With the hot temperatures continuing throughout the summer, you might see some horseflies while out in your garden.
Pharmacists at Chemist4U have warned people that bites from horseflies can be more serious than people think.
The bites can cause a lot of pain as well as swelling, itching, and can become infected.
Other symptoms from the bites include fatigue, aches, and flu-like symptoms.
What symptoms should I look out for after being bitten by a horsefly?
Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U , says people should see a GP if they notice they are suffering from certain symptoms.
He said: "While most insect bites are little more than an irritation, horsefly bites can be a different story, often causing more pain, swelling, and inflammation than people expect.
"Unlike mosquitoes, which pierce your skin, horseflies actually cut into it with scissor-like mouthparts to feed."
Horsefly bites usually create a deeper wound and can take longer to heal as well as being more susceptible to becoming infected if it is scratched or not looked after.
Ian added: "In cases where you start to feel generally unwell, experiencing symptoms like aches, fatigue, swollen glands, or even feeling flu-like, it’s typically your body’s immune system reacting to the bite.
"However, it can also be a sign that an infection is developing, particularly if your symptoms are accompanied by spreading redness, increasing pain, heat around the bite, or discharge from the wound.
"The majority of horsefly bites will improve within a week and can usually be managed at home.
"A cold compress can help reduce swelling, antihistamines may ease the itching, and hydrocortisone cream can calm any inflammation.
"The key thing is to avoid scratching, as this significantly increases the risk of infection ."
When do you need to see a GP after being bitten by a horsefly?
A horsefly bite will usually heal within a week but if you notice there is a redness that continues to spread, worsening pain, warmth around the bite, or swollen glands, it might be infected.
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If you develop a temperature, aches, fatigue, or just feel unwell, you should visit your GP or pharmacist.
You should keep the bite clean and avoid scratching it.
Have you ever been bitten by a horsefly before? Let us know in the comments.
