How to treat flea bites on humans?

flea bites on humans

Fleas are oval-shaped, wingless, parasitic insects with six legs. They bite to feed on mammal and bird blood. The most common species are the cat, dog, human, sand, and rat fleas. The flea bites on humans require treatment, or symptoms like hives, red spots, itching, swelling, and rash persist.

The reaction of flea bites on humans

Do not confuse the sturdy fleas with common bed bugs in the house. The flea bites lead to swollen, red, and itchy skin within an hour. On the other hand, the bed bugs create clusters of red spots on ankles and legs. Also, fleas can bite at any time of the day or night, summer or winter.

When they bite humans, it leads to skin redness. Besides, over-scratching the wound leads to infection. Some individuals even have allergic reactions like lip or tongue swelling, wheezing, chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and dizziness. In such cases, it is important to rush them to the hospital for emergency care. However, in general cases, flea bites on humans are not lethal. You just have to wash the bitten areas with soap, disinfectant, or hot water.

Here are some of the home remedies and pharmaceutical solutions to try and treat flea bites. Each individual would react distinctively to each treatment. Thus, it is best to try multiple ones at the same time, except for the medicines.

Frozen packs soothe the skin

You will feel irritated and find the itch very bothersome. Inevitably the scratching starts and leads to secondary infections. Avoid these complications by taking the correct remedial action.

You can treat flea bites on humans by using ice packs and packs of frozen vegetables. Take the ice and wrap it in a towel. Apply this pack on the itchy areas of the skin and dab for relief from pain. The area becomes numb, and it reduces both swelling and itching. You can also cool tea bags to make the treatment pack.

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Witch hazel can give relief

Witch hazel or winter bloom is a natural medicinal shrub. It has tannins that are rich in anti-oxidant properties. It helps to get relief from redness and itching. Moreover, it is a skin astringent and anti-septic, which can even stop minor bleeding.

You can buy bottled liquid witch hazel from a local store. Or, you can prepare a home solution using the bark. Soak one tablespoon of crushed bark in a cup of distilled water for half an hour. Then boil, simmer for 10 minutes, cool and strain to store in a bottle.

Aloe Vera as a medicine for flea bites on humans

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Aloe Vera is a very popular natural skin moisturizer and healing gel. It can treat sunburn, flea bites, redness, and itching. Cut a small piece of the leaf or stalk, and extract the gel using a fork. Gently rub it on the red spots for temporary relief from symptoms. The clear jelly is rich in water and bioactive chemical compounds. They act as a skin tonic to heal skin swelling and pain. You can also purchase a bottle of crushed aloe leaves if you could not find a plant.

Topical creams are very effective

There are several over-the-counter topical creams for incest bites. These anti-itch, anti-septic lotions, gels, and ointments are very effective. The topical medication can lower the chances of infection. You can rely on Benadryl, Cortizone, Caladryl, or Cortaid. They have beneficial hormones, steroids, and anti-histamines. These chemicals reduce skin itch, redness, and swelling. Besides, they also stop wheezing and other allergy reactions.

Alcohol treats flea bites on humans

Disinfectants are very efficient in keeping away pests and insects. Alcohol is one such reliable germ-killer. Rub isopropyl alcohol solution on the affected skin to get relief from pain and itching. Use it as a mild treatment for temporary relief. Remember, alcohol can be toxic and inflammable too.

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Essential oils cure flea bites on humans

Tea tree oil help to repel insects and treat skin blemishes. The steamed and distilled solution is not only pure but also very potent. It is an efficient anti-microbial healer that wards off infections. It reduces the discomfort due to skin itch, swelling, and redness.

https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/healthy-living/dr-weils-guide-to-essential-oils/

Make sure you get the pure extract for application on the skin. It works as a topical medication without any side effects. You have to rub it daily on the reddish spots to reduce irritation and pain. Other essential oils like eucalyptus, cider, citrus, lemongrass, and peppermint can also be helpful to treat flea bites. They have a cool, soothing effect on the skin and reduce infection risk. If you have never tried essential oils, it is best to apply them behind your ears to check for allergic reactions. Allergy due to essential oils and the flea bites are quite similar. Please avoid using essential oils on kids less than one year of age.

White vinegar works as an astringent

Apple cider white vinegar can soothe the irritating, itchy skin. Use a diluted solution to treat flea bites on humans. Mix one part of water with one part of vinegar to prepare the healing spray. Apply this on the ankle and legs with sore, red spots. You will feel comfortable, and get temporary relief. You can also use cotton to apply it to the bite area. Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties lower the risk of infection.

When should you visit a doctor?

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In some cases, flea bites can lead to fever, hives, allergies, and secondary bacterial infections. Some even have swollen lymph nodes, chest pain, and wheezing. Oral medications like antihistamines can reduce these symptoms. You can take Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec pills to reduce the itch. But, see a doctor if the allergic reactions become very severe. You might need a stronger, prescription hydroxyzine drug called Atarax or Vistaril. It is best to avoid self-prescribing these medicines.

Before you try these medicines one after another, check the wound to confirm that it is a flea bite. There are several methods to ward off insects out of your home too.