How to Cure Horsefly Bites

Horsefly bites can be more painful and irritating than a bee sting.

An adult horsefly is one of the largest flies in the world. The female horsefly slices the skin with knife-like mandibles instead of biting to obtain blood. This makes the bite more painful and slower to heal. Normal symptoms of a horsefly bite include a rash, red and itchy skin around the bite, and wheezing. Because of the nature of the bite, horsefly bites can become infected more easily than other types of insect bites if not treated quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Water
• Bandage or gauze
• Aloe vera gel or juice
• Ice pack
• Topical cream

Instructions

1. Wash the site of the horsefly bite thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Apply a small amount of aloe vera to the bite or bites. The antibiotic properties of the aloe helps protect against infection.

3. Apply over-the-counter anti-histamine or hydrocortisone ointment to the area to reduce itching or irritation, if desired.

4. Cover the bite or bites with a bandage or gauze to keep the area clean and dry.

5. Place an ice pack on the site on top of the bandage for up to 20 minutes to further reduce inflammation and pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction or infection. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as severe wheezing, swelling of the eyes or lips, weakness or dizziness. Signs of a possible infection include fever, pus at the site and swelling that does not decrease after one or two days.

References

• NHS: Insect Bites -- Symptoms; June 22, 2010