Symptoms
Possible symptoms of a horsefly bite include immediate onset of pain, bleeding, itching, and an inflammatory reaction with redness, warmth, and swelling of the skin. Horseflies can transmit pathogens.
Causes
The cause of symptoms is the bite of female horseflies, which are flies and blood-sucking insects. They have a sharp, knife-like mouth tool that they use to open a wound in the skin and feed on the escaping blood for egg production. The peaceful males, on the other hand, are content with nectar and act as pollinators. In addition to humans, diurnal flies more commonly affect animals such as horses, cattle and deer. Horses defend themselves against the parasites with movements of the tail, muscle twitching and head movements.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, bite wound, and patient history. Horseflies can be confused with common flies, which are smaller and less grossly built.
Nonpharmacologic treatment
- Washing out the wound with water
- Treat with a disinfectant
- Cool
- Protect with a plaster
Drug treatment
For local treatment of itching, inflammation and pain, for example, gels, creams and roll-ons are available. Medications used include antihistamines, local anesthetics, glucocorticoids, the acetic-tartaric clay solution, and essential oils. Disinfectants are applied to prevent infection, for example, in the form of a solution or as a spray (see above). Wound-healing agents may possibly accelerate healing. In a more severe course, the use of antihistamines, glucocorticoids and analgesics may be indicated. Very rare anaphylaxis is initially treated with the allergy emergency kit and epinephrine premedication. Patients must receive medical attention because the condition can be life-threatening.
Prevention
- Setting suitable traps.
- Applying repellents such as DEET or citronella oil.
- Wear light-colored, long and possibly impregnated clothing. Brakes are attracted to dark objects.
- Insecticide sprays: Suitable are the usual sprays against flies, for example, with pyrethroids.