Flea Bites on Humans

Fleas are known for their insatiable appetite. They bite several hundred times a day giving rise to irritation and at times also allergic dermatitis. They pose a threat not only to humans, but also pets. Human fleas are known as Pulex irritans. Fleas can be transmitting agents of tapeworm larvae, bubonic plague, stomach flu and murine typhus. The flea infestation is normally seen in the summer months, when the pet gets the infestation inside the house, or after visiting an area infested with fleas, humans themselves become carriers of fleas. The infestation spreads to the carpet in the house and eventually to the clothing and the human body (and pets, if any at home). 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

Identifying flea bite is not difficult for the appearance, it has. The common symptom of flea bites seen on human beings is a small bump, with a tiny puncture in the center caused by the flea bite, surrounded by a red halo and itching on the spot. If you have to take a careful look at the bites, you will see that the bites did bleed, which led to formation of scab on the bites. Another common characteristic of flea bites, is that there will be more than one bite in the same area. In some cases, painful welts may be formed on the area of the flea bites, especially when a person is allergic to flea bites. These bites are usually found on the lower legs and around the waist area. They may also choose areas, where the clothes are the tightest. The fleas have small bristles, which enable them to move upwards to the waist area. Flea bites 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 are commonly seen around the leg, feet, waist and between folds of skin.

Flea Bites on Humans - Treatment

How to cure flea bites? Here are some of the steps you should take for flea bites cure.

• It is extremely 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.
• Adding liquid soap along with lemon juice to bath-water will help in getting rid of fleas. The areas to check, if fleas are hiding are hair, toes, nape, behind ears, back of knees, in case of women under the breasts, etc.
• 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 and 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 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.

How to Get Rid of Fleas from Home?

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.

1. Vacuuming carpets and furnishing will help in removing fleas, their eggs and larvae. However, this procedure will have to be repeated for a few days, till you are sure there is no presence of fleas anymore.
2. Using flea control powder or flea repellents in the house on carpets, clothing, etc. will prove to be of help in keeping flea infestation under control and also prevent the re-occurrence. You may want to take help from a pest control company to get rid of the fleas, if you find it difficult to determine the right quantity or method of using flea control powder.
3. You will also have to check your pet, to see if it also has been infested with fleas. 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. The pets in the house can also be sprayed with flea repellents. This will ensure that the fleas do not continue to multiply on the pets.
4. Dehumidifying the house will keep the infestation under control and also prevent the re-occurrence.
5. Sunning the carpet, blankets, etc. will prove to be of help in getting rid of flea infestation and also prevent re-infestation.
6. Clothes, bed covers, etc. should be washed with a detergent in warm to hot water. Lemon juice can be added to the water, while washing the clothes.
7. Spraying insecticides on carpets, etc. will also help in getting rid of fleas.

It is important, that one is not lethargic, when it comes to fighting flea infestation. No doubt it will take some time, but you will be able to get rid of the infestation with persistent efforts. Preventing flea infestation is the best solution, however, sometimes it may not always be possible. If the infestation is taking much longer than anticipated, then it is best to seek help from pest control company.