Midge bite - quick and effective treatment for edema

Frogs are small blood-sucking insects awaiting prey on tree branches, in grass and bushes. They like to settle near water bodies and lay their eggs in the same place. At first, a midge bite does not cause any discomfort in a person, but after a few hours, extensive swelling occurs on the damaged skin. It is often accompanied by symptoms of an allergic reaction, a bacterial infection, signs of general intoxication of the body. To prevent the development of events in such a negative scenario, measures will help prevent the penetration of insect venom into the systemic circulation.

How to bite a blood-sucking insect

Unlike gadflies, horseflies, and mosquitoes, mice do not bite through human or animal skin. Attracted by the smell of sweat, they cut off the upper layer of the epidermis like a knife, leaving wide and shallow wounds. It’s dangerous not just how the midge bites, but the consequences provoked by microtraumas.

This is interesting: The toxicity of midge saliva depends on its affiliation. After the attack of some insects, only a slight swelling remains on the skin, and the bite of others can cause the development of severe and deadly allergic reactions - Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock.

After cutting off a piece of skin, the insect instantly secretes saliva containing various organic ingredients. Some of them prevent the rapid formation of blood clots, while others have anesthetic properties. The adult and the child do not feel any pain and discomfort while the midge feeds on the protruding blood and lymph. Only after a couple of hours developed swelling and intolerable skin itching indicate that the person was attacked.
The analgesic effect of saliva does not allow to destroy the midge, since a person simply does not feel its presence. A swarm of insects flies to the smell of blood, which increases the severity of the consequences of bites due to the injection of new portions of poison.

How does edema develop

Chemical compounds that are contained in the saliva of the midge slow the passage of nerve impulses to the brain. This not only protects the insect from death after a slap in the palm, but also allows the poison to spread with the flow of blood throughout the body. The human immune system instantly responds to the penetration of a foreign protein by producing antibodies. Allergens from midge venom form bonds with immunoglobulins. The formed complexes begin to gradually destroy mast cells. At this stage, the release of biologically active substances - allergy mediators. Penetrating into the tissue and blood, they contribute to the development of symptoms:

• soft tissue edema at the site of the bite;
• redness of the epidermis;
• itchy skin.

The more poison the insect had, the more it swells and swells the damaged area of ​​the skin.

The severity of edema depends on the permeability of the blood vessels of the victim. It is elevated in young children, which in combination with their immature immunity leads to severe swelling of the hands, feet, neck and face.The treatment of such edema should be started as soon as possible, therefore, after a bite of a midge of a child, it is necessary to show the doctor to prescribe pharmacological preparations.

Insects living in our country do not tolerate any disease. But tourists and travelers to the countries of Africa and Asia should be careful. Females distribute cholera, tularemia and other infectious pathologies that are difficult to treat through the bloodstream.

What can not be done after a bite

The itch caused by the venom of the midge is so strong that even an adult finds it difficult to resist combing the skin. And what can we say about the kids who find it difficult to explain the danger of the situation. When combing, wounds and microcracks arise, into which pathogenic bacteria easily penetrate. After a few days, ulcers and suppuration may join the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Therefore, dermatologists in the treatment of edema in children focus on the elimination of skin itching. What else is strictly forbidden to do after bites of midges:

• to take a bath;
• apply non-affected areas of the skin with decorative or caring cosmetics;
• self-medicate;
• apply ointments with menthol to open wounds.

At the stage of healing of damaged skin, it cannot be treated with solutions with aggressive chemicals. Such drugs include external products containing ethyl alcohol.

Warning: If you suspect infection of the wound and the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the bloodstream, the doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs in the form of tablets or suspensions. Do not neglect the recommendations of the doctor and do not take such funds. Pathogenic bacteria can cause serious infections

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First aid for the development of edema

The swelling formed after a midge bite can be quickly and effectively cured at home with the help of folk remedies and pharmacological preparations. But not in cases where swelling of the skin is accompanied by a drop in blood pressure, profuse sweating and dizziness. There is a likelihood of anaphylactic shock, so the victim should be immediately taken to the nearest hospital for treatment of a midge bite. This should be done with edema, rapidly increasing in size or formed on the face, especially in the eye area.

Alternative remedies for edema

Recommendations of traditional healers will help prevent the spread of edema, reduce its severity. Such funds are much cheaper than pharmacy drugs, do not provoke the development of side effects, do not contain hormonal compounds. Herbs are most effective:

• dandelion;
• plantain;
• St. John's wort
• calendula;
• mint;
• Melissa;
• a series of.

You can use one plant or a combination of both. To prepare a healing compress, grind fresh plants to a thick slurry and squeeze out the released juice. The sterile cloth or bandage soaked in it should be applied to the skin damaged by the midge and secured with a tight bandage.
If medicinal plants are in dried form, you can make an infusion:

• In a thermos pour 3 tbsp. tablespoons of any herb and pour a glass of boiling water.
• Insist for about an hour, strain.
• Cool and use for a compress.

Ordinary parsley contains biologically active substances with anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. A couple of handfuls of fresh leaves of spicy herbs should be grated gently until juice is formed, wrapped in a linen napkin, applied to the swelling and held for 1-2 hours.

The most common way to prevent and eliminate edema is ice. As soon as a midge bite has been discovered, it is necessary to remove pieces of ice from the freezer and place them in an airtight bag, and then wrap it with a thick towel. You can not keep such a cold compress on the skin for more than 10 minutes due to the high probability of frostbite.You should take breaks for 15-20 minutes, and then continue the procedure.

Tip: If there is no ice in the refrigerator, you can use any freeze to eliminate edema. It can be a packet with a vegetable mixture, a piece of fish or meat.

Reducing the severity of not only edema, but also skin intolerable itching helps food components that are found in the kitchen of every housewife. When preparing therapeutic solutions, you can use only cooled boiled water. How to relieve swelling after a midge bite:

• apply tissue moistened with a solution of equal parts of tableware with 3% vinegar and water to damaged skin;
• dilute in a glass of water a tablespoon of baking soda and wash the bite area;
• dissolve in a glass of water 0.5 teaspoon of sea or rock salt, moisten the bandage and apply a compress to the swollen skin;
• periodically lubricate damaged skin with low-fat sour cream, kefir, yogurt.

Traditional healers recommend drinking plenty of fluids during treatment. A plentiful drink helps to eliminate toxic compounds from the body that have penetrated the bloodstream with midge poison. Eliminate edema and stop the symptoms of allergies decoction of rose hips, chamomile and green tea, plain still water, acidified with lemon juice.

Conservative therapy

Modern external remedies for mosquito bites and midges with a combined composition are able to quickly and efficiently remove swelling. Even after a single application, the severity of swelling on the skin decreases, allergic redness, rashes and other uncomfortable sensations disappear. The undoubted advantage of such drugs is the treatment of skin itching and the prevention of infection of wounds by pathogenic bacteria. As a rule, dermatologists prescribe such means for external use to patients:

• Gistan;
• Fenistil gel;
• Psilo balm;
• Cynovit;
• Rescuer.

With rapidly spreading swelling, hormonal ointments with anti-inflammatory activity are used:

• Hydrocortisone;
• Prednisolone;
• Elokom;
• Uniderm;
• Belosalik.

Such drugs have a significant list of contraindications, so they can be used only as directed by a doctor. The use of gels, creams, ointments and balms should be alternated with the treatment of swollen skin with antiseptic solutions. They have antimicrobial and disinfectant properties, are well suited for the rehabilitation of open wounds and microcracks. The most effective antiseptics for treating skin after a midge bite include:

• alcohol solution of chlorhexidine bigluconate and its imported analogue Miramistin;
• aqueous 0.02% furatsilina solution;
• 3% hydrogen peroxide;
• 3% solution of boric acid.

If the integrity of the skin is not broken, then you can lubricate the swelling with ordinary iodine and brilliant green. With bites of midges, allergists always prescribe antihistamines for oral administration to patients. Pills, dragees, drops, syrups quickly eliminate skin itching, prevent the spread of edema, reduce the severity of pain. Such anti-allergic drugs have proven themselves in the treatment of edema:

• Loratadine;
• Tsetrin;
• Suprastinex;
• Claritin;
• Zirtek;
• Zodak
• Suprastin.

Warning: Taking many antihistamines causes drowsiness. Some manufacturers go to the trick and indicate on the packaging the absence of such a side effect in the product they produce. But in the annotation, such a property of the drug will be indicated. Therefore, during the treatment of edema, one should not drive vehicles and engage in work requiring concentration.

How to treat eye swelling

The delicate skin of the face, especially the eyelids, is very attractive to all varieties of midges. It is thin, and the blood vessels are located close to the surface, so with a bite, extensive edema develops. Neglect of medical help in these cases can cause a decrease in visual acuity due to the penetration of toxins. How to relieve swelling if a midge has bitten into the eye, before contacting an optometrist:

• rinse eyes and eyelids with cool boiled water;
• apply cold compresses for 1-2 minutes with ten-minute breaks;
• grease the eyelids with Fenistil gel or hydrocortisone ointment.

When applying external funds, you need to try so that they do not fall on the mucous membrane of the eye. At the first opportunity, you should get an appointment with an ophthalmologist. He examines an adult or a small patient, and when a bacterial infection is detected, he will prescribe drops with antibacterial activity.

Further treatment for bites

Even the rapid elimination of edema is not able to prevent damage to the skin. Often in people with low resistance to bacterial infections, small wounds begin to fester and turn into multiple sores. At this stage of treatment, one can not do without the use of ointments from bites of midges with antimicrobial and antibacterial activity. What can a dermatologist prescribe:

• Levomekol;
• Levosin;
• Tetracycline ointment;
• Synthomycin ointment;
• Erythromycin ointment.

Creams and ointments with regenerating epithelium properties are used for quick healing of damaged skin:

• Dexpanthenol;
• Panthenol;
• Bepanten.

The use of such ointments helps to quickly restore the skin even after ulcerative lesions without the formation of scars. They have a delicate texture, are well absorbed and can be used in the treatment of midge bites in newborns and pregnant women.

Recommendation: Pharmacies have a wide range of essential oils of medicinal plants. To eliminate puffiness of the skin, preparations from chamomile, string, peppermint, lemon balm or sage will help. To prepare an external remedy, it is necessary to dilute a drop of essential oil in a tablespoon of water, moisten a cotton pad and lay on the swelling.