Uncomplicated cases can usually be treated at home with an ice pack and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs orantihistamines.
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What Does a Horsefly Bite Look Like?
Female horseflies are the cause of horsefly bites.
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Male horseflies do not bite but instead, feed off nectar and pollen from plants.
Most horseflies are between 1/2 and 1 inch long.
They have black or gray bodies, short antennae, large heads, and large green eyes.
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Horseflies are most active during warm seasons; during the winter months, the fertilized eggs form intopupae.
Horseflies thrive in full sunlight, so you are vulnerable whenever you are out in the open.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
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Is a Horsefly Bite Dangerous?
Horsefly bites are painful and itchy, but they typically arent dangerous.
Around 200 cases of tularemia are reported in the United States each year.
Because tularemia is s uncommon, the infection is often missed and left untreated (typically withantibioticslike gentamycin).
Treatment is often prescribed when a fever and skin ulcer appears.
Untreated tularemia causes death in about 2% of cases.
However, if the infection moves to the lungs, the risk of death increases to around 50%.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening, whole-body allergic reaction.
Can Horseflies Lay Eggs in You?
One common myth is that horseflies can lay eggs in your skin.
This is not true.
2017;24(5).
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
2021;38(2):331-332. doi:10.5114/ada.2021.106212
MedlinePlus.Insect bites and stings.
