Midge bite: treatment, relieving edema, parasite protection, infection prevention

midge bite treatment swelling removal
Midge bite removal edema treatment

Hello! My nephew was visiting me recently. I didn’t really like to sit at home. Now goes fishing, then just walk through the woods.

Usually there were no incidents. But one of the fishing trips ended with the fact that his nephew was bitten by midges.

His hands and neck swelled. Everything looked pretty unpleasant. But I have already encountered such problems in my life more than once. Operational assistance to the youth was provided. Want to know how to treat a swelling after a midge bite? I’ll tell you about an effective way.

How to relieve swelling after a midge bite by home and pharmacy

The cause of itching and swelling after a bite is an allergic reaction that occurs in response to an antigen found in the saliva of an insect. Knowledge of the pathogenesis is important for the selection of therapy.

The summer season is associated not only with relaxation and pleasant moments associated with it. This period is overshadowed by the activation of insects, the bite of which often causes serious discomfort - itching, swelling and soreness.

The mechanism of development of edema

The pathogenesis of this condition is based on an allergic reaction of an immediate type. In the saliva of midges there are allergens that, when ingested, bind to antibodies - IgE.

Important!
Such complexes are fixed on specialized cells (mast) and cause their destruction. As a result, biologically active substances - allergy mediators are released. They take part in the development of the main symptoms.

Edema is associated with the action of these substances on the vascular wall - its permeability increases, after which there is a plasma outflow into the focus and edema is formed. Thus, allergy manifestations can be treated with drugs that affect mediators.

The peak of midge activity occurs in the morning and afternoon hours, in the evening they tend to sleep. Knowing the life features of these insects will help to properly organize rest and reduce the risk of bites.

Fishes usually live near water bodies, therefore, if leisure activities are planned in the coastal area, it is worth taking care of protective equipment - repellents. Their greatest concentration is observed in areas where tall herbs grow - midges live on stems.

Bite feature

The saliva of these insects has an anesthetic effect, so the bite most often goes unnoticed. The substances contained in it inhibit the transmission of a nerve impulse to the brain due to effects on receptors and sensitive fibers.

A person notices a bite only after starting an allergic process. The main manifestations are associated with the action of mediators of allergy to special receptors.

Itching and slight swelling are more common, but more severe symptoms are possible.

Treatment

Tactics depend on the severity of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. If only local manifestations are worried, that is, only at the site of a midge bite, you can get by with medical and folk methods.

In some cases, systemic manifestations may occur, including respiratory failure, increased blood pressure, generalized edema and tachycardia. After such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, otherwise dangerous complications may arise.

General rules

What should be done after a bite? It is better to leave the affected area alone - you can not often touch it and even more comb it. This can lead to an increase in all symptoms, as well as infection of the wound. In addition, you should not use cosmetics at the time of allergy, there is a risk of an additional reaction to their components.

Advice!
The skin must be washed and treated with an antiseptic - for this you can use alcohol or iodine (if the bite is not localized in the eye area). Something cold can be applied to the affected area.

This will help relieve swelling and reduce pain, but you should follow some rules. You should not keep a cold compress for too long, this can lead to hypothermia and tissue damage.

You should also wrap the ice pack with a cloth for the same reason. If local symptoms do not go away for a long time, you should consult a specialist who will prescribe systemic drugs.

Drug therapy

As a rule, drugs aimed at removing the main manifestations of allergies are applied topically - in the form of ointments or gels. With multiple bites, the use of systemic antihistamines is allowed.

  • Local antihistamines (Fenistil-gel). They will help eliminate the main symptoms of allergies - itching, swelling and soreness.
  • Systemic antihistamines. It is better to choose drugs of 2 generations (Loratadin, Citerizin). They, unlike their predecessors, are deprived of a sedative effect and are better tolerated by patients.
  • Glucocorticosteroids (hydrocortisone ointment). Hormonal drugs of this group have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Applications should be done with severe swelling.
  • Antimicrobial ointments (Levomekol). The use of such funds is recommended in the presence of wounds (after scratching). The ointment will prevent infection, and also accelerate the healing process.

Hormonal drugs should not be used alone, especially if long-term treatment is required. It is better to consult with a specialist. In addition, such ointments can not be applied to wounds - it is recommended to treat only the area around the bite.

The reaction to a midge bite in children can manifest itself much more intensively than in adults. This requires more serious drug therapy, therefore, with significant swelling and soreness, a pediatrician consultation is required. The doctor will prescribe safe drugs, taking into account children's characteristics. It is not worth treating a child yourself.

With a systemic allergic reaction to a bite, accompanied by severe, and sometimes life-threatening manifestations, therapy is carried out in a hospital. Parenteral administration of antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids may be required.

Folk methods

A good effect with minor local manifestations gives a solution containing soda and salt. Components of ½ teaspoon are dissolved in a glass of water and wipe the bite. Such a tool helps to combat puffiness and itching. Compresses are recommended to be done several times a day.

The boric acid solution additionally has an antiseptic effect. Apply it in the form of applications.

Attention!
Vinegar helps to relieve swelling, it is used in the form of lotions.A 6% solution is mixed with the same amount of water - the duration of the application should not exceed 40 minutes. If there is a pronounced burning sensation, the procedure should be discontinued. You can not do such a lotion in the presence of scratches.

The use of decoctions of medicinal plants is allowed, they can relieve itching and swelling. Effective are oak bark, mint and St. John's wort. You can use these plants separately, but it is better to use the mixture. The collection is poured with boiling water and insisted for 15-20 minutes, after which the applications are made.

Before applying traditional methods, you should make sure that there is no allergy to any component. You should not treat in such ways with severe manifestations, since in this case you can not do without medications.

Compresses that irritate the conjunctiva should not be done in the eye area. With such a localization of the bite, it is better to completely abandon folk methods.

Prevention

Better to prevent a bite than to combat the manifestations of an allergic reaction. What to do? Trading companies offer a huge selection of remedies that repel insects.

Before using them, you must carefully read the instructions. Protective agents in the form of aerosols and gels are common. It should be noted that some of them can be applied only to clothing.

The degree of manifestation of a midge bite can be different. Timely proper help will help remove signs of an allergic reaction, relieve swelling and eliminate itching. Knowledge about the manifestations of allergies after a bite and methods of treatment will be useful to any person - this will reduce the likelihood of complications.

Midge bite: how to treat and how to relieve swelling at home

Moths, like mosquitoes, belong to the species of dipterans. In the world now there are about 1800 species of midges. Only females bite, they need it for reproduction. The life cycle of midges is relatively small, only 1 month.

A midge bite, unlike their closest relatives, is more dangerous, because they capture a piece of skin.

Important!
And at the site of the bite, you can see a wound in which there is no part of the epithelium. After a bite, an allergic reaction occurs in someone, it is stronger, in someone less pronounced. The midge saliva contains poison, which causes such a strong allergic reaction.

Also dangerous are diseases that can carry midges in their saliva (cholera, anthrax, etc.). But in our latitudes midges carrying serious diseases practically do not occur.

Bite symptoms

In the saliva of midges, a whole complex of enzymes is contained, which during the bite anesthetize the bite site, and further help them digest blood and skin particles. It is because of the analgesic enzyme that we cannot immediately feel that we have been bitten.

After a short time, a person has symptoms of a midge bite. At first, you can distinguish a midge bite from a mosquito bite if you carefully examine the place of the bite, with a midge bite there will be a small hole in the bite itself.

  • redness of the skin, severe itching appears;
  • there is inflammation at the site of the bite and pain;
  • itching appears.

The more itching appears, and the bite gives in - it scratches the place of the bite, the more skin lesions appear. In this case, in addition to edema, a rash may appear. If adults have more willpower, which allows them not to scratch the bite, then in children the situation is more dangerous.

Also, one of the symptoms of a bite can be an increase in body temperature and intoxication.

Some people have an acute reaction to a midge bite. This is due to the fact that they have an individual intolerance to the enzymes contained in the midge poison. Which can cause a severe allergic reaction. Her signs:

  • dyspnea;
  • a rash not only at the site of the bite, but also on other parts of the body;
  • labored breathing;
  • swelling of the tongue and lips;
  • nausea;
  • chest pain;
  • dizziness;
  • Quincke's edema;
  • anaphylactic shock.

First aid

If it happened that you were bitten by a midge near your home, you can provide first aid to the bitten, which will reduce the consequences:

  1. First of all, it is recommended to find the place of the bite, determining the place, according to the characteristic "hole". Next, you need to compress it to remove the remnants of the poison from the wound. This procedure is preferably repeated several times.
  2. Next, you need to rinse the bite site with plenty of water to wash off the remnants of poisonous saliva.
  3. Blot the bite area with a tissue, removing excess water. In this case, you can not rub this place, since you can aggravate the consequences of a bite, you need to carefully blot the wound.
  4. Next, the question arises of how to relieve edema, and prevent a strong tumor. To remove the edema, it is necessary to apply ice to the swollen area of ​​the body. Next, treat the bite site with an antiseptic that is in the house.
  5. You can drink antihistamines and painkillers.

After first aid, be sure to monitor the health of the bitten, and the very place of the bite. If you miss the time and do not start treatment on time, with complications, you can get to the hospital. Also, if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction appear, you must consult a specialist.

Alternative methods of treatment

Since midges need water for breeding, bites are especially common in the vicinity of water bodies and rivers, as well as in garden-cottage areas. Often, we do not take a large number of medicines to places of rest, and if we take, then we have a narrow direction.

Advice!
And when faced with edema, itching and an allergic reaction to a midge bite, you have to decide how to treat the symptoms quickly and based on what you have with you.

The following remedies will help you relieve itching, relieve swelling, and prevent poisonous saliva from spreading:

  • when going on a picnic we always take salt with us. If you make a solution of salt and water, you can wash the wound with it, for disinfection, and apply napkins moistened in this solution to the site of the edema. This requires a saturated solution, 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of water;
  • pulp from crushed leaves. The gruel should be applied to the site of edema, this will help relieve itching, and slightly remove the swelling. For this, leaves are suitable: yarrow, mint, dandelion, wormwood, white cabbage, and all of us well-known since childhood, plantain;
  • concentrated soap solution (laundry soap is best suited), for washing the bite from the poison. In addition to washing with such a solution, lotions can be made;
  • you can use vinegar solution carefully. In order to remove the swelling, a vinegar compress is applied on it. It is bred in a 1: 1 ratio of water and vinegar;
  • toothpaste - mint or menthol, as well as balms with a refreshing effect are suitable for relieving itching;
  • to relieve swelling, you can use frozen foods, ice cubes, a bottle of cold liquid;
  • at home, you can also use grated onions or fresh potatoes. Wrap the onions or potatoes in gauze or any other thin rag through which the juice oozes, and apply to the place of edema.

Traditional treatments (drugs)

Drug treatment is carried out according to the same plan as treatment with alternative methods: we disinfect, relieve itching, do not allow swelling to spread, and we fight with allergy symptoms.

  • for disinfection, you can use chlorhexidine or furatsilina solutions;
  • ointments with antihistamines (Levomekol, Lincomycin ointment) will help relieve symptoms of an allergic reaction, as well as itching, soreness and swelling. You can use antihistamines in the form of tablets (Suprastin), their effect will be longer, but it will not work as fast as the ointment;
  • to relieve itching, cooling solutions, for example, menovazine, are used;
  • for the last stage of treatment, when there is already no itching, a rash has passed and swelling ointments (Argosulfan, Levomekol) can be used.

If suppuration appears at the site of the bite, surgery may be required. The doctor will mechanically open the abscess and remove the accumulated pus.

Swelling of the eyes with a bite of a midge
Swelling of the eyes with a bite of a midge

Cats are one of the smallest blood-sucking insects that are so common in our latitudes. In addition to biting people over exposed parts of the body, they can climb under clothes, in the ears, in the nose, and of course in the eye.

Of particular danger can be a bite of a midge in the eye. In addition to edema, itching and an allergic reaction, profuse lacrimation may be added. In addition to all these risks, the risk of impaired vision and even its complete loss is added.

First aid with a bite in the eye, or eye area, is almost the same as with a normal bite.

First of all, it is necessary to rinse the eye with plenty of cold water.
Take or smear the eyelid, if possible, with antihistamines.

Cold compresses (ice cubes or any other chilled objects) can help relieve swelling. You can use a compress of grated potatoes, or attach directly a slice of potatoes.

For further consultation, it is recommended to consult an optometrist for the appointment of special drugs. Do not use alcohol-containing substances, as well as hydrogen peroxide, since there is a possibility of damage to the mucous membrane of the eye.

Features of bites in children

A midge bite in children presents great risks of complications. The main factor influencing the minimal consequences and early healing is the control of itching and swelling.

Attention!
Since it is very difficult for young children to restrain themselves from itching, the main task is to relieve the itching and prevent the child from combing the place of birth. Also, not all medications, for example, strong antihistamines, are suitable for children to relieve an allergic reaction.

That is why with severe edema, a consultation with a physician is necessary. If you still chose medication, make sure that these are products from the children's line. The question is how to relieve itching in a child?

A joint search for herbs for applying a compress distracts the child from itching. You can go out into the yard with your child and look for a plantain or dandelion.

If you have a garden, you can go with a child to pick parsley and chop it to put in place of the bite.

Good effect on the removal of edema cold. Apply something cold to the bite site. You can also make gruel from baking soda, and put it in place of the bite, or just grind it. But not pushing hard.

If there are many bites at once, you can bathe the child in a bath with sea salt. There are a huge number of pencils, sprays and balms that relieve itching, burning and pain.

You can also use clove and tea tree oils. If the bite fell on the eye of the child, or in the eye area having provided first aid at home, immediately show the child to the doctor.

What can not be done

  • It is strictly forbidden to scratch the place of a bite. The more you comb the place of the bite, the more itching appears, and the swelling becomes more.
  • Do not wash the wound with synthetic detergents.
  • Like all types of wounds, the bite can not be smeared with brilliant green and pure alcohol. If you treat a bite with brilliant green or alcohol-containing solutions, you must do this carefully and only around an open wound.
  • Do not experiment with antibiotics and strong antihistamines on your own.
  • Apply hormonal ointments on the wound itself. Moreover, if antihistamines or antibiotics were prescribed by a doctor, such appointments should not be neglected in any case.

Bite Prevention

Cats, like all insects, do not like saturated smells.You can apply strong odors around yourself or directly on yourself, such as perfumes, antiperspirants, etc.

Shiny and white things attract cats, so when traveling out of town to a pond, or to nature, it is better to avoid shiny fabrics and jewelry.
It is also worth carefully choosing not only the color of the fabrics, but also the fabric itself. Experts recommend during the period of bloodsucking activity to give preference to natural fabrics such as cotton, linen.

Important!
If you choose nature, try to close all parts of the body as close as possible: arms, legs, this will allow you to monitor that you are not bitten. Try to avoid thickets of grass, especially near ponds.

It is also known that midges are especially active in the morning, and in sultry weather. Therefore, plan outings on the nature taking into account these data.

If you still decide on a hot day to relax on the shore of a reservoir, it is recommended to use specialized repellents that repel insects (it is important to remember that some can only be applied to clothes).

As you know, food smells attract not only hungry children and adults, but also harmful insects, from which a threat can come. So another recommendation would be to close the food in a special container that prevents attractive odors from spreading. Or generally minimize food intake in places of accumulation of insects.

In order to protect the house from midges, it is necessary to use mosquito nets and devices for air circulation.

On the territory of the house, the use of special spirals and lights will help get rid of insects.

So that your favorite time of the year brings only positive emotions, you must responsibly approach the preparation for this period. After all, resting near ponds, in the forest, or even near the house, we are attacked by various insects.

But knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones from unpleasant consequences, you can have fun holidays, vacations and active weekends. And if you are still bitten by midges, now you know what you need to do to ensure that this remains only a little nuisance and does not cause you much trouble.

Midge bite: symptoms, treatment, how to relieve edema, folk remedies

According to the zoological classification, midges belong to the same order as ordinary flies and mosquitoes. The peculiarity of midges lies in their small size and saliva, poisonous for humans, with which they lubricate the bite site.

These small blood-sucking insects are nests along with horseflies, mosquitoes and mosquitoes. In total, there are about 1800 species of midges in nature, and they live on all continents of the globe with the exception of Antarctica.

Advice!
Gnats live in areas where there are reservoirs with running water - rivers, streams. Larvae are very small and transparent, almost invisible in water. They move through aquatic plants, eating microscopic representatives of the animal world.

Then the larvae pupate, and after some time an adult appears in the light. Midges live for about a month. Like mosquitoes, male midges feed on plant nectar, and females drink the blood of mammals and birds - this is necessary for them to develop future offspring.

Small bloodsuckers are active in the summer on hot days and in the morning. They are waiting for their prey on high stems of grass. When attacking a person, insects are guided by the smell of sweat. Attacks are carried out en masse, so often the victim needs help with a bite of a midge.

Why is it dangerous

The main feature of a midge bite is severe irritation of the human skin with saliva, which includes substances of different toxicities. Mice bite differently than mosquitoes.

With their jaws, they pinch off a small piece of the upper layer of the skin and immediately lubricate the wound with saliva containing an anesthetic. Therefore, initially a midge bite is almost painless.Then the insect licks the blood and lymph protruding on the surface of the wound.

The saliva of these gnats is a strong hemolytic poison and contains a whole complex of substances, including anticoagulants, vasodilators, enzymes that break down the nutrient components of the blood to facilitate its digestion by midges.

These substances are protein in nature, and it is they that cause itching, swelling, pain, inflammation and allergic reactions. Often after a midge has bitten, the leg or arm swells. What to do in this case? Treatment will be required - in medicine this poisoning is called simulidotoxicosis.

After a while, a severe itching occurs at the bite site. It lasts for several days and even weeks, which provokes scratching and skin damage, especially in children.

When a wound is infected, purulent inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues develops, requiring long-term treatment. How to smear bites of midges depends on what stage of damage the skin is in.

Cats can not tolerate any disease dangerous to humans. The exception is insects that live in Asia and Africa. They can serve as transmissible carriers (with blood) of onchocerciasis or mechanically transfer the causative agents of cholera, tularemia, anthrax.

How to treat midge bites

So, with damage to the midge of the skin, itching, swelling and soreness occur. Itching is the most common complaint of victims, as it is very intrusive and leads to scratching of the skin, which can become infected and inflamed, and this is a completely different picture of the disease.

Attention!
Edema can also become a serious problem if they are quite extensive or the bite is on the face, neck, fingers.

Immediately after receiving midge bites, you must try to prevent the development of a strong reaction to toxins. What to do if a midge has bitten, for example, on a lip or other tender parts of the body? The following procedures should be carried out:

  • rinse the wound with clean cold water, pat it dry with a napkin;
  • cool the skin at the site of the bite with pieces of ice;
  • pin down the bite for a few minutes with your fingers or apply a pressure bandage (with extensive edema);
  • get wet with a swab dipped in any alcohol-based antiseptic - ethyl alcohol solution, furatsilin;
  • if necessary, take painkillers and antihistamines - paracetamol, Claritin, Diazolin, Imet.

A few hours after the bite, rashes of a different nature appear on the skin. You can treat them with lotions from a solution of soda (one teaspoon per glass of water) or ammonia. Creams, gels and ointments with anti-allergic effects are applied to damaged places:

How can you lubricate the bites of midges in children? For children up to a year, the use of hormones is not recommended. “Fenistil gel” and distractions like “Zvezdochka” balm are suitable for them.

A moist-drying dressing with a 0.5% solution of novocaine or an alcohol solution will help cope with itching. Lightweight stroking the skin with fingertips, applying Menovazin solution and other menthol preparations to the edema facilitate the condition.

In advanced cases, midge bites pass into the stage of wounds, which are inflammatory processes in the skin. Their treatment can be delayed for a long time - it all depends on the depth of tissue damage, infection with putrefactive bacteria and the timeliness of treatment. They consist of the following daily activities:

  • washing the wound with warm water and soap;
  • surface treatment with hydrogen peroxide 3%;
  • washing with water-based antiseptics (Chlorhexidine, Dekasan solution);
  • bandage with antibacterial ointments (Levomekol, Oflokain, Syntomycin liniment, Levosin);
  • with general body reactions to infection (fever), the doctor prescribes antibiotics in the form of injections.

In some cases, it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment of the wound - removal of the scab, pus, dead tissue.

After the wound cleansed of the products of inflammation, acquired a pink color, new skin began to appear, make daily dressings with aqueous solutions of antiseptic agents and apply healing ointments:

Allergy to midge bites

After a massive attack of midges on a child or adult, various allergic reactions are possible. Their manifestation depends on:

  1. on the number of bites and variety of midges;
  2. the state of the human immune system;
  3. general tendency to allergic manifestations;
  4. individual reactions to insect saliva;
  5. infection of wounds when combing.

As a rule, the more painful the bite feels, the higher the likelihood of allergic reactions.

The most characteristic symptoms of a midge bite allergy are:

  1. severe swelling at the site of the bite;
  2. persistent itching;
  3. extensive redness in the bite area;
  4. the appearance of a rash on the skin, and it is often diverse (polymorphic);
  5. in young children, regional lymph nodes may respond;
  6. fever and signs of intoxication - dizziness, nausea, weakness.

The general reactions also include possible increased heart rate, a drop in blood pressure.

Allergy treatment

With the development of an allergic reaction, local agents with an antihistamine effect and ointments with corticosteroids are used (before applying them, it is necessary to treat the bite site, as described above).

Important!
If a midge has bitten, then how to quickly get rid of a tumor? In case of severe edema, take the pill "Suprastin", "Diphenhydramine", other antihistamines ("Zirtek", "Claritin"). To reduce the pain symptom, Paracetamol or Acetaminophen is used.

The development of serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock or the development of Quincke's edema, to bites of midges is extremely rare. In any case, with a deterioration in well-being, fever and other signs of general intoxication, you should consult a doctor.

Eye damage

An unpleasant feature of a midge bite is that when the insect is small in size, it can penetrate the ears, nasal cavity, and often bites by the lip or into the eye. The latter cases are especially hazardous to health - if improperly treated, damage to the eye membranes can lead to loss of vision.

Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialized doctor (optometrist), who will prescribe the necessary drugs. First aid measures consist of the following actions.

  • Rinse eyes with running cold water.
  • How to relieve swelling if a midge has bitten in the eye? It is necessary to lubricate the eyelids with an ointment against allergic manifestations ("Hydrocortisone", "Fenistil gel"), avoiding contact with eyes.
  • Apply a cold compress.

What to do if the child was bitten by a midge and the eye is swollen? If the bite came in the eye area - eyelid, eyebrow, cheekbone, then the bite is treated as in other cases: it is washed, cooled, disinfected and lubricated with an anti-inflammatory cream.

Folk remedies

Since the attacks of blood-sucking insects occur mainly in nature, you often have to use improvised means, because there is not always a first-aid kit in the tourist arsenal. In such cases, the following folk remedies for midges bites come to the rescue.

  • Lotions from saturated salt solution (teaspoon per glass of water).
  • Shredded leaves of dandelion, parsley, plantain, wormwood, yarrow, white cabbage, mint and lemon balm.

What else treat midge bites at home? You can remove the edema in one of these ways:

  1. wipe the site of the bite with a bar of soap for several minutes;
  2. make lotions from diluted vinegar in equal proportions with water;
  3. compresses from vegetable oil with the addition of essential oils of mint and lemon (5 drops per tablespoon).

And any balms or toothpastes with menthol and mint will help relieve itching from a midge bite.

What can not be done with a midge bite

When insect bites you can not:

  • comb the wound;
  • to wash the damage with household chemicals (except for simple soap);
  • apply antihistamine ointments, menthol-containing products on an open wound surface (only on intact skin around the wound);
  • apply alcohol solutions on a healing wound (only water);
  • take antibiotics and antiallergic drugs on your own.

As a prophylaxis for bites of midges, vulnerabilities (hands and face) are hidden, which are usually bare in summer. They need to be protected with clothing, and during the rest use a mosquito net. The skin can be treated with special tools - attractants that repel insects.

If you still get a midge bite, then you can use folk tips on how to remove the edema - apply pulp from the leaves, make a lotion from soda or saline.

If allergic reactions occur, use antihistamines and ointments. In severe cases, you need to see a doctor.

Midge bite - treatment, removal of edema

Mice are small dipterous insects, the adults of which belong to the gnat complex, and the larvae live in flowing water bodies.

Male insects feed on plant sap; larvae eat aquatic microorganisms. For humans, they do not have biomedical significance. But adult females feed on blood, and cause a lot of trouble to people.

Short description of the insect

Small, no larger than 6 mm dipterous blood-sucking insects are an ancient species, known since the Jurassic period.

Advice!
On Earth, they inhabit all continents except Antarctica and live near bodies of water with running water, since part of their life cycle is connected with water. In fast-flowing water, larvae, eggs and pupae of insects develop. Therefore, midges swarm in large numbers in moist places around rivers and forest streams.

During the swarm, the males fertilize the females, and they thirst for the blood they need for further reproduction. From blood proteins, the female forms the egg shell and produces the substances necessary for the formation of the embryo. Throughout her short life, the female eats once.

The number of eggs in a clutch depends on how much blood she can drink. To produce 50-500 eggs, the female drinks a volume of blood several times her own weight.

Gnats attack in the daytime with a huge cloud of thousands of individuals. They feed on the blood of farm animals and humans. Unlike mosquitoes, midges do not pierce the victim’s skin with a stylet-like mouth organ. They gnaw a small area of ​​the epidermis and drink the blood and lymph that appeared at the site of the wound.

Like other representatives of the midge, the midge anesthetizes the wound. The secretion of the salivary glands contains anticoagulants, digestive enzymes, analgesics and hemolytic toxin. The protein components of saliva cause a serious toxic-allergic disease called simulidotoxicosis.

In addition, midges are carriers of a number of parasitic infections, for example, livestock onchocytosis. Attacking sick cattle, along with blood, midges receive a portion of filarias, which can exist for a long time in the intestine of the insect. A person can become infected by being close to cattle pasture.

Another disease that can be transmitted by midges is hemosporidosis of birds, and in the tropics the gnus transports pathogens of tularemia, plague, anthrax, glanders and leprosy.

The mice swirl over the victim for a long time, choosing exposed skin, climbing under clothes, falling into the nasal passages, eyes, ears. Gnaw bites are painful and accompanied by allergy symptoms.

Symptoms and manifestations of simulidotoxicosis

An allergy to insect saliva toxin is manifested by a number of characteristic symptoms.
In addition to skin reactions, simulidotoxicosis is accompanied by signs of general intoxication, which appear after 3-5 hours from a bite:

  • raising the temperature to febrile values ​​(38-39̊ С);
  • febrile events;
  • headache and muscle pain;
  • aching joints;
  • weakness
  • chills;
  • loss of appetite;
  • tachycardia;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • psycho-emotional disorders.

In severe cases, intoxication causes an allergic shock. Despite the tiny size and small amount of toxin, midge bites can cause human death if the number of insects was large, and the victim has a high individual sensitivity to the allergen.

After a while (5-8 hours), lymph nodes can become inflamed. The disease lasts up to 2 weeks and requires hospitalization. Secondary infection may join intoxication.

Attention!
Getting into the wound from a bite or through damage to the skin when combing, pathogenic microorganisms cause suppuration, the formation of ulcers. Especially dangerous are the bites of midges in the delicate parts - the mucous membrane and eyelids of the eyes, lips, nose. When creeps into the ears, otitis media can occur.

The disease caused by nasal bites progresses every year. There are articles in information publications about the consequences of bites of bloodsucking dipterans. For example, in the Penza region alone last year, hundreds of cases of mass attacks of midges on people and cows were recorded.

Cases of cattle death from simulidotoxicosis were noted. Similar messages in 2016-2017. observed in areas that were previously epidemiologically safe. Today, not only taiga and geologists suffer from them, but also fishermen, summer residents, and tourists.

Reasons for the development of simulidotoxicosis

Not all people respond equally to insect bites. The development of an allergic-toxic reaction is due to:

  • hereditary predisposition to allergies;
  • low immunity due to age-related characteristics or prolonged illness;
  • the presence of pathology of the organs of the detoxification system - kidneys and liver;
  • a large number of bites;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • parasitic diseases.

The most sensitive to insect toxins are people with chronic somatic diseases, and children, the elderly and pregnant women suffer the hardest bites of gnats. Do not wait until the second stage of intoxication develops. Treatment is necessary when skin reactions occur.

Methods for the treatment of simulidotoxicosis

It is necessary to start acting already at the stage of the appearance of itching and hyperemia:

  • thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and treat with antiseptic alcohol, cologne, disinfectant solutions;
  • the site of the edema is cooled with ice, cold water or moist drying dressings with an aqueous solution of alcohol, ether;
  • to prevent the spread of edema, damage is exerted by a compression effect - a pressure dressing or compression bandage is applied;
  • next to the bite, the skin is lubricated with external antihistamines - Kremgen, Sinaflan, Triderm, Hydrocortisone. Their use must be agreed with the doctor;
  • in children it is better to use distracting means: Zvezdochka balm, Rescuer, Fenisil Gel, horse chestnut, menthol, clove oil ointment;
  • with the development of an allergic reaction, oral antihistamines are used as prescribed by the doctor - Lorotidine, Suprastin, Citrine, Tavegin or Diphenhydramine;
  • with an acute allergic reaction, injections of Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone or other glucocoricoids are prescribed;
  • if the swelling has spread, occupying a significant area, diuretics are prescribed - Furosemide, Manil, Zirtek, Erius;
  • when signs of a secondary infection appear, apply a dressing to Levomikol, Salkosiril, Tsinovit, Panthenol or treat with iodine-containing preparations - Betadine;
  • with severe pain, the doctor can prescribe injections of analgesics - Baralgin, Analgin, Spazgan;
  • To reduce the severity of allergies, calcium preparations are prescribed - Chloride or Calcium Thiosulfate.

If the consequences of a midge bite cannot be independently managed, the patient is hospitalized and detoxification measures are carried out. In addition to the medical elimination of an allergic reaction, alternative methods of treatment are also used.

Alternative treatment of simulidotoxicosis

Siberians advise - the best treatment for bites of the gnus is a bath. It stimulates blood flow and promotes toxin metabolism. Deep cleaning and opening of pores can relieve swelling and itching. Temperature exposure increases the production of endogenous interferon, specific cells of the immune system.

Since midges attacks occur in natural conditions, people who do not immediately seek medical help suffer from them. Therefore, in addition to drug therapy, it is necessary to know the means that can provide assistance away from pharmacies and hospitals.

For example, swelling is recommended to remove with a hypertonic salt solution. It is prepared by dissolving ordinary or sea salt in warm water. The fabric is moistened and wrung out.

The finished compress is applied to the site of the bite. According to physical laws, the fluid moves to the side with the highest osmotic pressure. Thus, the salt dressing “stretches” the intercellular fluid and eliminates edema.

Dressings are made with soda solution to relieve itching and burning. Compresses from the pulp of the leaves of plantain, lemon balm, mint help relieve swelling and hyperemia. Dressings moistened with a decoction of balsam, a watch, a geranium, a field frog, St. John's wort, comfrey accelerate the healing of wounds and scratches.

Important!
Essential oils of geranium, cloves, menthol, pine, green tea, ylang-ylang possess antipruritic, antimicrobial, regenerating and analgesic properties. They are introduced into the oil base and applied for a light massage, in the form of a compress.

The same effect on the site of the bite has onion juice. It is used to reduce pain, phytoncides help prevent secondary infections, bioactive substances deactivate toxins.

To stimulate diuresis and remove poison from the body, eliminate edema, decoctions of diuretic herbs are used - the mountaineer of the kidney, white clover, jaundice, nettle, cuff, panzeria, linden. To replenish electrolytes, you can use a decoction of sandworm, horsetail, hodgepodge.

How to relieve itching from mosquitoes?

Restore the vitamin balance and reduce the effect of toxins decoctions of the birch buds, lingonberries, blueberries, herbs of the golden rose, peanut, lungwort, skewer. Antitoxic properties of alyssum, field carnation, sweet clover, creeping clover, purslane.

With bites in the eye area, compresses of decoction of parsley, full-color, coltsfoot, meadow cornflower, celery will help relieve symptoms. Frozen decoction of these plants will help eliminate swelling in the lips. An ice cube cools and eliminates swelling, itching, and redness. Helps to eliminate the effects of insect bites gruel from fresh potatoes, tomato, sea buckthorn juice.

The scent of midges is frightened off by the smell of the flowers of black elderberry, oregano, medicinal sweet clover, flea, klopovnik, tansy, wormwood, Lobel's tile. With a mild to moderate severity of pathology, alternative methods of treatment are effective and safe. An acute condition requires medical treatment and measures for general detoxification.

But even safe herbal remedies can pose a threat to life for people prone to allergic reactions. Therefore, before applying traditional medicine recipes, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Prevention

To prevent midge bites, apply tight clothing that completely covers the body and has ties on the sleeves, trouser legs, and the collar.Face and neck must be protected by mosquitoes, mosquito nets, impregnated repellents.

Also, to protect the skin, repellents are used in the form of ointments, lotions, sprays. For example, the DETA series, in which all forms of repellents from the midge are widely represented.

Advice!
Lotions Taiga, Angara, Artek and various ointments, creams, pastes - Geologist, Redet, Tabu-B, Direpellin work well. Ointments and creams last longer than a spray. But without a protective net in places where midges are plentifully found, even with them you can be no more than 2 hours.

With proper storage and handling, the protective suit retains its deterrent properties for 1-2 months. The clothes are thoroughly impregnated with DETA and rubbed into the fabric. They are stored folded in plastic bags with a tied neck. Nets, mosquito nets, are treated in the same way.

Prevention of insect bites is the most effective method of combating simulidotoxicosis. Currently, there is no antidote to the toxin of the flies, therefore, in order to preserve health, it is necessary to prevent its introduction.

Prevention of the disease, what should be done so that midges do not bite

In order to protect yourself and children from bites of midges, mosquitoes and other insects, you must adhere to the following rules:

  1. try not to walk around ponds on especially hot days if there is a lot of high vegetation on the shore;
  2. in places where there may be a large number of mosquitoes and midges, you need to wear long-sleeved clothing;
  3. You can use special candles or spirals. If they are ignited, substances are released that repel insects;
  4. if you are going fishing or camping, you can protect yourself from mosquitoes and midges with mosquito nets;
  5. in the room for protection against insects, you can use an electric fumigator, which must be connected to the network.

A midge bite is quite dangerous, but if you follow all the recommendations, you can prevent the development of dangerous symptoms. In this case, you can use both traditional methods of treatment and medication.

If you do not want to deal with a small but bothersome vile, then the only solution is not to leave the house.

Naturally, this is simply impossible and therefore it is necessary to follow several preventive measures to prevent midges bites when going to nature.

In nature, you should wear mainly clothes in bright colors. It should be light and dense. Cats can’t bite through a layer of fabric, but the gnat can get into the sleeves of the clothes, on the body, so you should wear shirts and trousers that can be fixed with ribbons on the wrists and around the ankle.

Be sure to cover your neck and, if possible, most of your face, using a hat with a net.

The clothes need to be handled by repellents, the market is now full of offers.

The cat does not tolerate the smell of vanilla. Dry vanilla can be mixed with cream or a solution can be prepared from it. Open areas of the body are lubricated with a cream, and the solution is sprayed onto the body from a spray bottle.

Attention!
You can prevent the appearance of midges at home using mosquito nets on windows and doors, fumigators.

You should always remember that a midge bite can lead to the most irreversible consequences, the worst of which is death.

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