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
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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.
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.
Comments
Molly
19 Jul 2009, 13:26
19 Jul 2009, 13:26
I am a police officer and was searching a home on a welfare check (resident
was thought to be dead inside her house due to a large amount of flies on
windows) after clearing the house and returning outside myself and two of
my partners realized we were being bit by fleas. They were all over our
socks, uniforms, boots etc and we had to return to our station to change
and attempt to get rid of the fleas. The home was disgusting, there
apparently was a cat due to there being a litter box but there was cat
urine, feces and hairballs all over the house but none of us ever saw a
cat. I'm just curious if there are any type of diseases we could get from
the fleas biting us due to the coniditons of the home. All of us washed our
clothes and bodies and bought flea sprays for items that could not be
washed. Thanking you in advance because this will possibly happen again!
Ask the Exterminator
20 Jul 2009, 11:49
20 Jul 2009, 11:49
The biggest problem with fleas is itching and infection, but medical
history shows it is possible to get parasites, tapeworm and, on rare
occasions, endemic typhus.
T2
21 Jul 2009, 15:02
21 Jul 2009, 15:02
Hi, I think we got fleas on a plane. We didn't have bites before we flew
and we don't have fleas or a pet in the house (we did the extermination
thing just in case).
Please let folks know they can get bitten from the insects on airplane upholstery even though there is no visible flea there.
(sign me, One Week and Still Itching)
Please let folks know they can get bitten from the insects on airplane upholstery even though there is no visible flea there.
(sign me, One Week and Still Itching)
RT
23 Jul 2009, 05:24
23 Jul 2009, 05:24
Hi
I have been renting a room at a friends house for a few weeks who has 2 dogs and I moved out the other day, the day I left I noticed I had red bites on my legs, I am worried and think they are flea bites? Could I be spreading the fleas in my new home? could the fleas be living in my clothes and bedding and what do I do to get rid of them?
I have been renting a room at a friends house for a few weeks who has 2 dogs and I moved out the other day, the day I left I noticed I had red bites on my legs, I am worried and think they are flea bites? Could I be spreading the fleas in my new home? could the fleas be living in my clothes and bedding and what do I do to get rid of them?
Ask the Exterminator
23 Jul 2009, 09:11
23 Jul 2009, 09:11
Yes, you could have fleas in your new home. There are a lot of articles on
my website that will answer your questions. Click "fleas" in the left
column.
Brooklyn Nightmare
23 Jul 2009, 09:13
23 Jul 2009, 09:13
An exterminator came this afternoon...He was licensed I asked to see it but
he showed up in a regular car...he sprayed my apt with an igr and i waited
4 hours....came home...opened the windows...left for a few more hours...now
i'm sitting here and have fleas jumping around and on me...what the hell is
going on? Does it take a few days for them to go away?
I threw out and washed every single linen in my apt...the only thing i think i did wrong was wear the same jeans throughout the day...i dont see how just that could cause me to see tiny tiny fleas jumping around....what the hell???
I threw out and washed every single linen in my apt...the only thing i think i did wrong was wear the same jeans throughout the day...i dont see how just that could cause me to see tiny tiny fleas jumping around....what the hell???
Ask the Exterminator
23 Jul 2009, 09:15
23 Jul 2009, 09:15
Classic example of "You get what you pay for." Hire a real pro and get a
real service. IGRs don't kill the adult fleas immediately. That requires an
insecticide application.
Wenn
25 Jul 2009, 06:27
25 Jul 2009, 06:27
I have exactly three itch spots so can you tell if it was one flea because
before I got bitten I killed one. If it is only one flea can it mutiply
because I don't have pets and I live an apartment? Also how long is their
lifespan because I only got bitten on Thursday, does it mean that it's
gone?
Ask the Exterminator
25 Jul 2009, 13:44
25 Jul 2009, 13:44
It could be a single flea. Can it multiply? It takes two to tango unless it
was fertilized before it entered your apartment, of course.
sarah
27 Jul 2009, 00:53
27 Jul 2009, 00:53
i am for sure that the bites on my feet/ankles are flea bites. i have
treated my cat with frontline and have been spraying my apartment several
times daily with flea spray. ive also been applying hydrocortizone cream to
the bites. i think i have combated the infestation, and the bites dont even
really itch all that much anymore. the only problem is now i have these
unsightly red bumps all over my lower legs and feet that you can see from a
mile away its disgusting, please help! any suggestions on what will reduce
or eliminate the gross little red bumps on my skin? thanks
Ask the Exterminator
27 Jul 2009, 09:00
27 Jul 2009, 09:00
See a doctor.
Alicia b
28 Jul 2009, 08:57
28 Jul 2009, 08:57
My room-mate rescue a kitten a month ago, but the kitten been gone for 2
weeks, this past weekend myself and her woke up with bumps on our feet and
leg mostly. is it possible for fleas to live without a host for 2wks?
And just because we past the "white socks" test doesnt mean we dont have flea right??? can it just mean we dont have many???
we bomb the apartment and sprayed the carpet,but we dont own a vacuum cleaner... do we need to go an buy one? or will a broom work just fine?
also, whats the website you spoke of early with more flea info???
And just because we past the "white socks" test doesnt mean we dont have flea right??? can it just mean we dont have many???
we bomb the apartment and sprayed the carpet,but we dont own a vacuum cleaner... do we need to go an buy one? or will a broom work just fine?
also, whats the website you spoke of early with more flea info???
Ask the Exterminator
28 Jul 2009, 10:58
28 Jul 2009, 10:58
A broom won't do what a vac will do. It is possible for fleas to survive
for long periods awaiting a blood host. Walking around will activate the
waiting fleas. If you are not picking them up on the white socks, maybe it
is not fleas that are biting you.
My website has a category dedicated to flea stuff. It's listed on the left side of every page.
My website has a category dedicated to flea stuff. It's listed on the left side of every page.
Laura g
29 Jul 2009, 05:28
29 Jul 2009, 05:28
we think we have a flea problem, we have 1 cat and have been using a flea
drop on the back of the neck, i have also used a carpet shake and spray,
but have still seen the odd flea, the problem is that they are only biting
my youngest daughter in fact she is covered, my other 2 children and my
partner and i have not received a single bite, is this possible. my
daughter that is getting bite shares are bedroom so if they were bed bugs
would they still only target just her, many thanks
Ask the Exterminator
29 Jul 2009, 12:40
29 Jul 2009, 12:40
Fleas don't bite everyone and bed bug bites only show up on 30% of those
bitten. Once you determine which pest you have you need to treat for that
specific pest. Right now you are just guessing.
Allie
29 Jul 2009, 18:48
29 Jul 2009, 18:48
We are getting our house sprayed for fleas. Do I need to wash all of my
clothes and sheets afterwards? What do I need to protect?
Ask the Exterminator
30 Jul 2009, 10:43
30 Jul 2009, 10:43
You need only wash those areas where you pet has access. If you allow your
pet to come onto your bed, then you need to wash the spread and linens. By
the way, your exterminating firm should be providing you pre-treatment
instructions or they are not doing all they should.
Lisa
05 Aug 2009, 08:15
05 Aug 2009, 08:15
I think that I have flea bites but do not have any pets.
We have approximately 4 cats that live in our area, and as far as i know they do not spend any significant time near our unit. Is it possible that the fleas have come in from outside and how long after they bite do you feel the effects.
The itch is driving me crazy!! what do I do??
We have approximately 4 cats that live in our area, and as far as i know they do not spend any significant time near our unit. Is it possible that the fleas have come in from outside and how long after they bite do you feel the effects.
The itch is driving me crazy!! what do I do??
Ask the Exterminator
05 Aug 2009, 08:55
05 Aug 2009, 08:55
It's easy to pick up fleas from the outside. They thrive in shady, damp
areas where there is tall grass or weeds. If you have be doing some yard
work it is possible to have a flea jump onto you body.
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?