Life Hack: Five common fly and insect bites in Ireland and how to relieve symptoms
They are irritating but generally, insect bites will improve over time
If you notice small lumps on your skin, it could be from mosquito, midge and gnat bites, including if they are very itchy. Some people who are bitten by these also may develop fluid-filled blisters.
The HSE says mosquitoes do not cause major harm in Ireland. But in some parts of the world, they can cause malaria.
A raised, red bite could be from a horsefly. These can be very painful. Other symptoms of a horsefly bite include a large raised rash, dizziness, weakness or wheezing, as well as parts of your body becoming puffy and swollen. The HSE says horsefly bites can take a long time to heal and can become infected. If you have symptoms of a wound infection, including pus, increasing pain, redness or swelling, contact your GP.
This particularly affects pet owners — fleas from cats and dogs often bite around the ankles or on arms if you've been stroking or holding your pet. Bites from fleas can cause small, itchy lumps that are sometimes grouped in lines or clusters. In some cases, blisters could develop.
If you have itchy lumps, these could be caused by mites, which usually bite uncovered skin. Some mites burrow into the skin and cause a condition called scabies. If your pet has mites and has been sitting on your lap, you could be bitten on your stomach and thighs.
For the most part, spider bites are not common in Ireland. However, some spiders — such as the false widow spider — are capable of giving a nasty bite. Some spiders in Ireland are venomous and their bites can cause nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, or in rare cases a serious allergic reaction. Spider bites leave small puncture marks on the skin and can be painful. You may also experience redness and swelling and bites could become infected.
The bite or sting should get better in a few hours or days, according to the HSE, but you can speak to a pharmacist about medicines that can offer relief from pain or itching. These could include antihistamines, steroid creams and painkillers. You should also keep the area raised to reduce swelling and put a cold compress on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes if it's swollen. You should not scratch the area or burst any blisters as it could get infected. Also avoid home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to treat the bite or sting.
Generally, insect bites will improve over time but the HSE advises you should contact your GP if you were stung more than once, if your symptoms do not get better within a few days or are getting worse, if you were stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes, if an area that is 10cm or more around the bite becomes swollen, if you have symptoms of a wound infection, such as pus, pain, swelling or redness, or if you have symptoms of a widespread infection, such as a fever, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms. Similarly, you should seek emergency care if you had a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting before or if you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
