A gnat bite can be itchy and irritating, but it usually doesn’t cause any serious problems.
Gnats are small flying insects that are common in your home or yard.
There are two species of gnats, and only one bites humans.
sandra standbridge / Getty Images
Gnat bites show up as tiny, red,itchy bumps.
you’re able to take steps to get rid of gnats and prevent bites.
They are found throughout the United States, primarily in coastal and farming regions.
Aleksey Matrenin / Getty Images
There are two species of gnats, but only one bites humans.
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats breed in places like soil and potting mix.
These insects are attracted to organic decomposition.
Fungus gnats don’t bite humans.
Biting Gnats
The species that bite humans is called a biting midge.
Only the females bite humans.
Biting midges are commonly found around water sources like swamps, marshes, ponds, and streams.
The female midges lay eggs in mud.
The female biting midge typically feeds at dawn and dusk.
It may continue to feed during the nighttime as well.
When the gnat bites, it injects a substance that prevents bloodclotting.
If left undisturbed, a feeding will take between two and five minutes.
Since gnats are so small, you may never know that they are feeding on you.
The symptoms of a gnat bite are sparked by the body’s reaction to the gnat’s saliva.
The bite can cause the following:
A less common reaction is the appearance offluid-filled blistersaround the bite.
Scratching can fire up the skin, which may lead to asecondary infection.
Below are some of the ways to care for gnat bites.
Apply a Cold Compress
Acold compresscan help ease pain, swelling, and itching.
Use a towel rinsed in cold water or ice cubes wrapped in a towel.
Don’t apply ice directly to the skin.
Keep thecold compresson the area for 10 minutes.
you could do this several times daily.
Use Anti-Itch Creams
Anti-itch creams likehydrocortisonecan be applied three times a day to the bite.
This will help reduce itching and swelling.
Hydrocortisonecan be purchased over the counter.
If itching persists, a healthcare provider can prescribe a stronger-strength hydrocortisone.
Take an Antihistamine
Antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are available over the counter.
These are allergy medications that can reduce itching and swelling.
Be sure to follow the medication’s instructions.
These include:
Complications From Gnat Bites
Gnat bites typically resolve on their own.
Sometimes, however, a gnat bite can cause a problem such as an infection or an allergic reaction.
Allergic Reactions
Seek healthcare immediately if the following symptoms occur.
Female gnats can bite humans, causing an itchy, red bump.
Gnats can be found almost anywhere but are primarily attracted to wet areas.
To protect yourself from gnats, cover your skin with clothing and use an insect repellent containing DEET.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.
Nemours Health.First aid: Insect stings and bites.
Environmental Protection Agency.Biting midges and schools.
