a person in this case will be felt very strongly, since the process of gnawing your body by a foreign creature occurs, which cannot be ignored or not felt.

The following symptoms may appear:

• Swelling, redness and swelling in the affected area
• Severe itching
• Feeling the physical movement of larvae under the skin
• Acute pain due to torn and chewed tissues
• Cramps and spasms in the affected areas
• Increased blood pressure due to pain and nervous tension
• Increase in body temperature

Bites can additionally cause an allergy, then its symptoms will be added to the symptoms described above.

Human gadfly

Dermatobia hominis, the human botfly, also known as the torso fly or American fly, uses humans to house its larvae. The larva, due to its spines, presents an extremely painful subepidermal condition.

Bodfly larvae are carried by more than 40 species of mosquitoes, the muscoid fly, and one species of tick. The female captures the mosquito and attaches the eggs to its body, then releases it.

The eggs hatch as the mosquito feeds, and the larvae use the bite area as an entry point, or the eggs are simply shed when they land on the skin. The larvae develop inside the subcutaneous layers.

They fall out after about 8 weeks. They develop into an adult insect on the soil. Adults are large flies that resemble bumblebees. They are easy to recognize because they do not have a mouth.

What happens if a gadfly bites

Gadfly bite

If a gadfly has bitten a person, it is impossible not to notice, since a strong burning sensation and pain are immediately felt, redness appears on the skin, and allergic reactions may occur. A photo of a gadfly bite clearly demonstrates the consequences of an insect attack. Blood in a wound does not clot for a long time, so you need to try to get rid of all the insects so as not to be attacked again. Gadflies find their prey with their eyes, which means they can escape from the bloodsucker.

Induration, swelling and redness immediately appear after a gadfly bite. The skin begins to itch and itch. A person with allergies may experience dizziness, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, swelling and severe redness in the bite area. If no complications occur in the form of allergic reactions (insect saliva is an allergen), then all these unpleasant phenomena disappear after a few days.

The gadfly's bite is very itchy. A person scratching the skin around a wound can introduce an additional infection that will require further treatment. But an allergy to a gadfly sting is quite rare. There are practically no cases of poisoning of the human body due to a horsefly bite Photo of a gadfly bite or severe allergic reactions in real life. But sometimes Quincke's edema can even occur.

The gadfly can be dangerous because it is a carrier of diseases such as:

• tularemia;
• anthrax;
• filariasis.

These diseases are transmitted through blood, which the insect can receive from sick people or animals.

Important!

It is difficult to treat such diseases, so when going into nature, you should think about protective equipment in advance. If possible, it is advisable to take the insect to a laboratory, where it will be determined whether it is the causative agent of the infection.

A bite can cause serious illness, so do not delay visiting a doctor.

Prevention

It is better to prevent an insect attack than to treat negative consequences, therefore, when going to nature to relax, you should take precautions. Of course, a single bite of a horsefly or gadfly will not be fatal to a person; an attack by a group of insects can seriously harm health.

Following simple preventive measures will help avoid unpleasant consequences from the invasion of dipterans:

1. Bright clothing and dark colors attract pests. It is better to wear clothes in light colors.
2. Insects are active in warm sunny weather. It is recommended to take this into account when planning your vacation.
3. It is recommended to wear thick clothing with long sleeves and wear trousers instead of shorts, as gadflies are attracted to exposed areas of the body.
4. Insects are especially active in attacking a wet body, so it is recommended to immediately dry yourself with a towel and change into dry underwear when leaving the water.
5. Sit for a picnic away from dense forests, rivers and ponds, since these are the habitats chosen by horse flies and gadflies.
6. If you are planning a vacation with an overnight stay in nature, then the tents should be protected with mosquito nets, which should be checked for holes.
7. Gadflies are repelled by the smell of plants such as chamomile, wormwood, tansy, so you can stock up on plants by placing them near your resting place.
8. Use special protective equipment against bites of gadflies and other pests in nature.

So, the bite of a gadfly or horsefly poses a danger to human health, especially if he is susceptible to an allergic reaction, so it is necessary to take precautions when going into nature. Before planning a family vacation in nature, you should think carefully about everything and stock up on pest repellents, especially if you are planning a vacation with children. Well, if a person does become a victim of dipterans, emergency treatment should be carried out immediately to avoid serious complications.

Signs of infestation with gadfly larva

When the parasite gets into the eye, there is a strong burning sensation, lacrimation, and conjunctivitis quickly develops. If you do not see a doctor, you may lose your vision.

The larvae of the esophagus and subcutaneous gadfly reveal their presence with typical symptoms:

• the place where the larvae penetrate the skin turns red, swells, and in people prone to allergies itches unbearably;
• after 7-14 days, a bluish swelling remains with a focus of suppuration and a small rod in the center;
• general health worsens: temperature rises, weakness, nausea are noted - classic signs of intoxication of the body;
• When the larva gets into the nasal sinuses, pain and swelling appear.

The consequences of parasitism can be dire. The migration routes of the larvae are not fully understood, and once they enter the brain or heart, tissue degradation becomes irreversible.

As a result of the vital activity of subcutaneous, gastric and cavity larvae, parasitic diseases develop - skin, intestinal, and genitourinary myiases. The so-called “wandering larva syndrome” causes hypodermatosis - periodically appearing and disappearing skin seals. And this is not a complete list of health problems that may arise after meeting a gadfly, so medical assistance is necessary in any case.

Bodfly bite. Consequences of a gadfly bite.

How does a horsefly bite manifest itself?

The horsefly is a fairly large insect and it is difficult not to notice its approach. However, most often this is exactly what happens. The person only realizes at the moment of the bite, feeling a sharp pain and burning sensation. The female's trunk is equipped with many razor-sharp stilettos that not only pierce, but cut the skin.

The first symptoms of a horsefly bite develop very quickly. The area around the wound becomes red and swollen before the eyes, and painful itching appears. Chills may occur, and sometimes the victim complains of body aches and dizziness.

An anticoagulant injected by a horsefly when the skin is damaged often triggers an immune response in the body. Children and people prone to allergies are especially predisposed to such a reaction. In recent years, even a single bite is increasingly causing a lot of problems and requiring medical treatment.

If the bloodsucker attacks were multiple in nature, the victim’s well-being noticeably worsens after some time. In this case, symptoms of general intoxication of the body develop:

• headache;
• chills;
• nausea and vomiting;
• increased body temperature;
• loss of consciousness.

Swelling is the main symptom of a bite

It is the swelling that causes the most suffering to the victim. It is always accompanied by redness, soreness and severe itching. In people with thin and delicate skin, and most often these are women and children, the swelling quickly grows to enormous sizes, becomes hot to the touch and acquires a dense consistency.

Swelling after a horsefly bite lasts for several days and often turns into a bruise. Its severity depends on the individual characteristics of the person, the size of the attached insect and the time spent on the body.

In people with a tendency to allergies, swelling takes on pathological forms. It is not limited to the site of the lesion and nearby tissues, but spreads to the entire affected limb.

Treatment of parasitic infection caused by gadfly

An infectious disease specialist is responsible for ridding a person of parasites. A visual examination and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent blood test can confirm or refute infection with a gadfly larva.

If the test is positive, a gastroenterologist, ENT specialist, ophthalmologist and other specialists are involved in treatment, depending on the location of the parasites.

The patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs. Subcutaneous larvae are removed medically or surgically.

Everyone is at risk of infection by the parasitic fly, which is widespread everywhere, but especially those living or staying in areas where livestock farming is developed. Therefore, you should not ignore basic protective measures.

What to do if you are bitten at home?

Unpleasant symptoms and consequences of a gadfly attack on a person are treated symptomatically or go away on their own. To prevent infection from developing, swelling to subside, itching to decrease, you can treat the bite site at home.

If complications develop, you will need the help of a doctor. Surgical intervention is recommended if the wound becomes suppurated, subcutaneous lumps form, or larvae are identified.

First aid

Gadflies are subjected to painful bites in nature, fishing or during agricultural work. Even the use of insect repellent sprays or creams will not protect you. Therefore, you should know a simple algorithm of actions that will minimize the consequences and eliminate severe pain and itching.

1. The bite site must be pressed with any hard object or finger. These actions will relieve pain and burning and prevent intoxication with harmful substances.
2. To prevent the appearance of redness, rash, and swelling, it is necessary to apply something cold to the wound.
3. To disinfect the bite site, wash it generously with running water and soap. Next, the wound is treated with an antiseptic (iodine, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol) and lubricated with antiallergic ointment.
4. To avoid an allergic reaction, be sure to take an antihistamine orally.

In field conditions, the use of soap, antiseptics, and antihistamines is impossible. Therefore, it is proposed to use traditional medicine recipes. To disinfect the wound, squeeze onion juice onto it or make a salt compress (1 teaspoon of salt is diluted in 100 ml of water). Seed and plantain juice are good for relieving swelling and itching. Crushed dandelion leaf helps against inflammation and allergic reactions.

Pain relief

To relieve pain, you can apply cold water to the wound, apply a compress with cooling ointment, and take an analgesic orally. Local anesthesia reduces discomfort. If the tumor grows, it is recommended to use Fenistil or Soventol. These drugs heal the wound, reduce inflammation, and prevent the development of an allergic reaction.

If discomfort is accompanied by chills, nausea, vomiting, it is recommended to drink Nise or Nimesulide. For children, you can use syrup or tablets Ibuprofen, Nurofen.

Relieving swelling, swelling and redness

At home, you can relieve tissue swelling and redness using dandelion or yarrow juice. For a child, hyperemia is treated with a compress of Vishnevsky ointment, Sinaflan or an iodine mesh. Baths with the addition of a decoction of oak, willow, birch or poplar buds are useful.

Until complete recovery, essential oils of lemon balm, cloves, lemon, and pine are applied to the wound several times a day. Severe swelling and rash are removed with anti-inflammatory and regenerating agents (Levomekol, Gistan, Fenistil).

Allergic reaction

If urticaria (an itchy rash) is observed on the skin, shortness of breath appears, swelling spreads to adjacent tissues, and the person has an allergic reaction. First of all, you will need to take a fast-acting antihistamine: Suprastin, Loratadine, Zodak, Tavegil or Diazolin. An alcohol compress is applied to the wound.

Note! In medical practice, several cases of death after a gadfly bite have been recorded. Death occurred due to the development of anaphylactic shock. Therefore, if there is difficulty breathing, loss of coordination and loss of consciousness, the victim must be urgently taken to the hospital.

What ointments should I use?

Local treatment with ointments will help relieve all symptoms of a gadfly bite. For severe allergic edema, glucocorticoid drugs are prescribed: Cortisol, Celiderm, Prednisolone. The pain calms down after applying Advantan, Sinaflan, Baneocin. For children, healing agents are used: Bepanten or Fenistil. Redness, irritation and itching are treated with Psilobalm, Rescuer.

When should you go to the doctor?

Young children, people with insect allergies, and those who have been attacked multiple times will need medical attention. A particularly dangerous condition is when generalized edema begins, hyperemia of the eyelids, lips, and scalp appears. Also, if possible, it is worth taking the gadfly to the laboratory, where they will determine whether it is a carrier of a serious infection. If the result is positive, antibacterial or antiviral therapy should be started immediately.

Complications

Tachycardia, nervousness, excessive anxiety, breathing problems, inability to concentrate are possible symptoms after a gadfly bite.

In such cases, it is necessary to administer antitoxic drugs containing immune serums.

It is also worth using diuretics and glucocorticoid hormones. If necessary, antishock drugs are administered.

A bitten person may be hospitalized for more than a week; vitamin complexes and special diets are prescribed to normalize metabolic processes. They also increase immunity.

Gadfly bite marks

You can recognize a gadfly bite by the characteristic mark that it leaves. This is a small dot, a puncture of the skin. Around it there is almost always redness, slight swelling of the skin, swelling, and severe itching. However, there are cases when swelling does not develop.

Usually, after treatment has been carried out, the mark disappears completely and no scars remain. In any case, you need to visit a doctor who will examine the bite and make a diagnosis. In this case, differential diagnosis can play an important role, which is based on the need to differentiate the signs of different bites that have approximately the same external manifestations. In addition to a visual inspection, additional laboratory and instrumental studies may be required.

Complex therapy is mainly used, which includes both systemic drugs and local ointments and creams against itching, swelling, and inflammation. Apply special creams, ointments, gels, which can be bought ready-made at the pharmacy, or prepared at home yourself, using an available recipe. In order to quickly relieve swelling, diphenhydramine is used (0.025 - 0.05 mg orally). There are also a large number of combination drugs, which include various non-steroidal drugs, such as aspirin.

Skin rashes in the area of ​​the gadfly bite

A characteristic feature of a gadfly bite is redness and swelling. Skin rashes can develop in a person who is prone to dermatological diseases. But this is rarely observed and usually occurs some time after the bite, about 5-10 days. A gadfly bite can provoke an exacerbation of existing skin diseases.

Swelling and redness after a gadfly bite

Redness develops immediately after a gadfly bite. But a tumor can develop after 5-14 days, and this is usually an unfavorable sign. This may indicate that the bite site has become infected and an inflammatory process is developing,[5] or that larvae have entered the body.[6] In both cases, immediate qualified assistance is required. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible. If possible, see an infectious disease specialist, parasitologist or bacteriologist. If there are no such doctors in the clinic, a therapist will be enough, he will give the necessary referral to the necessary specialist. Perhaps a surgeon will help, or a consultation at a specialized infectious diseases hospital will be required.

Itching at the site of the gadfly bite

There is nothing surprising or unnatural about the fact that a gadfly's bite itches. This is a completely natural reaction, since an allergic reaction develops after a bite. A large number of antibodies, histamine, can cause itching and other symptoms that develop mainly locally.

Treatment is to prevent the development of an inflammatory, infectious process and severe allergies. If the bites itch, then first of all, you need to drink an antiallergic drug, and also anoint them with a special anti-itch agent.

The main antiallergic agent is suprastin. It is taken 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. Suprastin has one significant drawback - it can cause drowsiness and a slow reaction. Anti-inflammatory ointments, as well as ointments against itching and allergies, also help well against bites. Steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. The following ointments work well: diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen.

Swelling from a gadfly bite

A botfly bite can cause swelling, and this happens in most cases. Most often, complex treatment is prescribed, which includes both drug treatment and local remedies. The bite site is treated with an antiallergic and anti-inflammatory agent, or a special antiseptic. An excellent addition to standard therapy are compresses, lotions, baths and complex therapeutic baths, and ingestion of stimulating balms.

Bruise from a gadfly bite

Bruising is a fairly rare occurrence. A gadfly bite often causes swelling, redness, pain, and burning. A bruise (hematoma) may be the result of pinching or damage to a small blood vessel, a capillary, in which hemorrhage occurs under the skin. Also, a similar reaction occurs with severe swelling from which the vessel suffers. It is necessary to take measures aimed at eliminating the swelling and removing the hematoma. Usually bruises appear 3-4 days after the bite, not earlier. Baths, compresses, lotions using various medicinal decoctions and infusions help well. You can take immunostimulating agents orally.

Temperature from a gadfly bite

An increase in temperature from a gadfly bite indicates that a systemic reaction is developing in the body, in which the inflammatory and infectious process affects not only the site of the bite. There is a generalization of the reaction throughout the entire body. Complex treatment and mandatory consultation with a specialist are required. The danger also lies in the fact that infection may occur, or the development of a parasitic disease (larvae have gotten under the skin)

Symptoms of bites

It is often difficult for a person to understand which insect bit him - a bee, a wasp or a mosquito. But not in case of a gadfly attack. This insect does not fly away after a bite, but continues to circle over an adult or child, choosing a place for a new attack. Damage caused by a parasitic fly is also very characteristic.

“This is interesting: Many people believe that gadflies and horse flies are the same insect. It's not like that at all. Horseflies attack animals or humans and feed on their blood. An adult gadfly lives off the substances that its body accumulated during the larval stage. It does not have the ability to replenish these reserves, so its lifespan is very short.”

When biting, the gadfly makes a puncture, leaving two small holes in the skin. Saliva enters the wounds, along with which toxic compounds penetrate into the systemic bloodstream. A person can recognize that he has become a victim of a gadfly attack by the following characteristic signs:

• severe pain during a bite;
• instant redness of the skin;
• unbearable skin itching caused by toxins;
• rapid formation of large edema.

If you do not provide first aid to the victim after a gadfly bite, the tumor can greatly increase in size. A harmful insect often injects pathogenic bacteria under the human skin along with saliva. After a few days, an abscess forms at the site of the bite, which gradually enlarges and causes severe pain when pressed.

What can happen immediately after a bite

Toxic compounds, after penetrating the skin, enter the bloodstream and spread to all tissues and organs. Even a person with a very high resistance to allergic and infectious agents experiences symptoms of general intoxication of the body:

• temperature rise above subfebrile values ​​(38.5°C);
• migraine-like headaches;
• dyspeptic disorders - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea due to a sharp rise in temperature.

It is possible to develop a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylactic shock. The site of the gadfly bite is itchy, and a raised papule may appear.

An adult gadfly does not feed on the blood of humans and animals, but bites them to lay eggs under the skin

Signs of an allergic reaction

The greatest danger to human health occurs with the development of a sensitization reaction. In people predisposed to allergies, the likelihood of death increases in the absence of qualified medical care. For what symptoms of a gadfly bite in a person should the victim be quickly taken to the nearest hospital:

• development of extensive swelling, quickly spreading to healthy areas of the skin;
• the occurrence of severe itching against the background of redness of a significant area of ​​the skin;
• a feeling of acute pain that only intensifies over time;
• severe dizziness that does not allow the victim to be in an upright position;
• attacks of vomiting, the intervals between which are only becoming shorter;
• lethargy, apathy, indifference to everything that happens around;
• decreased motor activity, fatigue, weakness.

The severity of the allergic reaction after a gadfly bite can be so strong that the victim involuntarily empties the bladder and (or) intestines.

Treatment

After being bitten by a parasitic fly, the victim should be given first aid. If there is no car with a first aid kit nearby, you will have to do without disinfectant solutions and antispasmodics. If there is free access to pharmacological drugs, recovery can be significantly accelerated.

Recipes from traditional healers

Many folk remedies for gadfly bites are right under your feet. Medicinal herbs have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic properties. This is exactly what is necessary to provide first aid for any insect bites. The most effective ways to prevent infection include the following folk remedies:

• Plantain leaves. The young plant must be crushed to a thick paste and applied to the bite site, and after the product has dried, the procedure should be repeated. Plantain contains biologically active substances that reduce the severity of pain and prevent the development of edema;
• Dandelion leaves. Fresh leaves need to be mashed a little, applied to the bite site and secured with a bandage. Dandelion exhibits antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activity and is able to stop the spread of infection.

You can do without medicinal plants. What to do if you are bitten by a gadfly and there is no medicine at hand:

• dilute a teaspoon of soda in a glass of water, soak a bandage in the solution and apply to the site of the gadfly bite;
• treat the damaged area of ​​skin with sour cream or freshly squeezed tomato juice;
• place ice in a plastic bag, wrap it in a thick cloth and apply to the bite area for 10 minutes.

A compress of grated fresh potatoes effectively eliminates swelling of all layers of the epidermis. You can lubricate the bite site with low-fat sour cream, kefir, and valerian tincture.

“Warning: It is inappropriate and even dangerous to try to squeeze out insect saliva. The fly makes such a thin puncture that at best a small drop of blood will appear from the hole. Strong pressure will only accelerate the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into soft tissues.”

Pharmacological drugs

If an insect attacks a person while hiking or gardening, you need to use disinfectant or antiseptic solutions that are in any first aid kit. How to anoint a gadfly or horsefly bite:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide;
• alcohol solution of chlorhexidine bigluconate;
• brilliant green solution;
• alcohol solution of iodine;
• a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Ethyl alcohol, and even regular vodka without additives, will help prevent the spread of infection and reduce the severity of swelling. The victim should definitely be given a tablet of any antihistamine:

• Suprastin;
• Tavegil;
• Loratadine;
• Cetrin;
• Zyrtec.

To quickly eliminate the symptoms of general intoxication (chills, fever, pain), you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. How to treat a gadfly bite with NSAIDs:

• for adults, take a tablet or capsule of Ibuprofen, Nise, Nimesulide;
• Give the child a teaspoon of syrup or suspension of Ibufen, Nurofen.

If there are no such products in the medicine cabinet, then regular Paracetamol in tablets or syrup will help reduce the temperature and relieve pain.

“Recommendation: If the bite site has festered, is very swollen and red, then you should immediately consult a doctor. He will prescribe drugs with antibacterial activity to destroy pathogenic microorganisms.”

Severe consequences

An attack by a large fly is dangerous not only due to unpleasant sensations, skin damage, allergic reactions, but also terrible diseases. Insects are carriers of many diseases. Animals and humans can become infected with tularemia, filariasis, anthrax, and trypanosomiasis. You can get rid of horse flies using various means and traps.

If, in addition to the symptoms described above, there is a significant deterioration in health, body temperature rises, and the bite site swells, you must seek help from specialists, undergo an examination, and do not self-medicate.

Important!

In most cases, a horsefly bite goes away within a week, and the itching disappears within a few days. What to do if bitten by a horsefly, do not panic. Try to quickly treat the wound with an antiseptic, wipe with any alcohol tincture. Further actions depend on the condition of the skin and the body’s reaction.

How to treat horsefly bites?

For many people, the wounds heal on their own, and the swelling and redness disappear the very next day. That is, most often no special therapy is required. Treatment after horsefly bites is often necessary for children and people with compromised immunity, serious illnesses, and those who suffer from allergies.

But in any case, the bite site and well-being should be closely monitored during the first two days. Are there any unpleasant symptoms? Then you need to understand whether to carry out treatment at home or seek medical help? You need to start from a specific situation:

1. If you suddenly see that the swelling from the bite is increasing and the itching does not go away, then take an antihistamine - for example, suprastin or tavegil. Apply anti-inflammatory ointment to the skin at the site of swelling periodically. You can also apply a compress with dimexide, soda or ammonia to relieve burning and itching.
2. If the swelling quickly increases to a decent size, the skin in this place becomes hot to the touch and very dense, you should not limit yourself to home treatment. Go to the doctor right away.
3. Has the wound started to fester? This is one of the most unpleasant consequences of a bite. Treatment in this case should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. If painful lumps have formed, the wound has become suppurated, or it has gotten under the skin, then surgical intervention cannot be avoided.
4. If you feel weak, dizzy or your body temperature is above 37 degrees, then you should not self-medicate - go to a medical facility.
5. Does your child complain of pain after being bitten by a horsefly? It is necessary to give him a pain reliever (Nurofen, Panadol, etc.) and urgently show him to the pediatrician.

Prevention of infection by gadfly larva

Mosquito nets on windows are an effective way to keep parasites out of your home. When going for a walk, it is recommended to treat your clothes with one of the following preparations:

• Argus: repellent in spray and spiral form. When treating clothing, the protective effect against gadflies, midges, horse flies and other insects lasts up to 20 days;
• “Picnic”: repellent against gadflies and horse flies; when sprayed on the skin, repels insects for 2-3 hours;
• OZZ: creams, lotions and aerosols with a wide spectrum of action.

Chemical products are good for one-time use, on a picnic, fishing or on a hike. In your summer cottage against the gadfly, it is better to use traditional methods:

• the smell of spruce needles, bird cherry, mint, cloves, basil and tomatoes repels parasitic insects;
• the site area is periodically treated with a solution prepared from ammonia, lemon juice and mint mouthwash;
• You can spray an infusion of herbs on your clothes: mint, wormwood or tansy.

Maintaining personal hygiene, especially after visiting stud farms and farms, significantly reduces the risk of becoming the host of a parasitic fly larva.

Parasitic and blood-sucking flies:

• Tsetse fly: photo.
• Photo of horsefly. common pied
• photo of bullfly