Fleas are tiny wingless parasites that live all over the world. Although they probably prefer the company of your cat or dog, fleas can also extend temporary residence to the human foot or shin, where they feed on the blood. Treating flea bites in humans is simple and inexpensive; however, preventing more flea bites in the future requires addressing the source of the infestation.
About Flea Bites
Flea bites may be caused by the human flea, Pulex irritans, but fleas that reside on your cat or dog–Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis, respectively–may also find you tasty. About 30 minutes after you're bitten, a red, swollen bump erupts on your skin, says the Victoria State Government Department of Health in Australia. In another day, the bump may blister or turn into a small wound. This reaction in your skin is caused by the saliva the flea leaves behind when it bites your skin, explains MayoClinic.Com, causing an allergic reaction. Generally, flea bites elicit a milder reaction than the bites or stings of other insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants, which can cause anaphylaxis in people who are severely allergic to the venom.
Treating Yourself
Wash flea bites with antiseptic soap to prevent infection, advises the Victoria State Government Department of Health. Use a cold compress to relieve swelling and itching. A topical medication, such as 0.5 or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion, may be beneficial, according to MayoClinic.Com. If you don't have either of these on hand, mix baking soda with water until it forms a paste-like consistency and apply it to the bitten skin numerous times daily. Oral nonprescription antihistamines that contain diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine maleate can also reduce swelling. The Victoria department of health suggests asking your pharmacist which antihistamine is appropriate for you.
Do's and Don'ts
Don't scratch flea bites–this can lead to a secondary infection, cautions the National Institutes of Health. If flea bites seem to be getting worse or if you notice pus or another discharge oozing from the bites, contact your treating physician.
Prevention Strategies
Eliminating the source of the infestation is key to preventing flea bites. Make sure that your pet is treated for fleas. Vacuum carpeted areas, clean pet bedding and treat outdoor areas with the appropriate insecticide, advises the Victoria State Government Department of Health. Flea eggs can live for several weeks, so thorough house- and grounds-keeping strategies are necessary to prevent another infestation. Flea infestations are very difficult to eliminate, states the NIH, and often require the services of a professional exterminator.
Flea Bite Cautions
Fleas aren't picky when it comes to their host and can transmit diseases such as tapeworms, murine typhus, and in certain parts of the world, bubonic plague, states the Victoria State Government Department of Health. Fleas and tapeworms often go hand in hand when it comes to pets–where there's one, there's the other. Talk to your veterinarian about options for flea control and tapeworm treatment.
