Sand Fleas Symptoms

Sand fleas are blood sucking parasites that are found in some tropical regions. They are arthropods that belong to the family Hectopsyllidae and genus Tunga, and are mainly found in some parts of South and Central America and West Indies. These fleas normally inhabit areas near water bodies and feed on rotting plant matter and seaweeds. They are also dangerous for humans as they can inflict horrendous bites.

Sand fleas

Now, you know that sand fleas are blood sucking parasites like mosquitoes, but they are more dangerous than the latter. They are known by various names, like Sarcopsylla penetrans, Pulex penetrans, jigger, pico, chigoe flea or pigue. They are wingless insects with specialized mouth parts that help them in blood sucking. Due to these features and their shrimp-like looks, sand fleas are also considered as crustaceans. However, these fleas are tiny with around one millimeter of body length. Some of them may grow to a length of three millimeters too. They can have a body color that ranges between pale white to brownish shades. Usually, a sand flea's waxy body sports seven segments and long legs. These legs help them in swimming and jumping. They are not good jumpers, as they can cover only 20 to 40 centimeters in a jump. So, they do not travel long distances and are found in a small radius near water bodies like pools, creeks, lake beds and beaches. However, beaches are the most common dwelling place for sand fleas, and so, regular beach goers are the ones who are more affected by their bites.

Sand Flea Bites

As mentioned above, sand fleas have special blood sucking mouth parts that enable them to bite and suck blood from the host. Their hosts are warm blooded animals, especially humans, cattle and horses. These fleas inject saliva into the host, so that the latter's blood gets thinner and can be easily sucked. It is this saliva that causes the sand fleas symptoms in those who have suffered the bites. In case of humans, the most prone ones are white-skinned beach goers. As white skinned people have thinner skin, compared to their counterparts, it will be easier for the fleas to puncture the skin and suck blood. Both male and female sand fleas suck blood from warm blooded hosts, but breeding females burrow into the skin and live there for around two weeks and lay eggs. This causes severe symptoms.

Symptoms

In short, these fleas can inflict two types of bites. One is the regular one, like mosquito bites, wherein the insect bites the host, sucks blood, and leaves the body of the host. These bites can be more painful and itchy, as compared to mosquito bites. If an impregnated female burrows into human skin, it will settle there for the next two weeks, causing occasional irritation and itching. During the first week, the eggs will develop inside the flea and it will not cause any major symptom, except occasional irritation. After that, the spot will develop sand fleas symptoms, like swelling and redness with some blisters and a black spot in the center. The black spot is actually the flea's reproductive and respiratory organs, along with the hind legs that are exposed through the orifice. Towards the end of the second week, around 100 eggs will be laid by the flea and these eggs will be expelled through the black hole. The eggs that fall off the skin will hatch within two to three days, if the conditions are right.

So, if a breeding female flea burrows into human skin, the initial symptoms include minor irritation. But, after one week, the affected spot will develop blisters, swelling and redness, along with the black spot. During this time, the person will experience pain, itching and even numbness of the area. The spot may also have a white halo around it. The symptoms can be mild or severe as per the location. Usually, legs are found to be the most prone area, as these fleas cannot jump to greater heights. In some people, sand fleas symptoms can be really serious with severe pain and discomfort. It may also cause ulceration of the area fibrosis and discharge. If sand flea bites are not treated on time, this condition, which is called tungiasis, may lead to secondary conditions like tetanus, gangrene and bacteremia.

In case of such symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately, rather than trying to take out the insect on your own (as it may lead to infection). Sand fleas treatment include application of anti parasitic drugs and petrolatum, cryotherapy and removal of the flea by forceps. In some cases, a minor surgery may be required to remove the flea. Sand flea bites can be prevented by wearing shoes and applying bug sprays while going outdoors. In case of ordinary bites, you may use antihistamines and apply calamine lotion over the area. If you develop nodules, redness and swelling, contact your doctor immediately. So, it is always better to prevent sand fleas problems.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.