Can Fly Bites Make You Itchy?

Fly bites can be uncomfortable, irritating, and often infected. Fortunately, you can usually treat them at home with over-the-counter antihistamines or topical corticosteroids. However, if you notice severe itching or welts, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. It’s also a good idea to avoid places where biting flies are common, such as marshes, forests, and areas with dense plant life.

If you’ve had frequent fly bites in the past, you may be prone to a hypersensitive reaction. Symptoms of hypersensitivity include skin lesions, itchiness, and hair loss. However, allergy testing is the only definitive way to determine if you’re hypersensitive.

Black flies are one of the most common types of flies that can cause itchiness. They’re very tiny, less than one-third of an inch long, and they feed by sucking blood from the skin. Their bites are itchy and can even cause a fever.

Horseflies are another common insect that causes allergic reactions. These flies live in moist areas, and their bites can cause sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes and mouth. In rare cases, the bites become infected, resulting in increased pain and redness.