Bites of midges are a rather unpleasant phenomenon, but not fatal. Probably, every person faced it at least once in their life. Read below about the dangers of small insect attacks and how to quickly deal with the consequences.
Characteristic of the species
Few people know that those whom we designate with a capacious but faceless word "midges" are actually called "Simuliidae" and belong to the family of Diptera insects, being a component of the gnat complex. Biologists say that today there are more than 1800 of their species. They can be found on every continent, from Africa to Antarctica. The average lifespan of an insect is a month. Why are midge bites so dangerous? Firstly, they are rightly considered carriers of many diseases: leukocytosis, onchocerciasis… In addition, the saliva of these little flying "terrorists" is highly likely to provoke an allergic reaction.
Allergy
So, how can you tell if midge bites are the cause of your allergy? Pay attention to the following symptoms: the skin of a bitten person quicklycovered with small blisters that itch and itch. After some time, swelling occurs in this area, and the inflammation can be so strong that it will deprive the victim of rest. In some cases, there is a sharp increase in temperature and intoxication.
Bite bites: treatment
In order to minimize discomfort, it is enough to follow a few simple recommendations. Does your skin itch painfully and prevent you from sleeping? Treat the affected area with baking soda dissolved in water, or ordinary ammonia. Do you have peppermint essential oil in your first aid kit? Fine! This remedy is great for reducing inflammation. By the way, note to housewives: laundry soap has similar properties. Midge bites can also be treated with a mixture of s alt and vinegar. If you are in nature, you can make a compress from dandelion juice: pick a couple of leaves of the plant, crush them so that the liquid flows out, and apply to the bite site. To keep the compress, secure it with a plaster or bandage. Onion is considered to be a very effective remedy. The head must be cut in half and, as in the previous version, applied to the affected area - this will quickly relieve pain and remove swelling, no matter how strong it may be.
Folk remedies
As you know, the easiest way to be attacked by insects is in nature: in the forest, near the lake, in the country. By the way, the last option is not so bad: in any case, you will have beds at hand, which are a real storehouse for combating edema. Parsley, mint, plantain -all these plants are soothing and have anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant effects. If you are afraid that along with the saliva the midges have picked up some kind of infection, upon arrival home you should make an appointment with a doctor and pass the necessary tests. Some wonder how you can tell the difference between, say, a mosquito attack, a nettle burn, and midge bites?
Photo, if in doubt, you can see in any medical reference book. The main thing is to resist the urge to scratch the bite until it bleeds.
