Associated symptoms

In addition to the initial pain of the blackfly bite, there may be swelling and reddening of the bite site as the disease progresses. In most cases, those affected complain of itching, which they give way to with scratching. In some, fortunately rare cases, stronger, allergic symptoms can also occur.

These include hives on the skin near the bite site and also at more distant locations, a severe rash and even breathing difficulties caused by histamine, which is present in small quantities in the saliva of the blackfly. Other toxic substances in this saliva can also set off a cascade in which further hormones and defence cells cause these stronger symptoms up to allergic shock. The sting and blood-sucking of a blackfly can cause swelling around the bite.

This is caused by a local inflammation, which is ignited by toxic substances and the hormone histamine. The mosquito itself makes sure that these substances get into the bite wound by secreting saliva that is mixed with them. The skin areas that are affected set a cascade in motion, which leads to an increased influx of blood and fluid into the tissue.

The resulting swelling contains not only fluid but also defense cells that put an end to the inflammation. Cooling and anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and the like, can help fight the swelling more quickly. The toxic substances and the histamine in the saliva of the blackfly can trigger an allergy.

This can manifest itself through increased irritation with itching and redness as well as a large swelling. In other cases, general malaise and even breathing difficulties may occur. Some patients report headaches, palpitations and even fever.In the worst case, an allergic shock with cardiovascular failure can occur. Fortunately, these phenomena are very rare.

Possible complications

A bruise around the bite site of the blackfly can be caused by anticoagulants in the mosquito saliva. In addition, smaller bruises are often caused by scratching and pressing on the wound. These bruises usually disappear very quickly and heal without consequences.

There are two ways to trigger inflammation of the bite: On the one hand, bacteria are released into the wound by some black flies with the suction process, on the other hand they can enter the wound while scratching, because bacteria naturally occur on the skin of every human being. In the case of blood poisoning as a result of a mosquito bite, patients often complain of headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, severe swelling of the affected body parts and fever. However, this is very rare. In this case, a doctor should be contacted to prevent the infection from spreading further.