Sea Sandflies: A Small Danger from the Ocean That Everyone Overlooks

While you’re enjoying your time on the beach, you may have felt a strange sting — like a mosquito bite. But in reality, it’s the tiny sea sandfly.

Symptoms of Sea Sandfly Bites

When bitten by a sea sandfly, most people experience localized allergic reactions. These can vary from person to person but commonly include skin irritation, a burning or stinging sensation, and intense itching at the bite site. In some cases, small fluid-filled blisters may appear, resembling chickenpox.

For individuals who are not allergic, the symptoms typically fade quickly and may feel as if the bite never happened. However, those with allergies may experience prolonged itching for weeks or even months. In some cases, the reaction may include fever, swelling, redness, or dark scars. If the bite becomes infected with bacteria, the wound may take up to a month to heal. In severe allergic cases, there is even a risk of going into shock.

How to Prevent Sea Sandfly Bites

Here are ways to protect yourself from sea sandfly bites:

1. Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, gloves, socks, and hats can prevent the insects from accessing your skin.
2. Avoid peak activity times: Sandflies are most active between 7:00 – 8:00 AM and 4:00 – 5:00 PM, especially in coastal or mangrove areas.
3. Use insect-repellent sprays: Especially if you’ve had allergic reactions before. Natural repellents like citronella spray can help when visiting beaches or mangroves.
4. Bring antihistamines: If you’re prone to allergies, carry allergy medication with you to avoid severe reactions.
5. First Aid for Sea Sandfly Bites
6. Leave the area immediately: Sandflies release hormones while feeding that attract others to the site, increasing the chance of multiple bites.
7. Shower with clean water and mild soap to remove irritants and prevent infection.
8. Apply a cold compress to the affected area. Cold therapy helps blood vessels constrict, reduces swelling, and eases pain. Use ice, cold water, or a cooling gel pack for 20–30 minutes, 2–3 times per day for 24–48 hours.
9. Apply a thin layer of red lime paste (pun daeng): This traditional remedy helps relieve pain and reduce swelling, thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
10. Use calamine lotion to relieve itching. Calamine contains zinc oxide or zinc carbonate, and may also be combined with diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine (antihistamines), camphor, and menthol to cool and reduce pain. แก้คันทำให้เย็น

Source: siamclinicphuket.com / oopps.co