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. You can learn more about flea control products and purchase them
here.
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.
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, a visit to the veterinarian to get treatments for your pet and, of course, some products to kill fleas such as an adulticide, an insect growth regulator and, perhaps a product for your pet. Get them all by clicking here.
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
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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.
For flea control products, click here .
Comments
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.
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.
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.
blondie
15 Apr 2010, 13:44
15 Apr 2010, 13:44
I think whoever has fleas should move to a colder climate-they are out of
control in these florida towns.
eevee
21 Jun 2010, 13:25
21 Jun 2010, 13:25
My legs are literally covered in flea bites, and it is not just my lower
legs, it is also on my knees and upper legs. It seems like everyday I get
at least five or six new bites on my legs. My legs constantly itch, it is
very uncomfortable and unattractive. Is there anything I can do to make
these bites and the scars from these bites go away?
Ask the Exterminator
21 Jun 2010, 13:34
21 Jun 2010, 13:34
This is a medical question. Please speak with your doctor.
Courtney
27 Jun 2010, 21:06
27 Jun 2010, 21:06
My dog got fleas from my roommate after she had moved out. Her room was
totally covered in them. So I bought Hot Shot and I sprayed the room. I
also got Frontline for my dog. HArtz didn't work!Now i have to sit and
wait. My question is does Hot SHot kill all forms of the fleas? The eggs,
larva, all of it? Also the directions say to spray the dog bed. Is that
safe? I don't want it to hurt my dog but fleas are unbarable for my dog and
myself.
allison
29 Jun 2010, 01:55
29 Jun 2010, 01:55
OMG i need help, my daugter is 2 and she is SENSITIVE, to all repelants and
of course fleas and masquitos... we live in the country and cant keep them
off her or her daddy, we cant keep them out of our house either... no
matter how many times we spray... i have no pets, and live in a apt, on a
huge area of land... is there something i can put on my little girl befor
we all go nuts...
Ask the Exterminator
29 Jun 2010, 10:20
29 Jun 2010, 10:20
There is a non-pesticide repellent called BugBand. The ingredients are
geraniol which is derived from geraniums. Look it up at www.bugband.net.
nick
29 Jun 2010, 23:30
29 Jun 2010, 23:30
Is it true! that a flea will die after 24 hours! not having a host to bite?
I heard that if you put lavender oil in your hair it will prevent the flea
going to your hair! Is that true? and they dislike that smell? I can't tell
whats true or false anymore! when someone is desperate to get ride of these
fleas they will do anything!
Does the cold weather kill them? should I get a AC and blast it and leave the house for 24 hours that there is no host to suck blood on! I bomb the house three times and took my pets to the vet for a flea bath and vacuum the house! the blood suckers are still in the house! but, they are is less! I just got a spray form the vet to kill the fleas.. to spray on the floor! How long do you think it will take until they are gone? A month? OMG! this is driving me crazy! I never had this problem before in my life! hope you can answer some of these questions! I have been looking around in different sites for answers!
Does the cold weather kill them? should I get a AC and blast it and leave the house for 24 hours that there is no host to suck blood on! I bomb the house three times and took my pets to the vet for a flea bath and vacuum the house! the blood suckers are still in the house! but, they are is less! I just got a spray form the vet to kill the fleas.. to spray on the floor! How long do you think it will take until they are gone? A month? OMG! this is driving me crazy! I never had this problem before in my life! hope you can answer some of these questions! I have been looking around in different sites for answers!
Eddie
29 Jun 2010, 23:50
29 Jun 2010, 23:50
You know! I readied that if you put some dish soap with water and fill it
inside a bowl the flea will go in and drown! It is true! I tried it! I
garbed the flea and put it in the water with the soap inside! in a few sec
it was in the bottom of the bowl! trust me try it! I had a hard time
killing them and stopping them from biting me!(in case a flea is biting
you, you have a some kind of a way to kill them).
Someone, needs to find away to kill these stupid bugs in a faster way.
Someone, needs to find away to kill these stupid bugs in a faster way.
Stacy
30 Jun 2010, 00:05
30 Jun 2010, 00:05
I heard that bugs don't like the smell of Lavender and Eucalyptus. Should I
buy a lavender lotion has a repellent?
Does this work: Bug spray "Repel HG-406T Lemon Eucalyptus 4-Ounce Insect Repellent Pump Spray"
Please let me Know.
Does this work: Bug spray "Repel HG-406T Lemon Eucalyptus 4-Ounce Insect Repellent Pump Spray"
Please let me Know.
Ask the Exterminator
30 Jun 2010, 07:37
30 Jun 2010, 07:37
Certain smells repel certain types of insects. One particular smell may not
work across the board for all insects, but the concept does, in fact, work.
sandra
05 Jul 2010, 04:06
05 Jul 2010, 04:06
If you have fleas in your house, you must get rid of them by fumigating,
treating carpeting, washing all bedding and clothing in HOT water with a
strong soap and then re-treat and fumigate in 2 weeks to kill all newly
hatched-out fleas. If you do not do this, the fleas will breed and
repopulate the house. Flea bites are extremely itchy and annoying and will
only get worse.
sandra
10 Jul 2010, 08:47
10 Jul 2010, 08:47
they hate the smell of tea tree oil too. Taking vitamin B complax is
meant to be a deterrant to them biting you. I am the only one who gets
bitten in our house, they haven't bitten my husband or babies thank
goodness. we have had them on and off since we moved our dogs outside -
they used to sleep in the laundry inside at night time. there is also the
odd stray cat that hangs around as well. I dont like using the bombs, as
they leave a residue. (my toddler licks the floor lol) get some Lime from
a gardening shop - sprinkle it all over your grassed areas and garden beds
outside. my throat gets itchy after every bite I get, and I feel like I
am scratching and itchy all the time, no matter how many bites. they are
so hard to completely eliminate!!!! my cleaner, who comes once a week says
her cat gets covered in fleas, so I am wondering if she brings any to my
house on her clothes or in her bag!!!! grrrrrrrrrrrr
for a baby I would buy something like ItchEze (cant remeber the name of it, but its in a yellow tube here in australia) with lignacaine in it, to help numb and take the itch out.
for a baby I would buy something like ItchEze (cant remeber the name of it, but its in a yellow tube here in australia) with lignacaine in it, to help numb and take the itch out.
Jessica
10 Jul 2010, 18:04
10 Jul 2010, 18:04
We recently bombed our house and spray and vaccumed also washed all linens.
Of course that night I went to bed feeling something bitting me. My sister
and kids felt the same thing. Even later the day after I felt samething.
When I look there is no bite mark or flea on me. Is this the eggs hatching?
I read somewhere that they hatch due to heat or sense of movement. Also
read that they sometimes hatch as full adults or small, and how small are
they hatching because; because I cant see anything when im feeling them
biting. Before we bombed Id feel them on me or bitting me and see them.
Ask the Exterminator
11 Jul 2010, 07:23
11 Jul 2010, 07:23
When fleas emerge from the pupa stage they are full adults. You can see
them fairly easily. You are correct about emerging when they feel the
vibration of someone walking nearby. An easy way to determine if you still
have fleas is to put on a pair of tall tube socks and shuffle around the
house. The fleas will jump on the socks.
kristen g
22 Jul 2010, 03:36
22 Jul 2010, 03:36
i have about 60 bites on my feet, and its very embarassing and itchy!
PLEASE HELP
Ask the Exterminator
22 Jul 2010, 10:35
22 Jul 2010, 10:35
See a doctor.
Viper5
26 Jul 2010, 01:24
26 Jul 2010, 01:24
I Have lived in my house for about 16 years now and I recently got a new
puppy he had fleas and I tryed giving him a bath and everything but now it
feels like there on my and it's non stop itching. But do fleas die when
they come intact with water?
Ask the Exterminator
26 Jul 2010, 11:39
26 Jul 2010, 11:39
Viper5: Fleas will drown in water, but you need to add some liquid soap
detergent so it breaks the water surface tension. Otherwise, the fleas will
remain on the surface and will survive.
Heidi
30 Jul 2010, 10:14
30 Jul 2010, 10:14
We had fleas really bad so we bombed the house last sunday. We washed the
dog and the cat and put stuff on the back of there neck. Here we are on
Friday and the fleas are back on the dog and we are getting bit again. Is
the stuff on the back of the neck not working? We are going to bomb again
this sunday. Is there anything else I can do?
Dee Smith
03 Aug 2010, 16:23
03 Aug 2010, 16:23
I am going through hell in the last three weeks. I have several pets, who
by the way never had fleas, until this year.
My pets were given advantix twice, cap star 3 times, bathed by me, flea dipped by the vet. I had bombed the house myself several times, until I brought in the exterminators. I also vaccumed my car, followed by 6 bombings, and spraying a mixture of water, palmolive and baking soda, not to mention, covering the car floor with salt or baby powder. I also bought flea traps which I even brought to work, since i noticed a flea on my desk.
I wash clothes and vaccum every room including the garage and basement sometimes ending at 12 am. Plus, I sprayed the front and back yard with pesticide.
I even pulled up my bedroom carpet and threw out my bed.
And the little bastards are still around. I give up. I am leaving the house,car, and my job to the fleas.
My pets were given advantix twice, cap star 3 times, bathed by me, flea dipped by the vet. I had bombed the house myself several times, until I brought in the exterminators. I also vaccumed my car, followed by 6 bombings, and spraying a mixture of water, palmolive and baking soda, not to mention, covering the car floor with salt or baby powder. I also bought flea traps which I even brought to work, since i noticed a flea on my desk.
I wash clothes and vaccum every room including the garage and basement sometimes ending at 12 am. Plus, I sprayed the front and back yard with pesticide.
I even pulled up my bedroom carpet and threw out my bed.
And the little bastards are still around. I give up. I am leaving the house,car, and my job to the fleas.
Ask the Exterminator
03 Aug 2010, 16:56
03 Aug 2010, 16:56
I have articles on how to do flea control properly. You have yet to do what
is necessary. Contact me via the "Ask a Question" button at the top of the
page and I will help.
Viv
04 Aug 2010, 07:15
04 Aug 2010, 07:15
Oh my god! I know how you all feel. Flea bites are extremely annoying, so
itchy and usually leave scars, especially if you have sensitive skin like I
do. My family is at a loss of what to do and even thought of giving our dog
away ):
From what I'm reading though, I don't believe that will solve our problem, considering the fact that they don't only live on animals, but carpet too. Anyway, I will follow some of the advice provided, it's worth a try. I hope the best for all of you!
From what I'm reading though, I don't believe that will solve our problem, considering the fact that they don't only live on animals, but carpet too. Anyway, I will follow some of the advice provided, it's worth a try. I hope the best for all of you!
Mary
04 Aug 2010, 13:44
04 Aug 2010, 13:44
I have two dogs and we don't put flea stuff on them during the summer. I've
the dogs for at least 9 years now and I haven't had a problem with them
before but this summer I just started getting these bites. I'm pretty sure
they're flea bites. I can't stop itching! They bite me on my thighs at
night and I have a few bites on my arm. What should I do?
Ask the Exterminator
04 Aug 2010, 15:20
04 Aug 2010, 15:20
Viv:
I don't understand why you are stuck on this page. Your family is at a loss as to what to do about fleas? Just look to the left column and click on "fleas" and you will find lots of articles on how to treat for fleas.
I don't understand why you are stuck on this page. Your family is at a loss as to what to do about fleas? Just look to the left column and click on "fleas" and you will find lots of articles on how to treat for fleas.
timia
13 Aug 2010, 01:41
13 Aug 2010, 01:41
hi i have so many little btes all over me even my face but they dont itch
very much no colore chang...but i have been over my uncles house with two
dogs that have fleas.....what do i do....school starts in two
weeks.....and there over my face in stuff what to do....
Ask the Exterminator
13 Aug 2010, 09:39
13 Aug 2010, 09:39
Don't go to your Uncle's house anymore until he gets rid of the fleas. See
a doctor for your skin.
Tyler
22 Aug 2010, 02:59
22 Aug 2010, 02:59
I live in a house with 4 other people, and 2 have cats. I know they have
flea. We have been battling these pests for a little while now. Everytime
we bath the cat, the fleas go to the face. we are afraid of puting the flea
shampoo on the cats face, because we dont know what will happen if the cat
eats it or gets it in it's eyes. Also, I seem to be the only appealing one,
to the fleas, because of everyone in my house, I am the only one that ever
gets bites. We have tried everything we can afford. Bombs, shampoo, even
cleaning a lot more. do the bombs work at getting ones that are under beds
and couches? And do you have any suggestions for ridding my house of this
problem
Ask the Exterminator
22 Aug 2010, 22:41
22 Aug 2010, 22:41
My suggestion is to read my articles on flea control. There is an entire
"flea" category on the left side of every page.
amber
23 Aug 2010, 00:49
23 Aug 2010, 00:49
Why do people say go to the doctor. What will the doctor do about a flea
bite. All you will do is plug up the office and waste your money.
Ask the Exterminator
23 Aug 2010, 09:55
23 Aug 2010, 09:55
I tell people to go to a doctor because I cannot prescribe treatment. If
the flea bites are bad and they are looking for relief, ask a doctor or go
to a pharmacy.
jacki ann
26 Aug 2010, 23:50
26 Aug 2010, 23:50
i ended up with contact dermatitis a few months ago and i believe im
getting it again could fleas cause this condition?
Ask the Exterminator
27 Aug 2010, 09:01
27 Aug 2010, 09:01
Flea saliva is a common allergen and a cause of dermatitis.
Leslie Foster
29 Aug 2010, 00:42
29 Aug 2010, 00:42
I have not had a problem with fleas since moving into the city, but we
recently moved into a new place within two weeks I started getting bit,
then I realized that the dog was scratching alot. So I got him a flea
collar now they are all jumping on me but soon enough they will go away I
hope just as in the past. As soon as I got rid of them on the animals they
usually left me alone until then I will be miserable!
Tammy Winters
30 Aug 2010, 08:09
30 Aug 2010, 08:09
To Silvi C- Um, Oh my God, number one, it sounds like you have A LOT of
problems, not just fleas. Number two, THE BEST piece of advice you could
possibly get and follow is this GET RID OF THE FRIGGIN CATS! It doesn't
take a rocket scientist. Why sacrifice the health of you and your elderly
mother over some infested cats who obviously have never been to a vet!?
Tina Ferris
31 Aug 2010, 15:42
31 Aug 2010, 15:42
I have never had these kinds of bites before. i just recently got them all
over my stomach. Its very itchy and i try to avoid itching it! but in other
cases they are small and red bumps. My mother in law think that it came
from my dog who has flees and passed it over to me? but im not sure! after
these bumps appeared i cleaned all my blankets by washing them over and
over again thinking it could of been bed bugs also? but im not sure. ive
been rubbing this lotion on my stomach called OFF LOTION and it seems to
work alittle it gets me to not itch for a couple of hours, but then it
starts itching againg after a while. UHHHHHH this sucks and it is something
i hate to go through