Table of contents:
- Where are gnats usually found?
- What to do if you are bitten by gnats?
- 1. Immediately wash the bite mark
- 2. Apply anti-itch medication
- 3. Ice compress
- Check with the doctor if ...
- Tips to avoid gnat bites
Do you know what gnats are? This one insect is still rarely heard. Gnats are one of the insects that are similar to mosquitoes. Gnats are very small, so many people are not aware of the presence of gnats. The bite of gnats is often not felt, but after that the bite area will cause a red spot. So what to do?
Where are gnats usually found?
Gnats are usually found in waters such as rivers and beaches because gnats lay their eggs in watery places. Unlike mosquitoes, some species of gnats require the blood of warm-blooded animals to survive.
These insects can enter through hair or clothing and then land on places such as the ankles and waist.
Usually you don't notice when gnats bite your body parts. However, immediately after being bitten by a gnat, the area around the bite will start to swell. There may be a small amount of blood coming from the bite. Gnats bite marks will be very itchy and painful.
What to do if you are bitten by gnats?
1. Immediately wash the bite mark
If you are bitten by gnats, wash the bites with soap and water. Gnats can spread bacteria obtained from rotten food or dead animals. You can also apply gnat bite marks with an antiseptic.
2. Apply anti-itch medication
When bitten by gnats, your skin will feel itchy. To reduce it you can apply anti-itch creams or ointments that are sold freely. Don't try to scratch it, even if it's very itchy. If the gnat bite hurts a lot, you can take pain medication.
3. Ice compress
After being bitten by gnats, your skin will also turn red and swell. To reduce swelling, you can compress the bite mark with an ice cube. Wrap the ice cubes in a clean towel, then compress the affected area for a few minutes.
Check with the doctor if…
If the gnat bite marks get worse, see a doctor immediately. Usually the doctor will prescribe a cream or oral medicine specifically for you. If the bite mark becomes infected, the doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Cases of allergic reactions to gnats are very rare. However, if you find it difficult to breathe, the itching gets worse, and the rash is very stinging, contact your doctor immediately.
Tips to avoid gnat bites
To avoid gnat bites, use an anti-insect medication that is effective and comfortable on your skin. Insect repellents are usually available as lotions or sprays. Apply the medication directly to your skin. Choose medications that contain active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin (KBR3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin), lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD), IR3535, or 2-undecanone.
Even though, you have smeared the skin with an insect repellent, you are also advised to use clothes that cover the skin. Wear clothes with long sleeves and long pants if you want to go to places that are prone to insects.
