Fleas are small insects that feed on the blood of mammalian animals, usually dogs and cats. Even so, it is also common for flea bites to occur in humans, which are very annoying and can transmit serious diseases from one carrier to another.
Coexistence with pets or handling them is one of the main risk factors when it comes to suffering bites, and these usually occur on the legs, especially ankles and knees, and also around the waist, in the crease of the elbows or in the armpits. In this ONsalus article we explain all the details about flea bites, their symptoms and their treatment
Symptoms of Flea Bites
These bites are characterized by being small, red and slightly raised and are usually itchy, itchy and inflamed. In general, in most cases the symptoms are mild and after biting for a few days, the sting disappears. However, in other more severe reactions it can cause a rash, drawing a red halo around the bite or welts on the skin.
When intense itching occurs it is difficult to avoid scratching and this can lead to injuries or wounds, bleeding and even serious infections on the irritated skin. Allergy to flea saliva can be one of the culprits for suffering more pronounced symptoms, and you may even experience itching all over your bodyChildren are more susceptible to developing a more serious reaction and therefore more attention should be paid to them.
It should be noted that, as we indicated at the beginning of the article, fleas can become disease transmitters Some examples are pathologies such as plague, murine typhus (a bacterial infection), or tapeworm (a larva that colonizes the intestine).
Treatment for flea bites
The main thing in flea bite treatment is to try to keep the area as clean as possible. It is important to follow these tips:
- Wash the skin with plenty of soap and cold water or an antiseptic lotion. Remember do not wash it with hot water, as it would increase the swelling.
- Try not to scratch the bite to avoid opening the wound, as this would facilitate infection.
- If the sting becomes severe, it is best to consult a doctor who will help relieve the itching with hydrocortisone creams and prescribe antihistamines or antibiotics for the infection.
Often, some home remedies can go a long way to soothe itching. We recommend applying a mixture of baking soda and water to the bite for 15 to 30 minutes to soothe the skin, or wash it with gauze soaked in water and vinegar or honey and lemon. The aloe vera can also be a good ally.
Preventing Flea Bites
To prevent the problem from recurring, obviously we need to get rid of the fleas. Keep these recommendations in mind to get rid of them:
- Wash sheets, blankets, pillows, and clothes frequently in water as hot as possible.
- Deep cleans the floor of the house, the rugs, the furniture, the sofas and armchairs and the beds. Vacuum cleaners and steam machines can be of great help.
- Treat your pets to eliminate parasites and remember to clean their beds, blankets and toys too. Check your pets' fur often to make sure they don't continue to harbor fleas.
- If all these measures are not enough, you may need to contact an exterminator to professionally treat your home.
It is important to remember that the skin of animals is the natural habitat of these parasites, so the problem may recur in the future if we continue to have pets at home and therefore regular cleaning is essential.
This article is merely informative, at ONsalus.com we do not have the authority to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to go to a doctor in the event of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
