Home/Town remedy for Sandfly

 Sandfly (or sand fly) is a colloquial name for any species or genus of flying, biting, blood-sucking dipteran (fly)

encountered in sandy areas. In the United States, sandfly may refer to certain horse flies that are also known as "greenheads" (family Tabanidae), or to members of the family Ceratopogonidae. The bites usually result in a small, intensely itchy bump or welt, the strength of which intensifies over a period of 5-7 days before dissipating. Moderate relief is achieved with varying success through the application of over the counter products such as Benadryl (ingested) or an analgesic cream such as After Bite (applied topically). Outside the United States, sandfly may refer to members of the subfamily Phlebotominae within the Psychodidae. Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) are sometimes called sandflies or no-see-ums (no-see-em, noseeum). New Zealand sandflies are in the genus Austrosimulium, a type of black fly.^[1]

In the various sorts of sandfly only the female is responsible for biting and sucking the blood of mammals, reptiles and birds; the protein in the blood is necessary for the production of eggs, making the sandfly an anautogenous reproducer.

Some sandfly genera of the subfamily Phlebotominae are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis and pappataci fever; both diseases are confusingly referred to as sandfly fever. In Asia, Africa, and Europe, leishmaniasis is spread by sand flies of the genus Phlebotomus; in the Americas, the disease is spread by sandflies of the genus Lutzomyia. Belize and Honduras are notorious in the Caribbean for their sandfly populations and travel pages frequently warn tourists to bring bug spray containing high concentrations of DEET.

Viruses

Among the viruses that sandflies can carry is the Chandipura virus, which, as a cousin of rabies, is very deadly.^[2] There was an outbreak in India in 2010.

Bacteria

Bartonella bacilliformis, the causal agent of Carrion's disease, is transmitted by different members of the genus Lutzomyia. This disease is restricted to Andean areas of Peru and Ecuador, with historical reports in Southern Colombia.^[4]

How to treat Sand fly bites

Perhaps the best treatment is to avoid getting bitten. If an individual has an infected-looking bite or numerous bites on his body, he should seek medical attention.

 If he gets bitten, he should try the following steps:

Clean the area with water or soap and water. Place a cool compress or cloth covered ice pack over the bite to reduce swelling and minimise irritation and pain.

Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as chlorpheniramine and NSAIDs, to reduce discomfort. Apply a topical corticosteroid, such as OTC hydrocortisone 1 per cent. Antihistamine tablets or creams can help.

Bites should never be scratched as this increases the chance of the wound becoming infected.

If he experiences an allergic reaction to a bite, such as wheezing or hives, he should seek emergency medical attention.

Treatment 

The application of a cold compress, such as an ice pack or wet cloth will provide some relief. An antihistamine will help with the swelling and itching as well. In severe cases, medical advice may be required.

Far North Training encourages you NOT to scratch your midge bites as secondary infections can occur (blisters and weeping bites which will persist for days or weeks). When first bitten, it is advisable to wash the affected area in cold water, pat dry and apply Lucas Paw Paw ointment. In many cases this will remove the initial need to scratch. If you do continue to scratch and cause blisters you may require the need for topical antiseptic or systemic antibiotics, as prescribed by your doctor.

If the person experiences symptoms of an infection after a fly bite – such as fever, nausea, headaches, or swollen lymph nodes –he should also see a doctor.