Flea Bites Treatment

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts. The reason for close contact between human beings and fleas are common pets like cats and dogs. Besides sucking blood, fleas also transfer diseases from one host to another. These parasites are known to infect human beings with tapeworm larvae and disease-causing organisms of the bubonic plague.

Flea bites are extremely itchy and what is worse is that there isn't any quick fix remedy for them. Here we discuss the treatment for the same, that has been found to be effective by many.

Flea bites are often confused with allergies, ant bites or spider bites. However, careful observation of the bite is the first step towards any insect bite identification. A close look at the bite would reveal that there is a puncture in the center of the bite.

This helps one to identify flea bites from ant bites and spider bites because when they bite, both ants and spiders leave marks of two punctures on the skin. The presence of the puncture also enables one to know that the bite is not an allergy.

The symptoms are:

⇨ Within half an hour of the bite, the skin swells up at the spot where the flea has bitten.

⇨ The lump is red and extremely itchy. Skin rash can also be noticed around the affected area.

⇨ In a day or two the lump may develop into a blister or small wound.

⇨ The rash spreads to other areas over time. The small bumps may bleed.

⇨ Secondary infection may be caused due to itching of the area.

⇨ In some cases, individuals may have very strong reaction to the bite. Symptoms like chest pain, severe swelling, breathing difficulty, hives, etc. can be noticed.

⇨ Flea bites are often seen around the waist, calves, neck, ankles, armpits, and in the bend of the elbows and knees of human beings.

Individuals with pets are very familiar with fleas. However, that does not mean that those who do not own pets won't be bitten by these pests. Flea bites on humans are common in either case. Here are some ways that will let you know how to treat them:

⇨ Your first step towards treatment would be to resist the urge to scratch. Flea bites are very itchy and if you scratch them, you would be calling in more infection.

⇨ As soon as you have identified that it is a flea bite, clean the bitten area with cold water and a mild soap. Then pat it dry. This would help reduce the risk of infection. Avoid using hot water as that may increase itching.

⇨ Ice pack should be applied to the area to reduce the swelling.

⇨ Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the area to relieve itching. Even tea tree oil is known to bring relief.

⇨ In case the itching is very intense, you could take an oral antihistamine. This would reduce the allergic reaction that your body is undergoing in response to the bite. Consulting the pharmacist for the most appropriate antihistamine would be a good option.

⇨ Do not neglect a possibility of treatment for tapeworm. In case you develop symptoms other than itching, do not think twice about calling in the doctor.

⇨ You may be able to spot and remove adult fleas from the coat of your dog or cat; but there could be many more fleas growing in the home and the surrounding area. You should spray insecticides like pyriproxyfen or methoprene which help kill the eggs, pupae and larvae.

Throwing away all the garbage, organizing the things that are lying on the carpet (for example, a pile of shoes) is essential as these can be the breeding platforms for the fleas. Fleas breed at an amazing rate. Treating the environment with a fogger may help get rid of fleas.

With flea bites on humans, treatment is not complicated. However getting yourself treated every time you are bitten, is not the solution. Once the parasite has entered the premises of your home, you stand a good chance of getting bitten frequently.

⇨ Alternately, applying aloe vera gel or neem oil are natural remedies. The topical application of aloe vera may not be harmful. But aloe proves to be harmful if ingested by the pet, and could cause diarrhea and vomiting.

⇨ Sometimes, it is necessary to call an expert; as flea control may involve professional extermination. Proper examination of the surrounding area and of the symptoms by an expert is essential in some cases.

⇨ The key to the whole matter is to prevent these pests from invading your homes and infecting your pet. Cleanliness is the basic requirement for flea control. Vacuum every corner of your house regularly.

⇨ You could also use pesticides and flea traps that are available in the market. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your house would dehydrate the fleas.

⇨ Flooding the lawn periodically helps kill the flea larvae; as they cannot survive when flooded with water. The larvae feed on the feces of adult fleas. Water helps get rid of the feces and the larvae as well.

⇨ Another way of getting rid of flea larvae and fleas is to spray the beneficial nematodes that feed on flea larvae. The nematodes used to kill the larvae are harmless to trees, plants and humans. Pesticides or nematodes should be sprayed in the areas where pets frequent.

Flea bite treatment in not an elaborate affair and can be handled at home. However, the key is to resist the urge to scratch, as that leads to more severe consequences than the bite itself. If you notice the symptoms of flea bite, you should first take your pet (cat or dog) to the vet for a proper flea treatment.