Images of Gnat Bites on Humans - What They Look Like, Treatments & Prevention

What are Gnat Bites?

Gnats are tiny flying insects that feed on blood. While not all gnats bite humans, some species do enjoy feasting on our blood, leaving behind itchy, irritating bites. Some of the most common gnat species that bite humans include black flies, buffalo gnats, sand flies, and no-see-ums.

When gnats bite, they use their sharp, needle-like mouthparts to pierce the skin and suck up blood. The bite is usually painless, so you likely won't feel anything while the gnat is feeding. However, after the gnat flies away, the bite will begin to itch, burn, and swell.

What Do Gnat Bites Look Like?

Gnat bites will look like small, red, swollen bumps on your skin. Some key characteristics of gnat bites include:

• Bumps are red and inflamed
• The swollen area may be up to an inch in diameter
• Bites can appear in clusters or groups
• Bites are intensely itchy
• Bites may leak fluid and crust over
• The swelling and itching can last a few days up to two weeks

While the bite itself is painless, gnats inject an anticoagulant when they bite to keep your blood flowing. This anticoagulant causes the irritation, itchiness, and swelling that occurs after the bite.

What Do Gnat Bites Look Like Over Time?

When a gnat first bites you, you'll just see a small red dot, similar to a mosquito bite. After a few hours, the bite will become swollen and inflamed. The swollen bump may be up to an inch in diameter and will be incredibly itchy.

Over the next few days, the swollen bump will be very irritated and itchy. You may be tempted to scratch, but this can damage the skin and cause an infection. The bite may leak fluid and even crust over as it starts healing.

It usually takes a gnat bite about 5-14 days to completely heal. Over this time, the swelling and redness will gradually reduce. The itching and irritation will also dissipate as the bite heals. Make sure not to scratch or pick at the bite, as this can leave a scar or mark.

Where On The Body Do Gnats Bite?

Gnats will bite any exposed areas of skin they can reach. Common body parts that get bitten include:

• Arms
• Legs
• Feet
• Hands
• Neck
• Face
• Back

Gnats are small enough to bite through lightweight clothing, so they can still get to your skin through shirts and pants. Areas covered by thicker clothing, like jeans or hoodies, are safer from gnat bites.

Gnats tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, so bites often occur during these times. Make sure to protect your skin with insect repellent if you'll be outside when gnats are active.

Why Do Gnat Bites Itch So Much?

The itching from a gnat bite is caused by the injection of their saliva. Gnat saliva contains anticoagulants and anesthetics that allow them to feed more easily.

Unfortunately for us, our bodies react to these foreign substances with swelling, irritation, and itchiness. Our immune system recognizes the proteins in gnat saliva as invaders and tries to get rid of them.

Some of the chemicals in gnat saliva, like histamine and serotonin, also provoke itching and skin reactions. The anticoagulant keeps blood flowing to the bite longer as well, which prolongs the itchy feeling.

You can take antihistamine medications and apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce the itching and swelling caused by a gnat bite.

Differences Between Gnat Bites and Other Insect Bites

There are some key differences between gnat bites and bites from other insects like mosquitoes, bed bugs, and fleas. Here is how to identify gnat bites:

Mosquito Bites

• Mosquito bites are round and puffy bumps
• The bumps have a central puncture wound
• Mosquito bites are generally larger than gnat bites
• Itching and swelling subside quicker than gnat bites

Bed Bug Bites

• Bed bug bites occur in cluster formations and lines
• The bumps have a red halo around them
• Bed bug bites are small and uniform in appearance
• Bites can lead to severe itching and allergic skin reactions

Flea Bites

• Flea bites are tiny red bumps, often surrounded by reddened halos
• The bites frequently occur in groups of three or four
• Flea bites are more painful than itchy
• Some people may develop hives or rashes around flea bites

Being able to identify insect bites is helpful for knowing how to treat them and prevent further bites. Gnat bites can be distinguished by their intense itchiness and swelling that lasts about a week or longer.

Treating Gnat Bites

Although gnat bites go away on their own, you can help relieve the itching, swelling, and inflammation with these tips:

Wash The Bite Area

Gently clean the bite with soap and water. This helps remove any saliva or irritants left behind and prevents infection.

Apply a Cold Compress

A cold compress can help ease swelling, itching, and pain. Wrap an ice pack or cold cloth on the bite for 10-20 minutes at a time.

Use Anti-Itch Cream

Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the bite. This helps control itching and swelling.

Take Antihistamines

Oral antihistamines, like Zyrtec or Benadryl, relieve itching and swelling. Follow dosage instructions carefully.

Don't Scratch

Resist the urge to scratch, as this can damage the skin, cause infection, and leave scarring.

Preventing Gnat Bites

You can take steps to prevent gnat bites with these tips:

Use Insect Repellent

Spray repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.

Eliminate Standing Water

Get rid of any standing water around your home, as this is where gnats breed.

Wear Protective Clothing

When outside, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to cover up skin.

Avoid Dusk and Dawn

Try to stay inside during dusk and dawn when gnats are most active.

Use Fans

Run fans indoors or take one outside, as gnats struggle to fly against wind.

Treat Breeding Areas

Use gnat traps or larvicide treatments to kill gnats in breeding grounds.

When to See a Doctor for Gnat Bites

In most cases, gnat bites will heal on their own within a week or two. See a doctor if:

• The bite area becomes infected - symptoms may include pus, increasing pain and swelling, red streaks, fever.
• You have an allergic reaction to the bites - symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/throat, nausea, dizziness.
• The bites do not improve after 2 weeks.

Some individuals may be allergic to components in gnat saliva and require medication to manage reactions. Seek medical care immediately if you have any signs of a severe reaction to a gnat bite.

Conclusion

Gnats are a nuisance, and their bites can cause irritation and discomfort. Look for small, red, swollen bumps that appear in groups and are intensely itchy. Treating gnat bites involves stopping the urge to scratch, using anti-itch creams, taking antihistamines, and applying cold. Protect yourself by using repellent and covering exposed skin when gnats are active. See a doctor if bites show signs of infection or you have an allergic reaction.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.