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How to reduce pain and erythema after a horse fly bite? Can unwanted reactions occur after a bite? What medications should I take to ease the body’s reaction? The question is answered by the drug. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski.
- The bite of a horse fly is a real problem – it hurts and itches not only the site of the sting, but often also a large part of the body
- What to do in this situation? The doctor explains and pleads: scratching is the worst thing
- More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.
How to relieve pain and swelling from a horse fly bite?
Good morning, I would like some advice regarding the terrible pain after horse fly bite. Yesterday with a group of friends I went to the lake, where you know there are many different types of insects. Horse flies were especially troublesome for us, they were everywhere and there were a lot of them. At one point I felt a bite on my left shoulder which was very painful.
After a while from horse fly bites I felt terrible itching. The pain was still there. After about an hour, a reddening appeared on the arm at the site of the horsefly bite. What can I do to reduce the pain? It covers almost the entire arm. The puffiness also does not go away. I am afraid that if I do not get treatment promptly, there will be some undesirable consequences.
Can I use any ointments, paracetamol or ibuprofen for the pain after a horsefly bite? Should I take any antihistamines? Should I consult a doctor before taking anything? I will be very thankful for the answer.
The doctor indicates what actions are worth taking
Madam, horse fly bites can be very painful. The swelling and pain that develops immediately after being bitten may persist for a long time. It is recommended to use preparations that reduce swelling, such as altacet and topical anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ketoprofen or diclofenac in the form of a gel.
If you have noticed that the swelling continues to increase over time, please contact your GP. In the case of itching, antihistamines, the ones we usually use in the case of symptomatic allergies, can provide relief. If a purulent inflammatory process develops at the site of the bite, bacterial infection, which often develops as a result of scratching the wound following severe itching, should be considered.
In this case, the attending physician may recommend the inclusion of an antibiotic. It is very important to be aware that if you develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, cold sweat, or sudden weakness, you should go to the hospital urgently.
Symptoms may suggest an anaphylactic shock developing as a result of an allergic reaction to horse fly venom. In this case, prompt specialist treatment is necessary, as it is a life-threatening condition. This situation is of course rare, but people allergic to insect venoms should bear this in mind.
Symptoms after a bite usually disappear without treatment after a few or several days. The swelling is reduced and the pain subsides. However, if topical treatments are not successful, you can of course take oral painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Next time, I suggest that you protect yourself from contact with flies or other insects.
The most important thing is appropriate clothing, i.e. one that allows you to cover as much of the skin as possible and possibly chemicals to be used on the skin, which primarily repel mosquitoes or ticks. In case of any doubts, I encourage you to contact your family doctor.
– Lek. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski
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