Eye swollen from a horse fly or mosquito bite.

Hello!

In the morning i went to go pick raspberries. it was raining for a little bit so i went inside. I checked in the mirror and i had a horsefly bite on my eyelid. At first it didnt swell up but after a few hours it swelled up. So then i decided to take a nap for a little bit. When i woke up my whole eye was swollen i could barelly see. What should i do? I need help! And i never experieced a horsefly bite this bad before.

[caregiver222]

Take an over-the-counter antihistamine.

Sometimes the insects carry bacterial infections so I would feel better if you had it looked at by an in-person M.D.

[aldunn72023]

It is possible that you could be experiencing a delayed allergic reaction.  Have you tried Benadryl or Zyrtec?

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to forum. Horsefly is known to cause two types of reactions namely Local reactions and Systemic reactions. They are capable of inducing allergic reactions and/or transmitting infectious diseases. The swelling suggest local reaction to the Flies bite.

Reduction of local edema may be induced with cooling (ice or cold pack). Topical lotions such as calamine decreases pain and pruritus. Topical anesthetic and antihistamine preparations should be avoided as they can sensitize the skin following sun exposure and induce allergic contact sensitivity. Hence, Systemic antihistamines (injection is preferred) and antipruritics such as hydroxyzine or cetirizine against prescription may be helpful.  

Even addition of corticosteroids has possible benefits.

I suggest you to consult dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment. Take care and regards.