Sand Flea Allergies
The terms "sand flea" or "sand fly" can refer to a type of aquatic larva, certain species of the black fly or biting midge, and a tiny insect belonging to the genus Phlebotomus. The Sand Fly and Leishmania Research Group even corrects the Encyclopedia Britannica on this issue.
All of this is extremely confusing for vacationers who want to protect themselves from a biting insect that carries diseases that can be deadly or disfiguring. The type of "sand flea" of concern to these vacationers is in fact the phlebotomine sand fly. As with the mosquito, the gestating female bites in order to get protein from the blood.
Clarification
The phlebotomine sand fly has a body length of 2 to 3 mm, making it smaller than a mosquito but larger than a midge. Because they do not hover around the host like a mosquito, they are not recognized as a potential biting insect. Sand flies bite in the night or evening, in deeply shaded areas or during the day if disturbed from their resting site. It is a myth that they produce a biting or whining sound prior to biting.
You can know that a sand fly has bitten you from its painful bite, comparable to a cigarette burn or drop of hot oil.
Prevention
Sand fly bite prevention includes application of a DEET-containing insect repellant to the skin and of permethin spray or solution to belongings, including a blanket to sleep under. In the evening, cover as much of the skin as possible, for example by wearing long sleeves, pants and socks.
Symptoms
Bites cause an itchy allergic response and in some cases large welts. If scratched the welts can lead to infection. Fever and rash may also develop in reaction to sand fly bites.
Diseases
Sand flies can carry many diseases, such as leishmaniasis and the Pappataci fever virus.
Leishmaniasis currently affects about 12 million people in 88 countries. It is a particular danger if visiting North Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, Central America or the Caribbean. There is as yet no certain cure for leishmaniasis, and although chances of infection are small, aggressive prevention only makes sense.
Treatment
If you return from a vacation in an affected area with persistent sores that make you think you may have leishmaniasis, consult a specialist in tropical medicine to ensure correct diagnosis.
As with other insect bites, you can treat the itch and pain with remedies like antihistamines, ibuprofen gel and hydrocortisone cream.
Tags: biting insect, Flea Allergies, phlebotomine sand, Sand Flea, Sand Flea Allergies, Sand flies