Information about Blandford Fly bites
This fly, which is 2 to 3mm in size, lives near areas of water and gives a particularly nasty and painful bite. It normally bites ankles and legs, flies low to the ground and is most common during May and June.
The Charlbury Patient Participation Group is passing on the information below as advised by Public Health England:
If you get bitten:
1. Clean the bite area and dry gently
2. Don't scratch the bite, as this can lead to infection
3. Apply a cold compress or calamine lotion
4. Antihistamine creams are not recommended, as they can sometimes cause skin reactions
5. Cover large blisters with a dry dressing
6. If bites are on the lower limbs, there may be swelling of the ankles and feet for several days. Don't worry about this, simply rest with your feet supported on a stool
You should seek medical advice (phone 111 or see a GP) if you have:
1. Discomfort, swelling or red lines in the groin or armpit
2. A fever
3. A spreading redness or hotness around the bite, which lasts longer than three days
If you do get bitten, it can often feel very uncomfortable with swelling, blistering, joint pain and sometimes a high temperature. However, there’s normally no need to visit a GP or the Minor Injuries Unit.
If you do feel unwell after a bite, please call NHS 111 or visit your local pharmacy for advice on how to ease your discomfort.
For the majority of people, the symptoms will only last a few days before clearing up.
Meryl Smith · Sat 4 May 2019, 15:03 · Link