SHENZHEN doctors are warning residents of a surge in biting midges — tiny insects much smaller than mosquitoes but with a more irritating bite — as they peak in the humid summer rains.

According to Chinese media reports, a lot of Shenzhen residents have recently reported being bitten during outdoor activities. Many have suffered extensive skin redness, persistent itching, and in some cases, fluid‑filled blisters that can take days to heal.

The problem is not confined to adults. Eight‑year‑old Xiaole was playing on a lawn near his home with his back and arms exposed. That night, more than a dozen red welts appeared on his skin. His parents initially dismissed them as ordinary mosquito bites and applied floral water, paying little attention. But the next day, blisters had developed on the bumps. The child scratched so hard that his skin bled, leaving him unable to sleep at night. He was taken to the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, where dermatologist Dr. Yang Liu confirmed the culprit was midges.

According to Dr. Yang, midges are about one‑third the size of common mosquitoes and bite almost silently. Their saliva contains potent allergens that provoke much stronger reactions. The resulting itchiness can last for several days, and scratching the affected areas often leads to secondary skin infections. Locally known as “black midges” or “little biters,” these insects fly close to the ground and tend to target exposed areas such as ankles and lower legs. They thrive in bushes, grassy fields, ponds and campsites. Unlike mosquitoes, which are mostly active at night, midges feed during the day and are most aggressive at dawn, in daylight hours, and at dusk. They can inflict multiple bites in a very short time, leaving clusters of itchy lesions. The intense, persistent itch is difficult to relieve by pinching or applying floral water; scratching often leads to redness, swelling, eczema and, after healing, dark pigmentation spots that can linger for weeks.

Dr. Liu Yang, an expert from the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, advises residents to wear light‑colored long‑sleeved shirts and long trousers when outdoors to minimize exposed skin and to avoid prolonged stays near grass or standing water. Showering promptly after returning home can reduce body odor that attracts midges. When necessary, apply insect repellents containing DEET, which offer far better protection than natural alternatives. Midges are also averse to strong winds, so choosing breezy outdoor spots can significantly reduce the risk of bites.

Liu advises that those who are bitten should avoid scratching. Instead, they should apply ice packs or calamine lotion to soothe the itching. Over‑the‑counter antihistamine creams may also help. If the rash becomes severe or symptoms persist, they should seek medical attention promptly. It is important to note that ordinary window screens and mosquito nets are not fine enough to block these minuscule insects, and electric swatters are rarely effective against them.

(SD News)