Horsefly bite fright needs your attention, says Dr Chauhan

Dr Zahid Chauhan

We have enjoyed a few pleasant surprises this summer – not least the sizzling weather.

Soaring temperatures usually bring with them health problems such as sunburn and heatstroke. But we medics have also been plagued by a huge increase in insect bites, which when delivered by horseflies, can itch, smart and even start a dangerous infection.

Some of our national media outlets have warned of a swarm of bloodsucking vampire horseflies (or clegs) descending upon Britain, and have sounded alarm bells about populations of these pests rising to levels usually associated with the Mediterranean. And then there are the gruesome pictures of blistered skin and swollen limbs to accompany them!

So should we be worried by these horror show soundings? Or is this just a case of a supposed plague being used to sell news?

Avoiding insect bites at summertime is difficult, even with the many products pitched to ward off these pests. What you can do though, is clean any insect attack immediately with water and seek medical help from your pharmacist, NHS 111 or your walk-in centre if you present with weariness, dizziness, a raised rash or aching bones following a bite.

Antihistamine creams and steroid ointments should clear the bite up – but only if it is caught early. Be warned that horsefly bites can last longer and scratching them helps spread infection.

Antibiotics will be the course of action if your bite becomes infected, but resistance to those wonder drugs is growing, so don’t wait, seek advice the minute you suspect you have a painful or unusual bite or sting.

Some people have mild reactions to bites, which makes the skin around the area swollen, red and painful. This should calm down within a few days. In extremely rare cases, they can induce anaphylactic shock. If the bite is quickly followed by breathing difficulties, confusion or even collapse, you need to seek emergency 999 treatment fast. 

Here is to a happy remainder of the summer, which I hope leaves you healthy and buzzing – and hopefully free of a serious insect bite.