Severe reactions to horsefly bites

[Whatthechicken]

I work a lot in my garden, and I'm usually covered up apart from my neck and face, but the horseflies always find me. They seem to be like heat seeking missiles. I had my gloves off repotting the other day and I spotted one on my hand mid-meal. The next day my hand was like a balloon, I couldn't get to the drs but it's going down now thankfully.

I have this same reaction for a few years. Has anyone found any remedies that can help or should it be a Dr job everytime (it happens quite a lot), is there a permanent solution the Dr could offer? I'm in my mid forties, and I've also recently had a severe contact dermatitis reaction to fabric condition - which has never happened before. I'm sure these changes are due to peri, but as they seem to be linked to my immune system going into overdrive maybe I probably shouldn't dismiss. Anyone had similar?

Yep, but I've always had appalling reactions to the bites.

White clothing seems to be less attractive to them. Dark attracts the buggers.

Hydrocortisone cream on the bite and surrounding area, ice packs, antihistamines, ibuprofen and paracetamol required here! Still have marks the size of dinner plates and an inch deep but it helps with the itching, swelling and reduces me scratching. I bruise beautifully with them too...

I feel your pain. Horseflies are bastards.

I take antihistamine tablets if I know I am going to be working outside. I still get bitten but the bites don’t swell up.

I also make sure I get them off me as soon as I feel them biting. They are quite dopey so easy to swat.

Have you tried horsefly traps?

I never knew about white clothing, I'll give that a go. Did the antihistamines, ibuprofen and slept with my hand in iced water - but I was really worried the other night as husband wasn't here and I could see redness creeping up my arm. I seem to have a bit of vertigo since too, which I've read can be lined to the infection.

Yeah they’re gits. Also get particularly bad reaction to these, last one took about 5-6 weeks to fully heal, so you have my sympathies.

Yes, I think I need to start taking antihistamine as a matter of course now. And I agree with the above poster - horseflies are bastards!

Never heard of them...will Google

oooh
https://www.horseflytrap.co.uk/the-h-trap/

I have a large, long garden, but the info on flight paths on the website, may make these viable. I don't like killing stuff usually, but the bastards are putting me off going out in the garden. Thanks @unsync !