Like mosquitoes, sandflies (also known as sand fleas) bite, inject anti-clotting saliva and suck blood from their victims. Some even lay eggs! These creatures are often found on warm, sandy beaches. Though they are visible to the naked eye, they are often overlooked when one is admiring the beautiful sunrise, sunset or some other nice things on the beach.
Sandfly bites are raised like mosquito bites. The itching however, is more intense and can last much longer – often a week or more. This is probably because the saliva injected by sandflies is a lot more toxic than that injected by mosquitoes. The itching is often aggravated by heat, feels worse at night and bumps may recur after a short period of remission during the day. There is also a chance of complications like limb swelling, fever and malaise. After much scratching, the surface of the skin is broken and prone to infection.
Treatment for sandfly bites without complications
1. Apply iodine on the bites and especially when there’s broken skin.
2. Apply steroid cream like hydrocortisone.
3. Use aloe vera gel if you can’t get hydrocortisone.
4. Take antihistamines like Piriton before you go to sleep.
If you have any complications like fever or limb swelling, go see your doctor immediately.