Can Fly Bite Through Clothing?
WouterWhile you can’t completely avoid flying insects and the occasional fly bite, you can minimize your exposure by wearing protective clothing. If you’re outdoors, you should choose lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect you from the biting insects. Fly-bites can cause itching and swelling, so you should seek medical attention if they look infected. In the meantime, there are at-home remedies to reduce the irritation and inflammation.
While the bites from stable flies are small, they can still be painful. They leave a small puncture wound and may even swell. In severe cases, the bites can cause a swollen bump that’s about the size of a golf ball. Other symptoms include headache, fatigue, joint pain, fever, and swelling of the lymph nodes. Some people may even experience allergic reactions to black fly bites.
If you’re traveling in tropical regions, be sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other biting flies. Some of them are known to transmit illnesses, including African trypanosomiasis. If you’re traveling through these areas, make sure to wear long pants and hats to avoid being bitten. You should also wear medium-weight clothing. It’s best to apply insect repellent on exposed skin, since these bugs can hide in dark places.
Fly bites can be painful and uncomfortable, but they can easily be treated. Topical antihistamines and ice packs can help reduce the itch. However, if you have an allergic reaction or a rash, you should see a doctor right away. These symptoms could be signs of tularemia or some other serious infection. You should also avoid areas where flies are active, such as forests and marshes.
