What Do Gnat Bites Look Like?

Symptoms

• Gnat bites may bleed for a short time from the tiny puncture the insect makes in the skin. At first, gnat bites leave a small red bump, but over the course of a few days, the bite may swell and most certainly will itch. While gnats will not typically bite through clothes, you may find bites on exposed skin, in the hairline and places where they can crawl under clothes. Most bites are mild, but some people can experience a severe reaction that includes headache, nausea, fever, hives or swollen lymph nodes. If your child experiences severe symptoms or you suspect an allergic reaction, call your child's pediatrician.

First Aid

• Treat gnat bites by washing the affected area with soap and water. An antiseptic applied to the area may help prevent infection. Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to alleviate swelling. Your pediatrician may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or creams containing hydrocortisone or lidocaine. Antihistamines can help with swelling and itching.

Identification

• Gnats resemble tiny flies and belong to the order Diptera. They are small and usually gray in appearance, though they can also appear black or red. In some species, their fan-shaped wings can have a pattern. Gnats have tiny blades inside the mouth, which make their bites especially painful.

Prevention

• In some areas, gnats become active during a specific time of year. Find out when to avoid gnat bites by contacting your local Cooperative Extension office and plan indoor activities during this time. Long sleeves, pants and a hat can protect against bites, but choose clothing with snug cuffs to make it difficult for gnats to crawl under clothing. Pay special attention to children when gnats invade since gnats sometimes severely bite children while adults are left alone, warns The Ohio State University Extension. Applying insect repellent may help, but get the approval of the child's pediatrician before use.