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With the advent of warmer and sunny days, we are more and more willing to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, rest can interrupt the attack of fluff, the bites of which are not only painful, but can also be dangerous to health. When is it known that you need to see a doctor?
- Female females are responsible for the painful bites caused by blackflies, which, in preparation for reproduction, need nutrients from the blood.
- Fluff bites are not only painful but also dangerous. Not only superinfected wounds after scratching the skin or skin eruptions are dangerous to health, but most of all harara, which can lead to pulmonary edema
- If, as the days pass, the discomfort after the bite, instead of weakening, worsens, you need to see a doctor who will prescribe an antibiotic for local or, in some cases, general use.
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
The flies attack in swarms
Even though they are small and inconspicuous, the naps are extremely bothersome. Their hatching began in May and will last until the end of the summer holidays, which is certainly not good news for people who want to relax in the bosom of nature near the water. Last year, due to the infestation of fluff, incl. in Włocławek and Toruń, special, multi-hectare spraying was carried out to prevent the multiplication of these insects. This year, reports of flocks of fluff that fall into the mouth, nose and eyes and bite the body severely have already started to flow in from the province. Lublin.
Male naps do not pose a threat to humans, as they feed on the nectar of flowers. The blood of animals and humans is an indispensable component of the diet of females, which obtain nutrients necessary during the reproductive season. Each female dove in clean and shallow water reservoirs lays between 200 and 500 eggs, of which, after 2 to 3 weeks, the larvae hatch, which then undergo pupation, which takes place after another 6 to 8 weeks. The allies of the nap are mild winters. They are followed by their large brood, which is additionally favored by high air humidity.
Although the naps are not poisonous, their saliva contains toxins that are dangerous for humans
Although there are several dozen species of fluff in Poland, the most unpleasant people are bolimuses, whose mouthparts are equipped with mandibles and jaws that make it easier for them to cut the skin and get into the blood. It is true that the fluff does not let the venom under the skin, but their saliva is toxic, which is irritating to the skin and may lead to a toxic, allergic or toxic-allergic reaction.
Therefore, allergy sufferers are particularly susceptible to fluff bites – swelling after them may persist for many days, and may be accompanied by severe allergic reactions, and even fever.
– You can test specific IgE for blackfly or mosquito venom to see if you are allergic. However, it must be said straightforwardly that it does not bring much. In case of allergy to wasp or bee venom, specific treatment follows. In the case of flies or mosquitoes – no. (After a bite) There may even be a lumpy reaction, i.e. a hard and painful inflammatory infiltrate, as well as a serous bladder at the site of the bite – explained Katarzyna Jóśko from the Damian Medical Center in an interview with the WP abcZdrowie portal.
Fluff bites can be especially dangerous for allergy sufferers
Importantly, fluff bites can lead not only to itchy skin and eruptions, but also harary, i.e. poisoning the body with the already mentioned saliva toxins. Harara is rare, but it should not be underestimated as it can lead to fatal pulmonary edema.
– If the lumpy reaction is severe, then it is worth visiting a doctor who will prescribe topical steroids for three to five days. Fluff bites pose a risk when we scratch the skin or serous blisters at the site of the bite. It can be dangerous, so then it is important to observe if the swelling or itching does not increase – said Katarzyna Jósko.
It is worth remembering that if the symptoms persist, but get worse day by day, do not delay, but go to a doctor who can prescribe an antibiotic. Most often, drugs of this type are applied topically, but sometimes even general administration is needed.
For home treatment, you can use a reliever, such as MUGGA soothing lotion for bites and burns.
If the symptoms of bed bites worsen, you need to seek the help of a doctor and medications
Prof. Ewa Czarnobilska, head of the Center for Clinical and Environmental Allergology at the University Hospital in Krakow, admits that this is not all. The expert emphasizes not to underestimate the bites of the fluff, because a quick reaction can save us a lot of suffering. Unfortunately, people with excessive reactivity to insect venom will probably have to come to the doctor’s office, even for a prescription.
Although scratching wounds seems to be a natural reaction to itchy skin, it can lead to the above-mentioned superinfections, and the resulting wounds will take a long time to heal. If the wound has already arisen, it should be decontaminated immediately, as she said in more detail in an interview with the portal “WP abcZdrowie”, prof. Ewa Czarnobilska, head of the Center for Clinical and Environmental Allergology at the University Hospital in Krakow:
Black flies and other insects carry various pathogens, including bacteria. I always make my patients aware that they should first of all decontaminate the bite site – even with salicylic alcohol, and then apply an over-the-counter antipruritic ointment. Sometimes it is even enough to apply the skin to the skin so that it does not develop a reactive inflammation.
However, taking medications or disinfecting wounds will be unnecessary if we protect ourselves against fluff before going out to nature. For this purpose, we should dress appropriately and cover our ankles, neck and hands. It is also not worth forgetting about repellants that scare these insects away. Try the Mustico mosquito and fluff repellent armband and the MUGGA Spray 50%. DEET. At Medonet Market you can also buy a handy set for ticks, mosquitoes and flies (insect spray + preparation for removing ticks + free).
If we have not been able to avoid an attack of fluff, after returning home, wash the skin as soon as possible under running, cool water and, if necessary, apply a vinegar compress or a cool compress.
Fluff bites are painful and can be dangerous, it should be remembered that these insects play an important role in the environment, because they feed on dead plant and animal remains in the waters. Additionally, larvae and pupae are very sensitive to changes in the chemical composition of water, and their presence alerts ecologists that there is an excess of nitrates and phosphates in the water.