Flea Bites on Children

Fleas are harmful insects that are small in size and survive on blood. Usually, fleas infest the pets of your house first and then attack the children. There are five different types of fleas. Among them, dog fleas, cat fleas and human fleas is responsible for causing flea bites on children. They have sharp jaws which is pierced into the human or animal skin and the blood is sucked out. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant which is injected into the blood so that blood does not get clotted and they can suck till their thirst gets quenched. This anticoagulant is harmful and causes several infections.

Signs of Flea Bites on Children

The unique feature of flea bites on humans is that they do not bite just once but many times as the fleas tend to move around restlessly all over the skin. This results in numerous itchy bites. These small, red bumps which are accompanied by constant itching last for many days. At times, the itching sensation becomes so severe that children end up breaking their skin which results in bleeding. If this wound is attacked by any bacteria, it can lead to serious skin infections. The characteristics of the small bumps caused by flea biting is that there is a red halo around the bump and a tiny hole at the center of the bump. It is through this hole that the fleas suck blood. Usually, these bumps are mostly found in clusters on the lower part of the legs and around the waist where clothing is tight.

Apart from the itching, irritation and skin infection, fleas can also act as transmitters of more serious diseases. Since they move from one host to another, they are capable of transmission of several diseases from one person to another. Diseases, like, murine typhus and bubonic plague get transmitted by fleas. There are certain fleas that can even transmit larvae of tapeworms.

Treatment for Flea Bites

The main aim of treatment for flea bites is to provide relief to the symptoms. As soon as you detect signs flea bites in your children, apply some home treatments on them immediately. For this, you need to wash the affected area and clean with soap and cold water. Do not use hot water on them as it may aggravate the itching sensation. Then apply cold compression by wrapping up a few ice cubes in a cloth. This will bring down the swelling to some extent. Ask your child to not to scratch them as it increases risk of infections. To obtain relief from irritation, hydrocortisone creams that are available over the counter can be used on the itchy bumps. In case these treatments do not give the desired results immediately, you should consult a doctor without any delay. In order to get rid off the infection, doctors prescribe antihistamine drugs for oral administration and calamine lotion for application on the bite spots. In case the infection gets severe, then it has to be treated with antibiotics. For more information refer to flea bites treatment.

Preventive Measures

Flea bites on children occur if there is flea infestation in the home. Therefore, you have to free your house from flea infestation or else the children will get flea bites repeatedly. The main carrier of fleas are the pets in your house. Fleas also lay eggs on carpets, upholstery, furniture, etc. To prevent your child from flea bites, it is essential that you free your house from flea infestation. Clean your house thoroughly. Clean your carpet with a vacuum cleaner regularly. Always wash all the linen and pet bedding in warm water. Take your pet to the vet to give treatments to your pet. You can also take the help of a professional for the purpose of flea control. To know more read on:

• Flea Control Home Remedies
• Fleas in House: Home Remedies for Fleas in House

.The reaction of flea bites on children may not be immediate. When a child is bitten by fleas for the first time, he may show symptoms after a few days. If the child has already developed sensitivity towards the saliva secretions of the fleas, then he can show signs of instant reaction. In case your child gets any serious illness a few days after flea bites, do not forget to inform the consulting doctor about the medical history of flea bites.