Horse fly bite - any advice?

[rosebud5678]

I'm on holiday in France at the moment, and got bitten yesterday. It's almost certainly a horse fly as I've googled pictures. Also it REALLY hurt when it happened (apparently they have actual jaws!)
I have bought some hydrocortisone cream which should hopefully help, but it would be good to hear about any other tips/how long it will be this insanely itchy for etc. Family are not that sympathetic!

Longer than seems reasonable.

I got soundly bitten while on holiday in Italy. Despite copious hydrocortisone and antihistamine I was still sporting big wheals up my legs at the end of the fortnight. Ruined my attempt at stylish holiday dressing.

I live in France and these bitey monsters are universally feared. They have jaws that can saw through clothing to get to bite flesh. You definitely need antihistamines, and it is worth asking at the local pharmacie for their recommendation, also if they can suggest a more suitable cream. I find holding wrapped ice cubes on the bite helps. I find the bites are troubling for about a week, gradually decreasing, but can be longer in more susceptible people. Bon courage!

Take Piriton as you can take it throughout the day, uses antihistamine cream plus hydrocortisone cream ( not at the same time) ice cools it down too.

Thanks everyone - I have found that by far the most effective and soothing treatment is ice. It's still pretty itchy but looking smaller now.