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. This article discusses the flea bites treatment that is found to be effective by many.

Flea Bites - How to Identify?
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 of flea bite 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.
• In a day or two the lump may develop into a blister or small wound.
• Secondary infection may be caused due to itching of the area.
• In some cases individuals may have very strong reaction to the bite.
• These bites are most commonly caused on the most easily accessible parts of the body, that is, hands and legs.

Flea Bites Treatment
Individuals with pets are very familiar with flea bites. 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 flea bites:

• Your first step towards treatment for flea bites would be to resist the urge to itch. Flea bites are very itchy and if you itch 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 reducing 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. Know more on tapeworms in humans.

Flea Control
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. In case your pet has been bitten by flea, topical application of some cream, as advised by the vet, can bring relief. Alternately, applying aloe vera gel or neem oil are natural ways of treating flea bites. Know more on neem oil as insecticide.

However, 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. As far as pets are concerned, herbal collars, bath with essential oils and improving their diet (giving them natural food) will help to keep these pesky pests off the coat your pet.

Flea bites treatment in not an elaborate affair and can be handled at home. However, the key is to resist the urge to itch, as that leads to more severe consequences than the bite itself.