Flea Bites on Humans

Fleas are known for their unquenchable appetite. They bite several hundred times a day giving rise to irritation and at times also allergic dermatitis. Fleas can be transmitting agents of tapeworm larvae, bubonic plague and murine typhus. The flea infestation is normally seen in the summer months, where the pet gets the infestation in the house. The infestation spreads to the carpet in the house and eventually to the clothing and the human body. At times, it has also been noticed that the fleas infest the house after a mild winter even if there are no pets at home.

Flea Bites on Humans - Symptoms
The common symptom of flea bites on humans is a small bump, with a tiny puncture in the center caused by the flea bite, surrounded by a red halo and itching of the spot. These bites are usually found on the lower legs and around the waist area. The fleas have small bristles, which enable them to move upwards to the waist area. Flea bites on humans can induce different reactions from different people. The reaction primarily depends on the sensitivity of the person. There are some people who are not affected by the flea bites at all. Children are most prone to flea bites.

Flea Bites on Humans - Treatment
How to cure flea bites on humans? Here are some of the steps you should take for flea bites on humans cure.

• It is important that your do not scratch the affected area. The fleas defecate while they bite. If you scratch the affected area, you are spreading the bacteria all over your body. Therefore do NOT scratch the affected area. Scratching leads to open wounds and secondary infections.
• The first and the foremost step to wash the affected area with an antiseptic soap or lotion. Avoid usage of warm water to wash the affected area. It is advisable to use cold water, as warm water triggers off itches. Tea tree oil can also be used to clean the affected area. It will also reduce the itching.
• The flea bite affected area usually has a swelling. Use of cold compress is suggested on the affected area. Cold compress helps in reducing the swelling.
• In case the affected area is swollen, red mild steroid cream can be applied. A steroid cream will help in reducing inflammation. Calamine lotion if available at home can also be applied to the affected area.
• If the itching is unbearable, an anti-histamine can be consumed orally. Anti-histamine will help in reducing the itch.
• In case with all the above mentioned cures for flea bites on humans do not work and the condition aggravates, a visit to the physician is called for; especially if there is a discharge from the bites.
• If you notice symptoms like headache, fever, body ache, nausea and rash, they all can be symptoms of murine typhus. It is very important that you consult your physician, if you notice these symptoms. In case the symptoms aggravate, you might need hospitalization.

With tips on how to get rid of flea bites on humans, you will be able to get rid of the flea bites, but it is important that you prevent their re-occurrence. Hence it is important to get rid of fleas from your house as well. You may want to take help from a pest control company to get rid of the fleas. Dehumidifying the house and using flea repellents will keep the infestation under control and also prevent the re-occurrence. Do not forget to take your pet to the vet regularly. After all, it's the fleas on your pet's body that can eventually harm you.