Flea Bites On Humans
Summary: Flea bites can cause severe discomfort for pets and people, alike. Flea bites on humans require immediate attention to provide relief from the constant itching and potential infection.
Fleas have an unquenchable appetite. Imagine carrying something on your body that will bite you several hundred times a day. That is exactly what happens when your pet has fleas. The nearly constant biting causes your pet to scratch, bite and clean to the point that hair falls out. These irritated spots known as allergic dermatitis, can become infected, potentially causing further pet illnesses.
Fleas bite humans, too. A flea bite on humans takes the form of a small bump surrounded by a red halo. The spot itches, of course. Each bump has a tiny puncture hole in the center caused by the flea piercing the skin. It is most common to find
 |
these bumps on lower legs and around the waist where clothing is tightest. The small bristles on their legs point backwards, helping them move slowly, but surely up your pant legs.
Reactions to flea bites vary from person to person depending upon an individual's sensitivity. In fact, some people are totally unaffected by flea bites or they simply are not bitten because the fleas are not attracted. Children often have more pronounced reactions to flea bites.
Several steps can be done at home to treat flea bites on humans. First, wash the bitten areas with soap or some type of antiseptic. Use cold water to clean the area. Hot water only stimulates the bite and makes it itch even more. Apply ice to the bites to reduce the swelling and try not to scratch. Like any insect bite, scratching can lead to open sores and infections.
Any of several hydrocortisone creams can be applied to the spots to help relieve itching. More severe itching may require additional antihistamine medications. Again, read the label or consult your physician before giving any medications to small children. If no relief comes from these actions, you may require medical attention from your doctor.
Having fleas in your residence is no fun. To avoid further problems you will need to take action to find and eliminate all the fleas. This process involves thorough cleaning, vaccuming, laundering and, of course, a visit to the veterinarian to get treatments for your pet.
For more articles on flea control click here .
Comments
jan marsh
06 Aug 2009, 14:17
06 Aug 2009, 14:17
do you know if there's something I can eat to de-tract the fleas from
biting me! Theres six of us and Im the only one who gets bitten! Thanx
Tom
09 Aug 2009, 16:44
09 Aug 2009, 16:44
> Help...my entire body itches and my central nervous system has
changed..for example: I`m very sensitive to my clothing feeling (I guess to
say it itches more to wear tight clothing or to touch (strange)..Yes I have
two dogs and I believe I applied to small tea repellent to the smaller dog
(10 pds). Just after six hours she had a terrible allergic reaction. Is it
possible that I could of received the toxin reaction (flea medicine) threw
my hands/eyes because I have very sensitive skin? It has been about 3 days
and I`m experiencing severe itching and different sense of touch. HELP!
RaMara Barber
11 Aug 2009, 08:54
11 Aug 2009, 08:54
I seen a doctor and i have flea bites and I had my house treated but should
I treat my car for fleas?
Jimmy
11 Aug 2009, 14:37
11 Aug 2009, 14:37
Help! I think I have been attacked on and off by fleas for the past few
years. But I'm not sure if it's fleas because none of my roommates or house
visitors have ever physically seen them or have ever been bit. I've bombed
the house more than a dozen times and have even called the insect control
center to bomb the house with a special powder.
I also get intense itching and similar symptoms to what is described as flea bites, yet the bumps are nowhere as severe as the pictures online. Also, I'll only have one little bump in each spot, as opposed to several in one spot.
I also get intense itching and similar symptoms to what is described as flea bites, yet the bumps are nowhere as severe as the pictures online. Also, I'll only have one little bump in each spot, as opposed to several in one spot.
Bro
16 Aug 2009, 14:03
16 Aug 2009, 14:03
I have these like,red bumps too,but this dr was like,its scabies,and im not
sure what it is
Holly
17 Aug 2009, 15:20
17 Aug 2009, 15:20
Four days ago I found a stray cat that had fleas. I took him a to a vet and
they said to use the topical treatment I have for my other cats and in
24-48 the fleas on him would die. I have 2 indoor cats that I don't want
him around yet so I've been keeping him in the garage. Last night I noticed
a couple of small red bumps around my ankles, and today I have several
more. They don't really itch, but are now on my feet and legs. Can flea
bites take a few days to show up? If not, could the cat still have fleas
even after the treatment? I REALLY don't want to get fleas in my house or
on my other cats. I've been showering and washing my clothes after I play
with the other cat. Is there anything else I can do to prevent them? Should
I wear pants around him or would that attract more fleas? Any advide would
be greatly appreciated!!
claire bradley
18 Aug 2009, 04:59
18 Aug 2009, 04:59
A couple of days ago i stayed over for a night at my friends house with my
4 children.It wasnt untill the next morning we realised her home was over
run with fleas.3 of my children had a few bites but my yongest child had
alot of bites.When we got home i made all the children strip of in my
garden and have a bath,everything i took 2 my friends was left outside and
washed,as i didnt want fleas in my house.I cant see any fleas in my house
but we r getting new bite marks,is it possible for bite marks 2 spread
without actually being bitten?
CLR3
21 Aug 2009, 13:31
21 Aug 2009, 13:31
I am certain that my ankles, legs and now stomach region is infected from
these annoying cat fleas my girlfriend's cats have.The cats leave white
droppings everywhere
L Johnson
27 Aug 2009, 20:49
Do fleas bite in your private area?
27 Aug 2009, 20:49
Do fleas bite in your private area?
lysss
29 Aug 2009, 13:46
29 Aug 2009, 13:46
i think i have it, but it doesnt itch...the glands in my armpits are sore
and swollen.
theresa
02 Sep 2009, 09:11
02 Sep 2009, 09:11
I must go into a home once a week for one hour to perform therapy to a
child. The family has 12 animals and I believe they have fleas. Whenever
I leave there I itch for about 3 days, crazy itching. The kind where you
can't fall asleep type itching, then I'm okay until I have to go back again
4 days later. I spray myself with bug spray before going in but does not
seem to have helped. I have not seen the fleas on me, but soooo itchy. I
see the cats all scratching themselves while I'm there. What can I do to
protect myself while I'm there and prevent myself from bringing them into
my car and home?
lola
08 Sep 2009, 23:31
08 Sep 2009, 23:31
i am 99.9% positive i have flea bites all over my ankles and feet. i don't
have any pets, but the neighbors mentioned their dog got fleas recently. i
have a 9 month old at home so i am afraid to use the "Raid Fumigator" b/c
if i dont do it right, it can be harmful to my son. What do you suggest? It
is an option to have him out of the home at the grandparents for a weekend
or something.
Michelle
12 Sep 2009, 11:20
12 Sep 2009, 11:20
Hi, I have two dogs that might have fleas and those fleas bite me every
time I go to sleep. I can't stop itching! I try everything to stop the
itching like a sort of cream but nothing works. I'm scared because I'm only
13. I can't sleep without scratching my legs.
Char
13 Sep 2009, 00:19
13 Sep 2009, 00:19
Hi there, my kids visited a friend with a dog and ever since they came home
my son keeps getting flea bits. he's has over 100 bites covering his body
and i'm very worried. i've vaccumed and bombed and he still keeps getting
bit. every morning he wakes up with new bits all over his body. my sister
told me he can get tapeworms from them and i've read plenty of articals
stating that this is true, but my doctor disagrees with this info. can
someone help me. I so afraid for my son and i wouldn't even know how to
tell if he has a tapeworm. could someone please help me with some answers.
thanks in advance
andi
22 Sep 2009, 19:20
22 Sep 2009, 19:20
hi, i am having a similar problem, i have flea bombed and flea bombed, and
vacuumed, i have washed all of my bedding but am unsure if i should wash
my mattress pad? and what about bedskirt? i have flea bombed 3 times and
the only place i cant get to with the vacuum is under my bed, the fleas are
still there... what should i do
Denton
15 Oct 2009, 09:41
15 Oct 2009, 09:41
hi,i got some bites on my ankles and there not red or very big there just
small bumbs with no color change i didnt go outside and i got them when i
woke up i dont know if there flea bite i haven't seen any flea around,
please help
Princess Carter
19 Oct 2009, 13:06
19 Oct 2009, 13:06
How do i get rid of spots on my lower
legs from flea bites.
legs from flea bites.
Judy Evans
29 Oct 2009, 08:36
29 Oct 2009, 08:36
I wanted to know the same thing; can you get red, itchy looking bumps after
the fleas are deffinitly gone. In other words, do flea bites spread?
The question is there, but where is the answer/
Judy
The question is there, but where is the answer/
Judy
DADDYLITTLE GIRL
03 Nov 2009, 23:46
03 Nov 2009, 23:46
thank you
Liz B.
14 Nov 2009, 19:40
14 Nov 2009, 19:40
Hi, we have fleas in our house. We live in a 2 story duplex, the guy
upstairs has 5 pets all of which are infested with fleas, we have 2 dogs
both on frontline haven't had a problem. Well my daughter is getting eaten
alive by fleas. She is cover it looks like chicken poxs but I know its
fleas because I keep finding them on her. Is there anything I can do to
keep them off of her? We have had our house treated for fleas but not
upstairs. Are fleas able to move through walls? They have no carpet
upstairs but we have carpet in our area. What can I do? Any advice? I
just really want them to stop biting my baby. Is there a product out there
like frontline you can use on humans?
Jessica H
22 Nov 2009, 13:51
22 Nov 2009, 13:51
Hi. I live in an apartment building that I know the people above me and
next to me have pets. I do not. For the past two weeks I have been covered
with flea bites. I have went to see my doctor and have been prescribed
prednisone to help with the itching but they are still driving me crazy. I
have bombed my apartment and cleaned everything. I havent seen any
fleas..but know that this is what I am covered with comparing pictures I
have seen. Is there any type of OTC medicine I can use to ease the itching?
I have tried everything and am itching myself raw :(
Rachel Ray
27 Nov 2009, 12:04
27 Nov 2009, 12:04
My pubic hairs itch so much I can't sleep. I'm wondering what is happening
to me. My cat has fleas and sometimes I see a flea in my bed. But can
fleas live inside of your pubic hairs. I'd really appreciate your help...
Melle
30 Nov 2009, 20:09
30 Nov 2009, 20:09
For several weeks I have been bitten by fleas, this I am sure before going
to my doctor. We have a dog, cats outside that just roam around the
neighborhood and no home to go to. I believe the fleas are for the cats,
but dogs get them too. We purchase over a hundred dollars to get rid of
the fleas in the house, the dog got flea dipped from petsmart, we bombed
the whole entire house. It was a lot of task to get rid of the pesky
little insects. I have bites all over my ankles, mid section and some on
my arms. I am very much allergic to mosquitos, and especially fleas!. If
any of you get bites, treat everywhere that you have been: home, car,
bedrooms, and do not have your pets stay in your bedrooms. Make sure that
you give them a flea collar, have them dipped. I also heard that the fleas
are now immune to certain products (We use Hartz!). For me I have used
hydrocortizone cream, benadryll, but surprisingly enough I use APPLE CIDER
VINEGAR, this helps me stop the itching. My husband teases me and tells me
that he smells salad in the bedroom. I also use Benadryll before I go to
sleep. If the fleas do not get blood within 24 hours they eventually die,
but why should I be a victim?
Scanlon
13 Jan 2010, 18:17
13 Jan 2010, 18:17
I have had what looks like insect bites on my arms, hips and ankles for 2
weeks. Different bites have appeared at different times over the 2 weeks.
the are large, at least the size of the base of a tin of beans. swollen.
red around the outside of the swelling and slightly creamy looking at the
centre. have been to the doctor, he said it was probarbly flea bites, so am
on anti-histamines for them. Brought dog to the vet and she doesn't have
fleas. Our house has been sprayed from top to bottom with flea spray
recommended by the vet, including all soft funishings and floors. Have boil
washed all sheets and then sprayed them with spray. I am also highly
allergic to mosquito bites. My family, who have seen flea bites and bed bug
bites, all say it's not that type of bite. What else could be biting me.
It's winter and i'm in Ireland. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Laura
13 Jan 2010, 21:05
13 Jan 2010, 21:05
I swear to God - reading this forum makes me want to pull my hair out! Are
all of you idiots? If you have a medical question CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN!!!
*shakes head at the stupidity of others*
Silvi C
17 Jan 2010, 22:51
17 Jan 2010, 22:51
i have 4 cats and i know they have fleas, i seen the fleas jumping on my
bed, they seem to come out at night during the day i don't have the
problem. i used earmite medication on 2 of the cats and i noticed the
problem got better i also sprayed them with flea medication. the problem is
the other two cats won,t let me near them to treat them with medication. i
am becoming sick and so is my elderly mother. the bites are in especially
the ankles now i am having problems on my pubic hairs. i have been
suffering for as long as i have my cats that is 3 years, but i never knew
why until i saw these small black and brown bugs jumping on me. What
should i do. i told plenty of doctors and they say it is dermatitis and
prescribed medication for dermatitis. i,am talking about dermatology
doctors. but now i know what it is, it is flea bites, also my cat is
pulling her hairs out i heard that can be lice. also to make matters worse
one of the cats has little small white worms and they resemble rice. i
thought i was sick i never imagined it was the cats that were making me
sick. What can i do about the two other cats that won,t let me treat them
with medication or repellents? thank you.
sara
14 Feb 2010, 12:41
14 Feb 2010, 12:41
feb. '10
Please help me, I don't know if I have flea bites, bed bug bites or allergic reaction. For the past few years I am getting these hives or bites I don't know, I am going out of my mind. In summertime the marks are on my legs in winter-time they are on my arms and back. They are itchy and seem to get bigger in size, the more I scratch, turning into a scape. I have a dog in the house, I have taken her to the vet,twice and was told she has no fleas. I paid a lot of money to have the house sprayed for bed bugs (4 times). They guys that spray have seen no signs of bedbugs in the house, but sprayed anyway. I am a loss to know what this is. I have three children that don't get bites.....can you help please............
Please help me, I don't know if I have flea bites, bed bug bites or allergic reaction. For the past few years I am getting these hives or bites I don't know, I am going out of my mind. In summertime the marks are on my legs in winter-time they are on my arms and back. They are itchy and seem to get bigger in size, the more I scratch, turning into a scape. I have a dog in the house, I have taken her to the vet,twice and was told she has no fleas. I paid a lot of money to have the house sprayed for bed bugs (4 times). They guys that spray have seen no signs of bedbugs in the house, but sprayed anyway. I am a loss to know what this is. I have three children that don't get bites.....can you help please............
melissa
13 Mar 2010, 00:31
13 Mar 2010, 00:31
my son is 22 and he has bites on his stomach and back. what can I tell him
to do.
James
13 Mar 2010, 01:40
13 Mar 2010, 01:40
I get flea bites from time to time too. They just somehow get in the house,
the only thing that can be done is to flea bomb and vacuum. This will
usually last for a few months before you have to do it again. Flea bombing
can be expensive.
A cheaper way is to buy surface sprays that contain a high concentration of permethrin. I buy those and spray the hole house all over the carpet and around beds and sofas. Then ventilate the house for a few hours, then vacuum.
Repeat this entire process everytime new round of flea bites occur.
I would like to know is how does one repel the darn things so they don't come to the house no more.
A cheaper way is to buy surface sprays that contain a high concentration of permethrin. I buy those and spray the hole house all over the carpet and around beds and sofas. Then ventilate the house for a few hours, then vacuum.
Repeat this entire process everytime new round of flea bites occur.
I would like to know is how does one repel the darn things so they don't come to the house no more.