Human Flea Treatment

Fleas are parasitic insects that thrive on blood sucked out from mammals and birds. They can be identified with their tiny-sized wingless body having a blackish brown color. An adult flea is hardly 1 - 4 mm in length. Their piercing mouth helps in drawing blood out from the body of their host. There are different species of fleas, and human fleas, also known as Pulex irritans are one of them.

The carriers of its other species, like cat fleas and dog fleas are the pets in your homes. Human fleas are mostly carried by humans and more commonly attack people who work in farms. They breed in large numbers in pigsties as well. So, human flea infestation also occurs in people who are regularly exposed to these areas.

Treating human flea bite is slightly more difficult than treating other flea bites, because these insects just do not bite but also live on the human hair. Hence, they need to be eradicated from the hair completely.

➜ The characteristics of flea bites in humans are more or less the same. The only difference is that, unlike other flea bites, human flea bites are not just confined to the lower portion of the body but can be found all over the body.

➜ As soon as human fleas infest human hair, one starts experiencing itchiness and soreness on the scalp. They spread all over the head in no time. When the fleas bite the skin, their saliva is introduced on the surface that causes the severe itching sensation.

➜ The effect of flea bites on children is more severe than in adults and lasts for a longer period. Then, a few, small red bumps appear in a row on the skin's surface that cause constant irritation. This itchy feeling tends to intensify with time.

➜ Later on, the hives take the form of blisters and get surrounded by a red halo. When they are scratched heavily, the skin gets torn and bleeding may occur. It may even lead to secondary skin infections, and the region becomes swollen and tender to touch. Sometimes, when people become highly sensitive towards such bites, they may develop allergy symptoms.

➜ The first step of treatment is to reduce the skin irritation. For this, the area has to be disinfected with the help of an antiseptic soap and cold water. Warm water should be strictly avoided as it aggravates itching. After cleaning up the area, apply some ice on the affected spots.

➜ Then, apply calamine lotion generously on the bites to control the itchiness. When the fleas infest the hair, then it has to be treated with the help of a homemade human flea shampoo. To prepare it, one tablespoon of white vinegar is added to one cup of shampoo that you use regularly.

➜ Massage it all over the scalp thoroughly and leave it on the hair for 10 - 15 minutes. Then, rinse the hair properly with water. The acidic component of vinegar helps to kill the fleas.

➜ If these treatments fail to show results or there are signs of infection like pus discharge, then you must consult a doctor. He/she would prescribe hydrocortisone or antihistamine creams for treating skin irritation.

➜ Even though these anti-itch creams are available over the counter, it is better to consult a doctor and then use them. To treat allergies, antihistamine medicines are given for oral administration. Secondary infections need to be treated with the help of antibiotics.

➜ The knowledge about how to treat flea bites is simply not enough. You have to get rid of these harmful creatures from the entire house. If you have pets in your home, take them to the veterinarian for treatment.

➜ They prescribe medicines for both oral administration and medicated lotions for topical application. Clearing up flea infestation at home is a tough task, because the eggs are laid in all the places of the house particularly on soft fabrics, like carpet, upholstery of the furniture, pet bedding, mattresses, etc.

➜ These things should be thoroughly vacuum cleaned regularly. Human flea repellent products are available in the form of sprays or 'flea bomb' and can be used for killing the fleas. Insecticides should be sprayed in the outdoor areas. In case the house is badly infested, you should take the help of professionals for flea control measures.

As you can see, human flea treatment involves not just treating the humans but getting rid of fleas from your surroundings as well. For this reason, you must prevent them from breeding inside the house. Spreading eucalyptus leaves all over the house can be extremely helpful in this regard. Sprinkling of borax powder on the carpet and soft fabrics can stop the fleas from laying eggs on them.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.