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Are Gnat Bites Dangerous?

Ken Black
Ken Black

Gnat bites may be dangerous and should be treated as soon as there is a problem noticed. Most of the time, these bites will not cause serious harm, but there is always the potential. Many times, people may not even realize they have been bitten by gnats. However, there are times when gnat bites may become more complicated.

The best advice to keep these bites from becoming a big problem is to wash the bitten area. This may not need to be done right away, but the sooner, the better. In some cases, simply taking a daily shower can help cut the risk of infection substantially.

Washing exposed areas can prevent infections from gnat bites.
Washing exposed areas can prevent infections from gnat bites.

One of the biggest problems with gnat bites comes from bacterial infection. The insects do not live or operate around extremely clean environments, and even their small feet can pick up harmful microscopic organisms. Therefore, bacteria can be introduced into even a small wound. Bacterial infections may be contained to the bitten area, or may spread internally to other areas of the body. In some cases, they can become significant health problems needing professional medical attention.

Anti-itch cream can used to treat a gnat bite.
Anti-itch cream can used to treat a gnat bite.

This is especially true with open wounds. Gnats, many of which need blood meals in order to survive, are attracted to open sources of blood, where there is little effort needed to get the nourishment desired. Constant picking by a horde of gnats can cause a wound to fester for weeks after it would normally otherwise be healed. That festering, to one extent or another, is caused by the gnats The longer the wound stays open, the more prone to infection it becomes.

Bacterial infections caused by gnat bites may or may not be contained to the bitten area.
Bacterial infections caused by gnat bites may or may not be contained to the bitten area.

Pets and other animals, more so than humans, are prone to gnat bites in open wounds. Humans can escape inside, which keeps most gnats away. Pets, on the other hand, often stay outside for a substantial portion of the day, if not the entire day. If there is an open wound, the best way to care for it is to make sure it is protected with a bandage that is changed often.

Scratching gnat bites can lead to further difficulties.
Scratching gnat bites can lead to further difficulties.

To help keep gnat bites from becoming infected, it is also recommended to dab the area with an antiseptic and perhaps apply an anti-itch cream. These bites often itch, and scratching at them can lead to further difficulties and keep the wound open longer. Anti-itch creams do a good job helping ease the urge to scratch.

Discussion Comments

anon311045

I am so itchy from gnats and gnat bites. I lived in housing and all pest control does is to place those insect inhibitors around; they don't work for gnats.

I am so freaked out, and ready for the nut house. I tried vinegar and soap detergent, baking soda in the sink drain, clorox in sink drain about two gallons, what about ammonia.? The building is old, built in 1929 and has about 75 units.

I suppose they are in the wall and window cracks. It just makes me so nervous. Housing tells me that a fogger is not allowed in this state. Baloney.

cmsmith10

I had a cousin that had a pretty common gnat bite. After a few days and much scratching, it got infected. She ended up in the hospital because the infection was so serious. Gnat bites should be treated immediately if the area looks like it is getting infected.

anon77260

Use five drops orange oil, five drops eucalyptus oil and five drops of patchouli oil. Mix with four oz of aloe vera gel and any unscented lotion. Gnats won't land on you or bite you. works for mosquitoes, too. I substitute spf 30 sunblock unscented for the lotion so I don't get sunburned and bug bitten at the same time. This works.

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    • Washing exposed areas can prevent infections from gnat bites.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Washing exposed areas can prevent infections from gnat bites.
    • Anti-itch cream can used to treat a gnat bite.
      By: April Cat
      Anti-itch cream can used to treat a gnat bite.
    • Bacterial infections caused by gnat bites may or may not be contained to the bitten area.
      By: ronstik
      Bacterial infections caused by gnat bites may or may not be contained to the bitten area.
    • Scratching gnat bites can lead to further difficulties.
      By: dalaprod
      Scratching gnat bites can lead to further difficulties.
    • Any wound from a gnat bite should be protected with a bandage that's changed frequently.
      By: sudok1
      Any wound from a gnat bite should be protected with a bandage that's changed frequently.
    • Taking a daily shower may help prevent infection from gnat bites.
      By: Alliance
      Taking a daily shower may help prevent infection from gnat bites.