Horsefly Bites

[bluemoongirly]

I was bitten by horsefly on sunday evening.
We live near a farm but never had any problems with them before, however i was lay in garden whilst farmer was baling (sp) hay about 30yards away!
Anyway, i have been using anit-histermine cream and tablets, and i noticed this morning that the cream says only use for three days.
So what is the next step? They are really painful/angry/driving me mad itchy! Is it too soon to book an appointment at the doctors?

[Paschaelina]

Not too soon, you can keep taking the antihistamine and get the doc to check it's not infected. After 3 days it should be improving.

My dh had a bite on his ankle that turned nasty and he was unable to walk on it for 3 days, it started off unnoticeable but the reaction got bigger and itchier and angrier, and he ended up with cellulitis where the inflammation is infected. A few days of antibiotics and it was much better.

Get it checked today.

[CoffeeIsMyFriend]

yes do get it checked. I have a bad reaction to horsefly bites.

I have to immediately take a double dose of antihistamine, dab hc40 on it and if no improvement after a day get myself to doctor for antibiotics. In summer I dont go anywhere without antihistamine and ointment, just incase. Honestly, when I am bitten that part of my body looks horrendously swollen in about 30 minutes.

I have a scar on my lower leg from a bite 10 years ago.

You can try lavender oil dabbed on or tea tree but I would stick with going to the Dr.

[bluemoongirly]

Thanks, yes my MIL has had cellulitis from a bite on her leg.
My mother is a bit more of the "get on with it and shut up moaning type" and i often question the need for taking any medical advice incase im being a drama queen, will see how it goes tomorrow.
Thanks

[Paschaelina]

If the site is bigger than a 50p piece, the area is red and hot to touch or hard all around it, get it looked at. These are all warnings of it needing attention.

[bacon]

Really go to the docs - not sure if thats necessary for most people? I live on a farm my bites can last 2-3 weeks, swellings huge, hot and solid. I've always had bad reactions to any fly strike include those pesky house flies - I understand that it shows good immunity.

Best advice is to avoid getting bitten with lashings of DEET. I always spray my legs and arms before going out in warm fly season. Dont bother with an alternative as DEET is the only one. Also in the evenings in the house I have to occassional do a spray.

I know the itching and the rupture but unless your not healthy most people have the immunity to get through it without burdoning the doctor. The creams dont make much difference I just have to put up with it until it subsides.