You are viewing the article How to Treat Blood-sucking Fly Bites at Tnhelearning.edu.vn you can quickly access the necessary information in the table of contents of the article below.
X
This article was co-written by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee is a licensed family physician practicing in Tennessee. She received her MSN from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
There are 12 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 20,496 times.
You may not see it, but bloodsucking flies are always waiting to ruin your summer fun. Blood-sucking flies are tiny flying insects that, when bitten, leave painful, itchy, and possibly painful bumps. [1] X Research Source Fortunately, you can get some relief from the symptoms caused by the bite. Once symptoms have been identified, you can begin treatment at home or seek medical attention. In addition, you can take precautions to avoid being bitten by a bloodsucking fly.
Steps
Treating bites at home
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8e/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-1.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-1.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8e/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-1.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-1. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Wash the bite with soap and warm water. You should always take this step after an insect bite. Soap helps to clean the bite and reduce the risk of infection. It also washes away the insect saliva left on your skin. [2] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e9/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-7.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e9/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-7. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Apply ice or a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling. Wrap ice or cold packs in cloth and hold them against your skin for up to 15 minutes at a time. You can apply cold compresses several times a day for the first two days after being bitten. [3] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/46/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/46/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-2.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. You can buy 1% hydrocortisone cream over-the-counter at a pharmacy. The cream works to reduce itching when applied to the skin. [4] X Research Source Use according to package directions for safety.
- Consult a doctor before using this product on children under 12 years of age and pregnant or nursing women.
- Apply the cream only to the bite, not the surrounding skin. [5] X Research Sources
- Do not use hydrocortisone cream for more than 7 days, unless directed by your doctor. [6] X Research Source
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8a/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-3.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8a/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-3.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-3. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Apply calamine lotion to soothe the itch. You can apply calamine lotion to the bite as an alternative to hydrocortisone cream. Shake the lotion bottle, then pour some on a cotton ball and dab it on the bite. [7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- Remember to use according to the directions on the lotion bottle.
- Consult your doctor before using calamine lotion on children under 12 years of age and pregnant or nursing women.
- You can apply calamine lotion as needed for up to 7 days. If your symptoms do not subside after this time, you should talk to your doctor. [8] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/03/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-4.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/03/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-4.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-4. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Use aloe vera to relieve pain and itching. Aloe vera is a natural remedy that relieves pain and itching caused by insect bites. [9] X Research Source You only need to apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the bite site.
- You can buy aloe vera at most drugstores or online. Make sure the aloe vera product does not contain any other ingredients. For example, you should not use a body lotion that contains aloe, as it will not help relieve the symptoms of a bite.
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/07/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-5.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/07/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-5.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-5. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Take an antihistamine to relieve itching. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a good choice, but you can also choose another medication that doesn’t cause drowsiness. Antihistamines help suppress the body’s response to the bite, thereby helping to relieve itching. However, this drug can also cause drowsiness. [10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- You should talk to your doctor before taking an antihistamine.
- Always use the correct dose according to the directions on the medicine label.
- Do not forget that antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so you should not drive or engage in activities that require high concentration while taking them.
- If you need to take diphenhydramine for longer than 7 days, you should talk to your doctor. You should only take this medicine until your symptoms stop.
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/03/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-6.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/03/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-6.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-6. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. You can take ibuprofen, aspirin, or Motrin to reduce pain and swelling caused by the bite. However, you should use it sparingly and not take it with other drugs. [11] X Research Source
- Use the correct dosage according to the directions on the medicine label.
- Talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to take your NSAID.
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cf/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-8.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cf/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-8. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Do not scratch the bite wound. The bite of a blood-sucking fly will usually break open and start bleeding. Not only is it uncomfortable and painful, it also increases the risk of infection. Moreover, even if you scratch, it won’t help the itch! [12] X Research Source
- Wounds will also take longer to heal if scratched. [13] X Trusted Source University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Go to source
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/82/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-9.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/82/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-9. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Wait about 2 weeks for the bite to heal. Although it takes a long time for the bite to heal completely, you will see the wound getting better day by day. If you don’t see improvement, you should see your doctor for a checkup. [14] X Trusted Source University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Go to source
- If the condition of the bite worsens, you should make an appointment with your doctor promptly to make sure you don’t have an infection and are not allergic. Symptoms to watch for include: increased bite size, increased redness, appearance of pus, pain, and swelling. You may also have a fever and flu-like symptoms, which are signs of an infection. [15] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source
Seek medical attention
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/33/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-10.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/33/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-10. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Go to the emergency room if you have an allergic reaction. Although uncommon, some people have an allergic reaction after being bitten by a blood-sucking fly. This is an emergency and requires prompt medical attention. [16] X Research Source Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: [17] X Research Source
- Shortness of breath
- Tongue swelling
- Hoarse voice
- Loss of consciousness
- Intense itching
- Rash
- A stinging or itchy feeling in the mouth
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/00/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-11.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/00/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-11. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Watch for signs of infection. Unfortunately, the bite can become infected. This condition can be caused by bacteria present in the stinger of the blood-sucking fly. In addition, the skin can tear when you scratch the bite. Symptoms to watch out for include: [18] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to source
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Pus
- Painful
- Swelling
- Red
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/66/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-12.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-12.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/66/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-12. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Complete the course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important that you take all the medicine; otherwise, symptoms may recur. [19] X Research Source
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/93/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-13.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-13.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/93/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-13. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Ask your doctor about prescribing steroids to treat severe itching. In rare cases, your doctor may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation and intense itching. This may be an option if there is no other way to relieve symptoms.
- Steroid medications can be injected or given through a vein.
- Your doctor may also prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone cream. [20] X Research Source
Prevention of blood-sucking flies
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6d/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-14.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-14.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6d/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-14. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Use DEET insecticide to kill blood-sucking flies. These products can protect you outdoors. You can spray insecticides or use products that make your surroundings irritating to insects, such as candles. The best product against blood-sucking flies is DEET, but other products like lemongrass oil also work. [21] X Research Source
- Remember to follow the instructions on the packaging when using these products. Insecticides can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
- Only use insecticides when outdoors. Reapply according to the instructions on the product label.
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/14/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-15.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-15.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/14/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-15. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Wear protective clothing. Prevent insects from approaching to avoid being bitten. Cover exposed areas with long sleeves, pants, shoes, socks, and hats. You can even wear a hat with a tight-fitting mesh so the flies don’t bite your face! [22] X Research Source
- Light-colored clothing repels insects better than dark-colored fabrics.
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4f/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-16.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-16.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4f/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-16.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-16. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Close windows and doors from midsummer to late summer. These nasty insects will invade your home and bite you. Blood-sucking flies are so small that they can get through window screens, so windows need to be closed to keep them out. The most active times for blood-sucking flies are morning and evening, so closing windows and doors during this time is especially important. [23] X Research Sources
- Install nets on windows and doors to keep these insects out.
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/ba/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-17.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-17.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/ba/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-17.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-17. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Use a fan to repel blood-sucking flies. Insects can have trouble flying in areas with fans on. Any type of fan will work, but spinning fans will cover the widest area. [24] X Research Sources
- Use the fan safely! Do not leave the fan near a lake or water bodies, as the fan may fall into the water and pose a risk of electric shock. Make sure the power cord is securely plugged in and not dangerous.
{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/76/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-18.jpg/v4- 728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-18.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/76/ Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-18.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites-Step-18. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Avoid wet soil areas such as around bodies of water during peak season. Blood-sucking flies lay their eggs in moist soil around rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Midsummer to late summer is the most active season for bloodsuckers, so you’ll have to deal with them more during this time. [25] X Research Sources
- When camping during the summer, you should choose a location away from the water.
- Coastal areas can be a major habitat for bloodsuckers, so it’s a good idea to consult local maps before traveling or buying properties in coastal areas.
Warning
- See a doctor if the bite does not improve after a few days.
- Be careful when using insecticides. Always follow the directions on product labels, as they can be harmful if used incorrectly.
- See a doctor if the bite is near the eyes or mouth.
X
This article was co-written by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee is a licensed family physician practicing in Tennessee. She received her MSN from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
There are 12 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 20,496 times.
You may not see it, but bloodsucking flies are always waiting to ruin your summer fun. Blood-sucking flies are tiny flying insects that, when bitten, leave painful, itchy, and possibly painful bumps. [1] X Research Source Fortunately, you can get some relief from the symptoms caused by the bite. Once symptoms have been identified, you can begin treatment at home or seek medical attention. In addition, you can take precautions to avoid being bitten by a bloodsucking fly.
Thank you for reading this post How to Treat Blood-sucking Fly Bites at Tnhelearning.edu.vn You can comment, see more related articles below and hope to help you with interesting information.
Related Search: