Beware the Biters!

[Lancashire Lad]

On Monday I was bitten on the knuckle of my left hand ring finger, by what I think must have been a Haematopota fly which I hadn't spotted, being otherwise engaged with my photography.

The fly was about 15mm in length, drab grey/black in colour, and quite slim. (Not rounded like a bluebottle).

Being allergic to bitey things in general, particularly midges, I took to the Piriton tablets as soon as I got home.

Yesterday the bite didn't seem to be too bad, just very itchy.

This morning however, I awoke to find my left hand looking like half a golf ball had been inserted under the skin, hot enough to fry an egg on, and all colours of the rainbow. The tendons seem to have tightened up, and it is difficult to bend the fingers.

A hasty trip to the doctors ensued, and I'm now waiting for the antibiotics to kick in.

I'm sure that I've been bitten by similar looking flies in the past, but the reaction whilst very uncomfortable, has never been as dramatic as this.

I do have an anti midge head net, and always wear long sleeves when out in the countryside, - but no-one seems to manufacture anything like midge-net gloves that could be used to cover the hands that would still allow cameras to be operated.

If anyone does know of any such (lightweight & breathable) hand protection, I would be eternally grateful for details.

Regards,
Mike.

[slimrbp]

I know the feeling, first year with a pond in the garden and been hit quite a few times. Not as bad as you describe and I hope you get better soon!

Not sure of netted gloves but have you considered liner gloves? They are usually pretty thin and breathable.

for example (not suggesting you buy from here but an example of what I meant).

Polaris Liner Gloves 2010 | ONLY £8.99


As an aside I was reading a biography of a Wellington pilot in India and apparently those wearing light coloured socks got less ankle bites than those wearing dark colours (might be anecdotal but anything in the war against biting beasts!).

[posie]

Isn't there anything that bee-keepers use, ask Ian Beekeeper.

[monkey]

Sorry to hear of your plight I know exactly how you feel for some reason I have also suddenly started having bad reactions to insect bites and had to have anti biotics - its so painful and swollen. I have been advised to start taking piriton a few days before I go out photographing to build up the med before hand rather than wait till biten. I also spray well with strong insect repellent before I dress and keep fingers crossed it works!!!

Linda

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by slimrbp

....Not sure of netted gloves but have you considered liner gloves?....

Thanks slimrbp. That might be the way I'll have to go, if I can't find anything of a mesh type. - I certainly don't want to risk another bite like that little so-and-so gave me!

Originally Posted by posie

Isn't there anything that bee-keepers use, ask Ian Beekeeper.

Hi posie, I have searched previously for what beekeeprs use, but all of their gloves seem to be rather more industrial looking leather things, sometimes with a mesh "sleeve" attachment. If I could get something that was made entirely of that sort of mesh, that would be ideal.

Originally Posted by monkey

....I also spray well with strong insect repellent....

I've probably tried every concoction on the shelves in the past, without too much success. I think that the whole spectrum of these little biting blighters consider my blood to be the equivalent of a fine wine - As no one has yet invented a wearable "insectocuter" I think I'll have to look for some industrial strength stuff. - Either that or a machine gun

Regards,
Mike.

[earthdragon64]

You have my sympathy, with me it's clegs, I've had pretty much the same reaction you describe both last year and the year before. Two years ago, I was on antibiotics and antihistamines for one bite, when I was bitten again and had an even worse reaction, my hand swelled up so badly, I couldn't get my fingers to touch, even though they were swollen.

Have you looked at silk gloves, they are a fine mesh and shouldn't be too warm, the best thing with them is that you can use a camera whilst wearing them. I use them as a liner in the winter, or on their own in the late autumn. Blacks do them, Blacks Silk Gloves although they aren't cheap.

Advice I was given is to drink Indian tonic water, before going out and afterwards if you think you've been bitten, apparently the quinine can stop you reacting quite as badly. Adding Gin and a slice of lemon is completely optional!

Regards, Audrey.

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by earthdragon64

...Have you looked at silk gloves....

Thanks Audrey. Silk gloves might just be the answer.

Haven't heard that about tonic water before, although I did know it contains a small amount of quinine, which, If I remember correctly is/was used against malaria.

Regards,
Mike.

[Lance Morgan]

Hi
This is a histamine reaction to the bite a normal antiallergic process. Normally it itches gets red, blisters and then subsides in a few days, the lump takes a few days more. If you scratch it you break the skin and infection can set in. Antihistamines e.g. 'Piriton' will help to ease it and are available from the chemist. If it gets red along a limb, very sore, swells or prevents movement you need antibiotics from GP as it may have become infected - do not delay calling your gp or going to A&E. If you experience shock, faintness, sweating, shortage of breath or you pass out (god forbid) you need urgent medical attention as you may have had an allergic reaction called anaphalaxis. This is rare and you will usually be aware that you are very allergic to something or an existing medical condition.
Mossies love me and cause numerous bites every year - so do clegs

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by Lance Morgan

....If it gets red along a limb, very sore, swells or prevents movement you need antibiotics from GP....

All of those symptoms except fortunately not going red further along the limb.
The Doc. advised that that symptom was particularly one to be watched for.
But he was still concerned, and hence prescribed the antibiotics.
He says if the symptoms don't begin to subside after 24hrs. I must get further treatment. - Isn't nature wonderful!!

Regards,
Mike.

[earthdragon64]

Luckily I don't react too badly to midges, just as well living here. I take a daily antihistamine throughout the spring and summer due to allergies I have, (not hay fever), maybe that helps.

With the bad reactions I've had in the past to cleg bites, my GP has advised if I get more bites to take an extra antihistamine tablet for a couple of days until I see whether I'm going to have a bad reaction or not. Obviously I wouldn't recommend that as a normal course to take, but for those who do have bad reactions, it may be worth discussing with your GP, prevention is better than cure after all.