Gnat Bites
Gnat Bites Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. Allergic reactions to Gnat bites
Flying insects that often appear during summertime are commonly referred to as gnats. They can land on humans and bite them, which may not be a serious health issue at all. Allergic reactions to gnat bites are, thankfully, rare cases. To avoid gnat bites, you can wear long-sleeved shirts and avoid getting your arms redans swollen from all the gnat bites
However, the problem lies when these gnats pick up bacteria from other things or animals they’ve landed on. Gnats tend to hover and land on dead animal and rotten food. Hence, they acquire bacteria from these things and pass them on to humans through their bites.
- If you’ve experienced gnat bites and have noticed unusual symptoms afterwards, speak promptly to a physician. Book an online appointment to get started. You can show the affected area to our GPs and discuss your symptoms so that they can diagnose you properly and get you the appropriate gnat bite treatment to clear your gnat bites symptoms.
What causes symptoms of gnat bites?
Gnats feed on both animal and human blood. They land on the skin, use their mouth’s sharp parts to tear open the skin, then spit an anticoagulant into the wound so that the blood stops clotting, and they can feast on the victim’s blood as they please.
Gnats typically do not have inherent bacteria on them that can infect humans through their bites. But they do acquire some bacteria from other sources, such as dead animals. Carrier gnats can then spread such bacteria to humans, causing an infection. Infection is likely to happen all the more if the gnat bite wounds are reopened or scratched.
- Allergic reaction to the gnats themselves is rare. However, people may have reactions to the anticoagulants gnats spit into their skin and blood. This may cause red and swollen reactions.
Treating Gnat bites
Simple gnat bites can be treated at home by washing the wounds with soap and water, then applying antiseptic to the cleansed wound. Over-the-counter creams can usually take care of the itchiness gnat bites manifest.
Bacterial infection from gnat bites will initially present with pus-filled blisters. See a doctor right away if such blisters occur in the areas where the gnats bit you.
Severe allergic reaction to the bites often includes difficulty breathing and generalized body swelling, most prominently in your mouth and throat. Urgently seek emergency care from your nearest hospital’s A&E department if these symptoms happen to you.
Gnat bites can be prevented by reducing exposure to the insects and removing their possible breeding grounds. You can:
- Use insect repellant sprays, especially when going to places where there is a known gnat infestation.
- Check for standing water and remove them promptly in your home. If such water is needed, cover the containers well to avoid gnats from breeding into the water and the surrounding moist areas.
Talk to a doctor about gnat bites
Don’t delay speaking to a doctor about your gnat bites – book an online physician appointment right away.
Our top rated GPs can diagnose your condition by assessing your skin, asking about your symptoms, and inquiring about the conditions surrounding your exposure to gnats. They can prescribe medication for gnat bites that have progressed to bacterial infections. Our GPs can also give you advice to prevent gnat bites in the future.