Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Redness With Intense Pain, Itching After A Horsefly Bite?
Question: I swatted the calf on my left leg tonight because a horsefly was biting me. I hit my leg with my hand. Immediately, my vein bulged out, about 4-5 inches long and swelled up. i put an ice pack on it and it has gone down but it feels like a terrible bruise. Very sore to the touch. Should I get it looked at? This has never happened before. I do bruise easily and when I get a bruise, they last for months.
Brief Answer:
if there is severe redness with intense pain, itching then please go to ER
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. A horsefly bite is much more painful and larger than most small insects because it cuts the skin in the process. The skin also gets sore and at times the horse fly might have parasites and infective bacteria which it deposits in the wound.
2. Cleaning the wound thoroughly with water, applying hot or cold compress, application of a steroid and antiseptic cream are recommended as first aid. You must never scratch the wound else the chances of infection are higher.
3. However, should the wound bruise worsen with time and the swelling increase and become more painful over the next few hours to days with development of severe inflammation then consulting a doctor is recommended to confirm an infection and take treatment for it. Most people with horsefly bites develop infection.
4. Please get your blood count done if you have a tendency of developing bruises that last for months.
5. The healing time for a horsefly bite in normal healthy people is a few weeks.
In conclusion, since horsefly bites are severe,
(i) If there is severe redness with intense pain and itching then please go to the ER.
(ii) If there are no severe symptoms then you can wait until tomorrow and then consult your doctor. It is always better to seek a doctor consultation for horsefly bites because they are quite severe in nature and prone to develop infection and complications.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
if there is severe redness with intense pain, itching then please go to ER
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. A horsefly bite is much more painful and larger than most small insects because it cuts the skin in the process. The skin also gets sore and at times the horse fly might have parasites and infective bacteria which it deposits in the wound.
2. Cleaning the wound thoroughly with water, applying hot or cold compress, application of a steroid and antiseptic cream are recommended as first aid. You must never scratch the wound else the chances of infection are higher.
3. However, should the wound bruise worsen with time and the swelling increase and become more painful over the next few hours to days with development of severe inflammation then consulting a doctor is recommended to confirm an infection and take treatment for it. Most people with horsefly bites develop infection.
4. Please get your blood count done if you have a tendency of developing bruises that last for months.
5. The healing time for a horsefly bite in normal healthy people is a few weeks.
In conclusion, since horsefly bites are severe,
(i) If there is severe redness with intense pain and itching then please go to the ER.
(ii) If there are no severe symptoms then you can wait until tomorrow and then consult your doctor. It is always better to seek a doctor consultation for horsefly bites because they are quite severe in nature and prone to develop infection and complications.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I should explain further. The horsefly landed on me but didn't bite me completely. I hit my leg to get it off. That's when my vein ballooned up and hurts like a bruise. This morning, the vain is a vertical purplish bruise about 4" long. Not swelled up, just feels like a bad bruise. Should I just watch it?
Brief Answer:
Yes, you can watch for any inflammatory signs over the next few days
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Thanks for your clarification on the incident.
2. Since you did not suffer a complete bite, I guess you do not have a skin puncture wound on your leg and this is not a serious concern as I had thought earlier.
3. Please watch it and observe for any signs of inflammation, which is unlikely because there was no significant bite.
4. You can apply an antiseptic over the counter cream or ointment and avoid scratching the area.
5. As a precautionary measure, it is suggested that you get a blood count done and make sure that your bleeding and clotting times are within normal limits.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Yes, you can watch for any inflammatory signs over the next few days
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Thanks for your clarification on the incident.
2. Since you did not suffer a complete bite, I guess you do not have a skin puncture wound on your leg and this is not a serious concern as I had thought earlier.
3. Please watch it and observe for any signs of inflammation, which is unlikely because there was no significant bite.
4. You can apply an antiseptic over the counter cream or ointment and avoid scratching the area.
5. As a precautionary measure, it is suggested that you get a blood count done and make sure that your bleeding and clotting times are within normal limits.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
