Swelling, swelling and redness from a gadfly bite: symptoms, what to do, how to treat

Summer has come. The sun is shining, it is hot. Nature beckons with its beauty and serenity. Everything would be fine, but the summer charm can be easily spoiled by various minor troubles and injuries. For example, a horsefly bite can entail a number of consequences and complications. To avoid serious problems, you need to know how dangerous a horsefly can be and how to provide emergency assistance to a person.

Why is a horsefly bite dangerous?

First of all, the bite of any insect is dangerous because it can provoke an allergic reaction of varying severity. Everything depends on how sensitized the body was earlier, what its sensitivity and reactivity are. The greatest danger is that a person can develop anaphylactic shock, which is accompanied by loss of consciousness, a drop in pulse, and a decrease in blood pressure. A person can even fall into a comatose state or die. But this is an extreme degree of allergic reaction.

Quincke's edema may also develop - a progressive edema that closes the airways and may end in death from suffocation. Cerebral edema may also occur, with subsequent development of cardiac, renal and hepatic failure. These were the most dangerous consequences. But such consequences as urticaria, edema, irritation are also considered as complications.

Do horseflies lay eggs when they bite?

When biting, horseflies do not lay eggs. But their bite can be dangerous for other reasons - when biting, they inject a certain amount of poison, which includes enzymes. They have a toxic effect on the body, can cause intoxication, an allergic reaction, and trigger autoimmune aggression. These processes can be accompanied by a general decrease in resistance, endurance of the body, a violation of the immune system, and hormonal background. The danger also lies in metabolic disorders, which can be accompanied by an increase in body temperature, intoxication, and chills.

Can you die from a horsefly bite?

The bite can be fatal, as it is accompanied by the release of a large amount of histamine, which develops and maintains an allergic reaction. This is especially dangerous for those people who suffer from increased sensitivity, prone to allergic reactions. Particular risk occurs in people with a tendency to hypersensitivity reactions, which occur according to the immediate type. Cases of infection of the wound surface, which develop if a person does not receive timely assistance, are also dangerous. Also, the danger and likelihood of a fatal outcome increases in pregnant women and newborn children, in people with immunodeficiencies, as well as in old and elderly age.

How long does it take for a horsefly bite to go away?

Everything depends on the body's endurance, its resistance to unfavorable infectious agents and toxins. The immune system's indicators are also important, as the outcome of any disease depends on them. In a normal state of the immune system, the body reacts to the state of the immune system for no more than a week.

[ 1 ]

Symptoms gadfly bite

With multiple bites, or against the background of a weakened immune system, increased sensitivity of the body to infectious agents and toxins, weakness, headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting develop, and body temperature may rise significantly.

If a person has an increased sensitivity to the poison, urticaria, rapid heartbeat, and breathing develop. Accompanying pain in the lower back and joints may appear. Later, convulsions join in, the condition may worsen to the point of loss of consciousness. An attack of suffocation and bronchial asthma may also develop. Anaphylactic shock often develops, which ends in a comatose state or death if the necessary measures are not taken.

What does a horsefly bite look like on the body?

It looks like a redness, a bite that resembles a wasp bite. The inflamed and swollen area takes the form of a small hematoma, which is white in the center and rises above the surface of the skin, and is surrounded by a red border at the edges.

At first, there is a sharp pain at the site of the bite. Then, redness and severe swelling develop quite quickly. This is due to the action of the poison that the horsefly injects into the body during the bite. At the site of the bite, a burning sensation, redness, swelling, and an increase in local temperature develop in a relatively short time.

A strong horsefly bite is accompanied by signs of a strong allergic reaction and intoxication. Not only a local reaction in the form of redness and hyperemia develops, but also a systemic reaction, expressed in an increase in local temperature, signs of poisoning. A person begins to have a headache, shortness of breath, dizziness. The condition can progress if appropriate measures are not taken.

Horsefly bite in the eye

Quite dangerous, since the allergic reaction develops very quickly. It is known that the closer the bite site is to the brain, the faster the intoxication reaction develops, and the less favorable the outcome. It is worth noting that the eye becomes swollen. The swelling spreads to both the upper and lower eyelids. They swell and seem to cover the eye. The eye itself is not visible, but if you open the eyelids, you can notice severe redness of the eye. Hemorrhage in the eye may develop.

The danger is that the blood vessels that feed the eye swell. They may rupture. Accordingly, the blood supply to the eye decreases, its innervation is disrupted, as a result of which inflammation (conjunctivitis, blepharitis) may develop. Multiple inflammatory processes and edemas often develop. Several eye diseases may be combined at the same time. In this case, due to impaired trophism, the outflow of metabolites from the eye is disrupted, and oxygen deficiency develops. Accordingly, the functional state of the eye may be disrupted, which entails partial or complete blindness.

[ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Reaction to a horsefly bite

It develops as an allergic reaction and is caused by the entry of an enzyme (poison) into the body, which acts as a powerful allergen and triggers a cascade of allergic reactions in the body.

Accordingly, the immune system is activated, the synthesis of histamine and other inflammation factors increases. All this contributes to the fact that the level of antibodies in the body increases. They, in turn, trigger mechanisms aimed at normalizing the condition. This can be a normal reaction, which is accompanied by an inflammatory process, reddening of the bite site. Gradually, the poison is neutralized, processed by antibodies, leukocytes, and other factors of the body's immune defense, which enter the bite site. Gradually, the poison is neutralized and eliminated from the body.

If the allergic reaction is insufficient, the poison is not neutralized and removed from the body. Accordingly, the condition worsens, the poison spreads throughout the body, resulting in a strong intoxication reaction, which is accompanied by fever, chills, headache. The composition and functions of the blood are disrupted.

There is a third option, in which the body is already in a state of increased immunization, sensitization, and exhibits an excessive reaction to the allergen. Accordingly, the immune system exhibits increased reactivity, synthesizes too many factors of immune defense. Accordingly, an autoimmune reaction develops, the essence of which is the increased aggressiveness of antibodies, and this aggression is directed against the structures of the body itself.

Swelling from a horsefly bite

Actually, a tumor in the classical sense of the word does not develop. In order to clarify the situation, we should first clarify the meaning of the term "tumor". Thus, this phenomenon implies the transformation of the body's cells, in which they begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably, and lose the ability to die. Accordingly, the tissue that contains such cells grows and increases in size infinitely.

A horsefly bite cannot provoke such uncontrolled cell growth, since such a phenomenon requires the impact of the cell's genetic apparatus. And the horsefly simply launches enzymes into the body with its bite, which interact with the components of the blood and other biological fluids. In this case, only a minor change in the biochemical properties of the body occurs. However, they are reversible. What can be mistaken for a tumor is nothing more than swelling of soft tissues at the site of the bite, or a hematoma formed by a bruise or accumulation of exudate. There may also be the formation of pus if an infection gets into the wound.

Allergy to horsefly bite

Allergies can manifest themselves in different ways – from the simplest allergic reactions, such as urticaria, to anaphylactic shock. Allergies develop in response to an allergen entering the body (during a bite, along with poison). In this case, a reaction develops according to one of two types – immediate type or delayed type.

In the development of an immediate reaction - RSH NT, the reaction develops quite quickly - from several minutes to 1-1.5 hours. It manifests itself severely. This is mainly edema, rapidly progressing, such as Quincke's edema, urticaria, anaphylactic shock. If timely assistance is not provided, it can end in death.

Delayed-type reaction - RSH ST develops some time after the bite, usually at least 2-3 hours after the poison enters the body. In this case, such a reaction as irritation, redness, swelling, urticaria occurs. It can be accompanied by burning, itching, systemic manifestations (fever, chills, nausea, drowsiness, headache and dizziness). The pathogenesis is based on the release of histamine and other inflammatory factors. Accordingly, when bitten, you need to drink antihistamines (antiallergic) drugs as soon as possible. The faster assistance is provided, the more favorable the outcome and the easier the reaction. An allergic reaction and response to a bite develops even in a healthy person. But for a person with allergies, bronchial asthma, increased sensitization of the body, without timely assistance, such a bite can be fatal.

[ 5 ]

Swelling from a horsefly bite

Edema is a normal reaction to an antigen entering the body. Edema is one of the types of allergic reaction. The essence of this phenomenon is that a large amount of histamine, other inflammation factors, leukocytes, immune system cells, basophils are attracted to the bite site.

The process is accompanied by purulent exudate if there is an intensive death of these elements, as well as with excessive accumulation of fluid. You can get rid of swelling by applying various compresses and cold to the bite site. The most effective are compresses based on herbal decoctions, which have an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Horsefly bite itches

The bite site will itch – this is a normal reaction. This continues for several days – usually from 1 to 5 days. This is the body’s reaction to the action of an allergen, a toxin that enters the body during a bite. In order to eliminate itching, antiallergic agents alone are usually not enough. Ointments prepared on the basis of plant components and substances of animal origin have proven themselves well.

Horsefly bite on a child

The manifestations of a bite in a child are no different from the manifestations of bites in adults. The exception is the time of reaction development - usually in children the reaction develops much faster - after 5-15 minutes severe swelling, urticaria, and even anaphylactic shock can develop. It is also worth noting that the course of the reaction in children is more severe and sharp, compared to the reaction in an adult. However, often all the manifestations and consequences of a bite in a child disappear much faster. On average, the reaction lasts from 2 to 3 days. Antiallergic drugs usually help to quickly get rid of the unpleasant consequences.

[ 9 ]

Horsefly bite during pregnancy

Bites should be avoided during pregnancy, since at this time the body is most sensitive, increased sensitization of the body is manifested. At this time the body is most exposed to stress, experiencing an already stressful state. In addition, not only the mother, but also the child (not yet born) is exposed to danger. It should be taken into account that the sensitization of the body is increased during pregnancy, there is already a high level of histamine, antibodies, basophils. With a bite, these indicators increase many times, which can lead to a severe reaction, up to anaphylactic shock.

[ 10 ]

Complications and consequences

The main consequence is swelling, allergy, a constantly progressing condition. A characteristic feature is that the bite is often accompanied by an excessive reaction, which ends in an attack of suffocation, progressive swelling, asthma attack, anaphylactic shock. In pregnant women, it can end in intrauterine death of the fetus, premature birth, or miscarriage. As for asthmatics, allergy sufferers, they may even have a comatose state, death. A bite can also end in death for newborns and infants. The possibility of infection of the bite, which develops a strong inflammatory and infectious process, is also dangerous. The most dangerous are blood poisoning (sepsis), bacteremia (high level of bacteria in the body, including the penetration of infection into the blood). Infection can end in death, especially if gram-negative microorganisms enter the body.

Tetanus and gas gangrene may develop, which end in tissue necrosis (death), as well as the need to excise the affected tissues and amputate the limbs. The danger also lies in the disruption of metabolism, the development of autoimmune reactions, in which the body exhibits the maximum possible reaction aimed at destroying its own cells (they are perceived by the body as genetically foreign agents).

Wound and bruise from a horsefly bite

After the bite, there is a wound that needs to be treated and disinfected as quickly as possible. First of all, you need to wash it with a sufficient amount of hydrogen peroxide, treat it with alcohol. After that, apply a clean dry bandage so that the wound is closed and does not get infected. You can treat the skin around the wound with iodine or brilliant green, or sprinkle with streptocide, which will prevent the development of infection. Restorative and wound-healing ointments, which can be prepared at home, have also proven themselves quite well. They are recommended to be applied directly to the wound after the main damaged area has healed, that is, after the formation of the slightest crust. Ointments help to quickly restore the condition of the skin, regenerate it.

It may occur if a vessel (microvessel) is damaged and a subcutaneous hemorrhage occurs. This can happen for two reasons - the horsefly damaged the vessel directly at the moment of the bite, or the bruise appeared in response to damage and compression of the vessel by inflamed and swollen tissue.

In this case, it is necessary to apply a compress and cold, which will allow you to quickly get rid of the bruise.

[ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Lump and blisters from a horsefly bite

It is a compaction of soft tissues that developed in response to the penetration of poison into the body. Often it is a compaction that includes exudate of various nature. This can be lymph, particles of dried blood, pus. The most dangerous is purulent exudate, since it can subsequently cause a severe purulent-inflammatory process. In order to eliminate the lump as quickly as possible, it is recommended to apply various anti-inflammatory ointments to the surface.

Often they are the body's reaction to the penetration of a toxin. Blisters can be both dry and wet. Dry blisters are formed by skin intussusceptions and are not filled with liquid. While wet blisters contain various exudates inside. This can be tissue fluid, lymph, blood residue, pus. You can quickly get rid of blisters with the help of medicinal baths, in which the affected areas are placed. The temperature of the bath should be comfortable, warm. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes. It is also recommended to add various herbal decoctions to the baths, which have the main therapeutic effect.

Temperature after a horsefly bite

It can increase with the development of an inflammatory and infectious reaction, allergy, intoxication. As a rule, it develops on the 2-3 day after the bite, when the pathological process reaches its peak. In some people with a pronounced tendency to allergization of the body, it can develop already on the first day, and even within a few hours after the bite.

As a rule, the temperature does not exceed 37.5, which indicates that the body is fighting a toxin, infection and inflammation, and also indicates the course of regeneration processes. An increase in temperature above these indicators may indicate that the body cannot cope with the load, and urgent help is required. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Also, in order to temporarily reduce the temperature and alleviate the condition, you can use some traditional medicine recipes, homeopathic remedies.

The horsefly bite hurts

Pain rarely develops. In most cases, the bite is accompanied by a strong burning sensation, itching, irritation and redness of the bite site. Pain may appear when pressing on the bite area. However, pain can be quite pronounced when complications develop, for example, when an infection gets in and an inflammatory process develops. Pain should be a warning sign, since any pain is a signal in response to the fact that something is wrong in the body and treatment is required. You need to see a doctor, self-medication is not recommended.

Inflammation of a horsefly bite

Most often, the inflammatory process develops if an infection penetrates the body, or if stagnant reactions develop over a long period of time. To eliminate inflammation, you need to see a doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment. You can use folk remedies that will help quickly get rid of inflammation. But before using them, you should definitely consult a doctor.

A lump formed after a horsefly bite

It is impossible to say for sure what exactly caused the development of the seals. For this, you need to undergo an examination. Perhaps an X-ray will be required, which will show the cause of the seal. This may be a congestion, an inflammatory process, or an accumulation of exudate, pus. To eliminate the seals, you need to try an ointment. It can be applied directly to the affected area, or under a compress.

Horsefly bite mark

It may remain if there is a tendency to allergic reactions, if the inflammation is severe, and also if the person has a low degree of regeneration and reparative processes. Any trace (scar) can be easily eliminated if you use products aimed at skin restoration. Non-traditional methods have proven themselves well.

What to do if a horsefly bite does not go away?

First, you need to see a doctor immediately and not delay diagnosis. This is the main condition for successful treatment of any pathology. Self-medication can be dangerous. A bite does not go away for a long time if a person has reduced immunity, hormonal and immune failures, frequent colds and inflammatory reactions. This occurs against the background of increased sensitization of the body, reduced reactivity, insufficient resistance and resistance to infectious agents.

Diagnostics gadfly bite

The essence of diagnostics is to identify the deviations that appeared against the background of the bite. It is possible to help get rid of undesirable consequences only if you know the exact cause of the pathology. Therefore, an important element of diagnostics is to determine the cause of the pathology. In this case, classical research methods are used (examination, questioning, auscultation, percussion, palpation).

[ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Differential diagnosis

The essence of differential diagnostics is to distinguish the signs of a bite of one insect from another. The correctness of further treatment and its effectiveness depend on the correctness of the insect species determination. It is also important to determine what changes have occurred in the body, what are the main pathological processes occurring in it. Various diagnostic methods and means are used.

Some laboratory and instrumental research methods may also be required. Of the laboratory methods, blood, urine, and feces tests are most often prescribed. Less frequently, bacteriological cultures, scrapings, and dysbacteriosis tests may be required. If infection is suspected, virological, bacteriological, and parasitological research may be performed. Instrumental methods include X-rays and ultrasound examinations.

[ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ]

Treatment gadfly bite

Treatment consists of preventing the development of an inflammatory, infectious process and severe allergy. It is important to provide first aid in a timely manner - you need to remove the sting as quickly as possible. After that, cold is applied to the affected area. Then the affected area must be treated with various ointments for quite a long time. Prednisolone and levomycetin ointments have proven themselves to be the best. You can use various folk and homeopathic remedies.

It is necessary to take antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The patient should be provided with plenty of fluids. It is also recommended to take amidopyrine orally (0.25 mg per day). Analgin (0.5 grams) has also proven itself well. It has an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic effect. In addition, analgin thins the blood, which prevents the formation of blood clots, exudate, congestion.

To quickly relieve swelling, diphenhydramine (0.025 - 0.05 mg orally) is used. It is also recommended to make injections - 2 ml of 0.5% novocaine solution and 0.1% adrenaline solution at the bite site. If anaphylactic shock occurs, emergency treatment is required. In severe cases, intravenous calcium chloride infusions (10 ml of 10% solution) are prescribed. Prednisolone and hydrocortisone are also prescribed orally. Forced diuresis is also required.

The greatest danger is a sting in the mouth. This happens when eating fruits, vegetables, jam, or when an insect gets into the mouth with food. In this case, death occurs very quickly, and the cause is not intoxication, but laryngeal edema and suffocation. In this case, an urgent tracheotomy is required.

Prevention

How to protect yourself from horsefly and gadfly bites? The main thing you need to do to ensure reliable protection from an insect bite is to make sure that there is nothing nearby that could attract them. In order to prevent a horsefly bite, you need to keep sweets, jam, and compotes away. It is better not to eat anything outside. It is also important not to be in places where there are a lot of insects, where flowers are blooming. Meadows and thickets, where you can stumble upon an insect nest, are dangerous. You also need to use special protective equipment that can be purchased at a pharmacy.

[ 22 ], [ 23 ]