You may not notice a swarm of ceratopogonidae, but you certainly notice when they sting you. The bites of these insects leave marks that can be extremely itchy and quite painful; Fortunately, there are ways to manage them and relieve symptoms.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signs
Step 1. Evaluate where you are
Typically, the skin stung by these flies swells immediately, so watch for a bump to see if you have been stung by them.
- The ceratopogonids are usually found in the vicinity of any environment with moist and fertilized soil; Woods, wetlands, agricultural pastures and beaches are the main areas where you can find them, but it's not unusual to see them in private gardens as well.
- If favorable areas are nearby, insects may strike indoors as well.
- Also take the season into consideration. These midges are most active in the months of May and June, when the climate begins to get milder; their presence usually lasts a few weeks before the infestation subsides.
Step 2. Locate the marks on the body
The sting initially appears as a small red dot, but tends to enlarge, reaching a diameter of up to 2.5-5 cm.
- When the insect bites, it injects saliva into the skin and it is this that causes the sign on the epidermis and the allergic reaction.
- The wheals typically last a few days, more or less a couple of weeks.
- The sting is usually very itchy and can become quite painful.
Step 3. Look for more bites on exposed skin
It is normal for these insects to attack multiple times and typically act in large groups, so you may find yourself several signs instead of just one.
- They also don't inject large amounts of anesthetic substance, so you are very likely to feel every sting as soon as you get it.
- The areas of the body most affected are the legs, hands and the nape of the neck, but any exposed skin areas are vulnerable.
Step 4. Know what the ceratopogonidae look like
They are not easy to spot; however, if you can see what stung you, you can see what it looks like.
They are usually no more than 1-2 mm long, they have wings but, considering their extremely small size, they are not visible to the naked eye; at first glance they may seem like fleas
Part 2 of 3: Home Treatments
Step 1. Don't scratch the wheals
One of the most important things to do when a ceratopogonid stings you is to resist the urge to scratch.
- Otherwise, you run the risk of tearing the skin, increasing the chances of an infection developing.
- It pays to trim your nails and keep them clean until the wheal has healed. You may unconsciously scratch yourself and if there are bacteria and dirt under your nails, the lesion quickly becomes infected.
Step 2. Wash your skin with soap and water
As soon as you realize you've been stung, wash the area with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap.
Prompt action reduces the risk of infection and eliminates any invisible traces of insect saliva that remained on the epidermis, managing the irritation accordingly
Step 3. Numb the area
When the stings begin to swell, you can stop the inflammation process by applying a cold pack or ice pack.
- Wet a clean towel with cold water and gently press it on the area for 10 minutes to minimize initial swelling.
- To relieve pain or control major edema, wrap several ice cubes in a clean cloth and place it on the site of the wheal. alternatively, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables. Treat the skin for 10-15 minutes at a time as needed during the first 24 hours.
Step 4. Put very hot water on each puncture
Heat water to about 80 ° C, use a cotton swab and apply it to the sting afterwards.
- This treatment is perfect for itchy but painless lesions.
- Keep in mind that while applying hot water you will experience a stinging sensation for several seconds, which should disappear quickly; at the same time the itching should be reduced.
- Repeat this remedy only once or twice per puncture.
- Never apply very hot water using a tool larger than a cotton swab, otherwise you could burn healthy skin.
Step 5. Try a topical antihistamine or pain reliever
A regular over-the-counter analgesic cream can manage the pain of a ceratopogonide sting, while the antihistamine relieves the itching.
- Always follow the instructions on the leaflet regarding the correct dosage and method of application; typically, you need to smear a thin layer of cream directly on the wheal using your fingers.
- Choose a cream, ointment or ointment for best results; sprays are not as effective.
- Counter-irritant analgesics are most effective for painful wheals; the ingredients of these products trigger a sensation of heat or cold that distracts from the mild pain of the sting.
Step 6. Switch to a cortisone cream
If topical pain relievers and antihistamines aren't effective, try such a product.
- These are slightly stronger creams than antihistamines and act differently; in practice, they block the production of chemicals or prevent the activation of cells that worsen swelling and itching.
- Always follow the instructions on the leaflet carefully and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Step 7. Apply zinc ointment
Buy it at the pharmacy and spread it following the instructions on the package.
- This product is usually indicated for rashes and minor skin irritations.
- Spread a thin layer of it on the sting and cover the area with a plaster to avoid removing the product. if the situation worsens, discontinue use promptly.
Step 8. Treat the lesion with aloe vera gel
It is a natural remedy, as this plant has beneficial properties against pain and itching.
Apply a generous amount to the entire affected area. Large doses of aloe vera gel are considered safe, but as always, you should follow the directions on the package
Step 9. Evaluate oral medications
Topical treatments have the greatest success rate, but in some cases an over-the-counter medicine taken by mouth may be more effective.
- Manage pain and inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- If you have developed a mild or moderate allergic reaction, such as hives, opt for an oral antihistamine to manage the itching and other symptoms.
Part 3 of 3: Possible Complications
Step 1. See your doctor right away if you experience severe symptoms
If you complain of an abnormal allergic reaction, you may need prescription medications.
- In case of significant edema, it may be necessary to take prescription steroids or antihistamines.
- If you suffer from wheezing, difficulty swallowing or edema / itching in areas of the body other than the site of the sting, go to the emergency room; these symptoms should be managed with an intravenous injection of epinephrine or another similar drug.
Step 2. Check the wheals for any signs of infection
This is the main complication of the bites of the ceratopogonidae; if you are concerned that it has developed, you should see your doctor.
- Common signs of infection are: fever, headache and nausea, as well as swollen glands.
- Look for the sting. If it has pus or is excessively painful after a few days of treatment, it is usually infected.
- In this case, oral antibiotic treatment is required; take medicines as directed by your doctor.
Step 3. Watch out for disease symptoms
Although quite rare, these insects can spread disease by sting; the risk is higher if you live in a tropical region.
- Human leishmaniasis is the disease most frequently transmitted by ceratopogonids, even if the probabilities are relatively low; it occurs when the insect transfers a protozoan parasite into the skin through saliva.
- Symptoms can be varied, but rather severe skin ulcers develop after the classic 2-3 weeks in which wheals are present; among other ailments you can notice fever, weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy and anemia. Left untreated, human leishmaniasis is deadly.
Warnings
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Prevention is always the best weapon. To prevent these insects from biting you:
- Don't spend too much time in areas where ceratopogonidae can proliferate;
- Reduce the area of exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, shoes, and a hat when in potentially haunted environments; in addition, light-colored clothes are better than dark ones;
- Apply insect repellent, such as those that contain DEET or plant-extracted substances. notes that repellents are not always effective against ceratopogonidae, however.
