Insect bite - which insect??

Question:

I've been bitten twice in the last week by a flying insect in our local dog run (New York City), and my ankle and face have had a lot of swelling and itching around the site of the bite. It doesn't warrant my going to the doctor >yet<, but I was wondering if any of you have been bitten like this? I hate bugs, don't know anything about them. I've seen fat green shiny flies around, could it be them? I grew up in the Mediterranean, so I don't think these are mosquito bites... any ideas as to what this insect could be? The swelling lasts for days and is over an inch (3 cms) in diameter. Thanks...

Answers:
what you have described is a black fly - they have one of the worst insect bites around - so I would suspect that the fly you're seeing is what is biting you. Black flies are black with a colorful "hue" of blue, purple, or green.

I suggest using Deet next time you're out... it is particularly effective against these flies.

If you notice red streaks leading out from the bite, or puss, or dead skin - go the hospital. Otherwise, here are the suggested treatments for bug bites.

Bug Bite
1. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the bite for 15-20 minutes per hour for the first 6 hours. Avoid putting ice directly on the skin.
2. If necessary, elevate the bite area to decrease swelling.
3. Apply BiteRx. (see below)
4. If necessary, take over-the-counter medication to control itching, pain, redness or swelling.
5. Antibiotics are not helpful unless the wound becomes infected.
6. Monitor the bite for redness, swelling, pain or signs of infection.
7. Re-apply BiteRx to control bite symptoms and promote healing.
8. If swelling persists apply warmth to the bite for relief.
9. If redness, swelling or pain does not subside or there are signs of infection consult your physician.
10. Avoid scratching or breaking bite blisters as they can lead to infection.

I don't know what it is but i think you might want to see a doctor because it could be an allergic reaction.

I couldn't be certain but I would have to say you can eliminate mosquito's from the list of plausible criminals.
Blow flies don't bite, they do lay eggs in open wounds though, so I'd just never go near those for various reasons that are pretty obvious.
Check out this website it may help.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insect_bi...

Deer tick suspected. It is the carrier of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a tick-transmitted infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Symptoms include an erythema migrans rash, which may be followed weeks to months later by neurologic, cardiac, or joint abnormalities. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, but acute and convalescent antibody titers may be helpful. Treatment is with antibiotics such as doxycycline or, for serious infections, ceftriaxone.
Consult a dermatologist.
Please see the web pages for more details and images on Lyme disease.

Insect bite - which insect??

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