Flea Bites on Humans With Pictures

The red points and irritation which is accompanied with a red aureole is a result of flea bites on people.

(To identify the infection you can find detailed flea bites on humans pictures in the internet.) Their bites produce discomfort because of the intense itch. Mostly the flea bites can be found on the bottom of your legs, on your ankles and on your feet. These insects and parasites frequently get into the houses and breed there because of the pets, which bring them on their hair from the outside. After the fleas got into the positive environment of habitation (your house), they start to breed at once and find the source of food which is the pets and the humans. The flea’s saliva can provoke the allergic reactionsas it contains some ferments and anticoagulants, and it could cause the scab, hair loss or strong tumor to the pets and humans. In the more difficult cases the injured persons suffer from skin swelling and open wounds.

Before you started any actions on elimination the fleas on your pet, you should consult the veterinarian for getting the qualified help in choosing the shampoo for pets, spray or any other insecticidal mean. The cold water removes the inflammation, while the warm or hot water intensifies the itching effect. Fresh aloe juice can assuage the skin, and the products rich in fatty acids, such as linseed, have an anti-inflammatory action.

If these purposeful actions don’t give you a desirable result, it would be rational to take your pet to the veterinary clinic for the proper examination and detection of further ways of curing. To remove a tumor and an itch on your pet you can use steroid cream or hydrocortisone, which you can get under the doctor’s prescription.

It’s very important to realize that flea bites on people can be a very frequent phenomenon. Usually they appear on human’s body in the shape of red points, which later can form the crust on the skin. Besides, you should remember that the fleas are strong enough to bite through the thick skin layer and to get to the blood cells, that’s why the sting area can also start to bleed. In later stage the red marks can itch hard and become more visible. All these signs are considered to be the most usual symptoms of flea stings on humans, and it is very important for you to start curing from them as soon as possible. Since the fleas bite as a rule in the certain area more than one time, you have all chances to notice several bites in that area. The fleas tend to bite in some places at once when they are moving across the body.

If you were bitten by the fleas, there some ways how to cure the big bites by yourself: wash the bitten area with some cleaning means or antiseptic soap, then make a compress with the ice and try not to scratch the infected area. To reduce scratching you can use some calamine lotion or antihistamines, which can be very effective. In case the wounds produce some pus, you should immediately visit a doctor.

The curing of big bites is just a little component of other infection symptoms. The main thing you should pay your attention to is the reason but not the consequences. The extermination methods should be planed and taken in the complex with curing and treating the whole infected area. If you found the fleas in your house the best way to get rid of them is to address in the special company which fights with the fleas, where you can be consulted and in case of emergency you can order extermination measures.

As the fleas refer to parasites which are fed with blood, they can transfer various kinds of the diseases connected with blood. Such kinds of diseases can cause long-term consequences, including skin irritation, tumor or the itching in the whole body. These signs concern animals as well as people. In some cases this condition can’t be even cured

Treatment of Flea Bites on Humans

Flea bites as most of us are aware, are caused by a category of tiny, wingless, bug like insects which are parasitic by their very origin and feeds on the blood of warm blooded animals. Though their occurrence is mostly diagnosed in the body of their hosts, yet they can also be found in the damp and unclean corners of the house, since these insects are known to survive for days without foods continuing to hibernate in their cocoons mostly in the pupae stage.

Modes of Flea Infestations

The spread of fleas is a very unique mechanism since irrespective of their tiny body size and absence of wings; these beasts are capable of jumping long distances and great heights and thus very conveniently land themselves in the body of new targets from the body of their existing hosts. Further, flea infestations are most commonly caused as a result of irregular cleanliness habits with respect to pet animals such as not offering them a shower after their regular stroll or playtime with the neighbor’s pets, however in very irregular circumstances can also be caused from unkempt lawns, dirty carpets or even on moving into new places.

Thus although animals are the most common targets of flea bites; human beings by reasons of their close association with them are not left far behind from being exposed to flea bites and suffering from the consequences thereof.

How to identify Flea Bites on Humans?

Flea bites like most other insect bites are characterized by red bumps or swell over the infected body parts mostly the lower legs, arms and the mid section of the body, however unlike other bites they always appear in clusters and are hot to touch and extremely painful. Besides scratching them can cause serious outspread of the lumps and even allergic reactions accompanied by nausea, dizziness, mild fever etc.

Treatment of Flea Bites on Humans

The treatment of flea bites on humans is manifold.

The most common treatment includes treating the infected area with ice or cold water to soothe the burning sensation and to avoid scratching the area at all costs. The rationale being that flea bites are normally surrounded by their bacterial excretion, thus scratching would only cause a bacterial interference in an already nasty allergic reaction scenario. The ice water treatment not only mitigates the itch, but also relaxes the tissues around, thus causing slow melting down of the bumps by washing away the flea saliva that might be the main reason behind the infection.
Another usual error free method can include treating the infected area with anti-bacterial, antihistamines and anti-septic lotions which can be easily obtained from the local chemist. These lotions will soothe the burning and itchy sensation and would consequently flat out the boils.
A more relaxing method could be treating oneself to an oatmeal bath which would help soothening the bites. The same effect can also be achieved by gently scrubbing the affected area with vinegar, calamine lotion or tea-tree oil. However be very careful as to not irritate the infected area further.

Although the above-mentioned are tested and risk free methods of dealing with flea bites on humans, any bites that is characterized with an allergic outbreak or more detailed symptoms involving swelling of random body parts or vomiting tendencies must be immediately diagnosed and treated.

Sand fleas : Treatment and Solutions

The question on everyone’s lip while taking a look at this topic would be, what are sand fleas and do they bite? For those who are eager to know, the answer is yes, they do bite, and sand fleas are fleas that live beneath the surface of the sand. Sand flea bites mostly happen on the low parts of the human body, usually from the leg down to the feet.

Although, in some cases, it could occur in other parts of the body like your stomach, arms or your back. Sand flea bites and mosquito bites look a lot similar. Both insects suck the human blood in the same way, and this usually leads to skin irritation, bumps, red rashes to mention a few. These effects are usually a lot more severe for sand flea bites than mosquito bites. This is because sand fleas move in large groups of hundreds in most cases and bite quickly. In most situation, you might not feel a thing, unlike when you a bitten by a mosquito. It is also a common occurrence to be bitten by over 50 sand fleas if you aren’t adequately prepared.

What Do Sand Flea Bites Feel Like?

Similar to a mosquito bite, being bitten by a sand flea isn’t a pleasurable experience or something to write home about. Sand flea bites tend to itch a lot and in some cases could be painful depending on the part of the body you were bitten. The likelihood of being bitten by a sand flea and the reaction one might get varies from individual to individual.

How Long Do Sand Flea Bites Last?

The normal duration of a sand flea bite is usually between four to seven days. Although, sand flea bites tend to pass on secondary diseases in rare cases. If you notice that your bite gets worse as the day goes by, it is highly recommended you seek the services of a doctor.

What Is A Sand Flea?

A sand flea is a blood-sucking insect that is a member of the Diptera family. Sand fleas are tiny and usually reside beneath the surface of the sand, the main reason they are a common occurrence on the beach. Sand fleas are extremely small in size, typically a fourth of the size of a mosquito. Notwithstanding, the sand fleas bites are quite unpleasant.

Where Do You Find Sand Fleas?

Sand fleas are mostly found on tropical sand located on beaches in the tropical region. There are common in Central America. You can find sand fleas in large quantity in the Caribbean and some areas in Florida. Countries like Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Belize typically stand out as popular spots for sand fleas.

The Best Sand Flea Repellent

When embarking on a journey to the tropics, most especially if visiting a beach is part of your itinerary, these are certain products which are a must and should be included in your luggage. They are DEET and Cactus Juice, below are some important characteristics of both products;

Cactus Juice is made from cactus extract. Which mean it is environment, reef and water friendly, thus making it safe for use close to the kid and before meals.
Cactus Juice has a fantastic aroma, very pleasant than when compared with other bug sprays. It’s an ideal flea spray that leaves you with a pleasant aroma.
Cactus Juice is a guaranteed repellent. My first experience with Cactus juice was during a journey to the tropics with a friend of mine who intentionally refuse to apply any flea repellent product. I was free from flea bites while he had a couple on his skin. This encouraged me to give it a try the next time I was headed to the beach.
DEET, on the other hand, is made from chemicals mixed with several other chemicals. It is not ideal for usage close to kids. Always endeavour to ensure the product does not come in contact with the mouth or eyes, as it doesn’t leave a pleasant experience. It also has a very repulsive smell.
That said, it is better to deal with the offensive smell and not have to fret about sand fleas and to get sand flea bites all over your skin and to have to deal with a week of discomfort and treatment.

How to apply Cactus Juice and DEET

To apply both Cactus Juice and DEET, ensure you spray the product on your body before you arrive at the beach and also ensure you come to the beach with a spray bottle containing either one of these products. Apply product on the lower parts of your body, from your feet below, ensure the product is sprayed on your legs, ankles and feet. Most people tend to spray just once, and that’s all. Forgetting that the spray could wash off after coming in contact with water. It is important you spray after coming out of the water, in case the spray washes off.

Tips on how to avoid Sand Flea Bites

Below are tips on how to avoid sand flea bites without the use of any products;

Ensure you aren’t at the beach at dusk or dawn: These period are the times that sand fleas are the most active and in search of blood meal to feed on.

Avoid lying down directly on the sand: Sand fleas tend to have the minimal reach and as such creating a buffer with the use of a blanket or a beach chair could go a long way in minimising the number of sand fleas that come in contact with you.

Ensure you cover up properly: If you intend taking a long walk on the beach, and aren’t interested in sunbathing, do ensure you wear long clothes and cover up as much as you can. It would help prevent sand fleas from biting your body.

Do not go to the beach once it rains: Sand fleas are more active after it rains, this is because the rain sinks into the sand for a bit making the sand inhabitable for the fleas and as such they leave their habitat to find out the cause of the disturbance. It is ideal you wait for an hour after rainfall before heading out to the beach.

Confirm if the beach has been raked or sprayed: Areas that are notable for sand fleas are usually raked or sprayed to avoid sand flea infestation. Confirm from your hotel if they have a policy on sand fleas and if they do how do they maintain their resort or beach.

How to get rid of Sand Flea Bites

Let’s say you weren’t privy to all the information above, and you find yourself infested by sand fleas, you need not worry as there are a couple of ways you could treat sand flea bites, here are some of the best sand flea treatment

The Best Sand Flea Treatment

The first treatment I would recommend for sand flea is Mitigator. This is a sting and bug ointment ideal for treating sand flea bites. It is known to be very effective, and it is highly recommended that you do not leave your house without it.

Home Remedies

For those who do not have access to mitigator, you could make use of other home-made remedies to treat sand flea bites. Some home-made remedies include;

Aloe vera: This is a multi-purpose product that is also ideal in treating sand flea bites, it is also great for sunburns and the likes.

Warm oatmeal and bath: Oatmeal is ideal for skin infections from chicken pox to insect bites like sand fleas. This is mainly due to its natural skin healing characteristics. All you need to do is make an oatmeal paste and apply on the infected part of your skin for a minimum of five to ten minutes, after which you proceed to have a warm bath while the paste instil on your body. You should feel a little relief immediately after.

Ice: Applying ice on sand flea bites could help reduce swelling and inflammation while also reducing the need to itch the bite spot.

Conclusion

Irrespective of how serene and lovely your next holiday destination might be, if it’s a heaven for sand fleas, then there are chances that you might not have a wonderful time. It helps to be prepared just in case. Do not forget to arm yourself with either DEET or Cactus Juice, so you can reduce the sand fleas on the beach and have that relaxing time you so deserve.

Know the difference between flea bites vs mosquito bites

It is important for us to be able to differentiate between flea bites vs mosquito bites for us to take adequate steps to prevent such bites from occurring.

Mosquito bites and flea bites have one common similarity, being that they are both itchy, irritating and annoying. Regular scratching often leads to further infection depending on your skin type. These infections are quite difficult to treat as some may necessitate the use of anti-histamines, hydrocortisone, and other antibacterial medications.

Signs and Symptoms of flea bites

There are different types of fleas, and some do not require pets to serve as their host, an example of such flea is the Human fleas (Pulex irritans), as such Flea bites could happen in a home where there are no pets.

The most common species of fleas are the dog and cat fleas which tend to feast on humans when their main hosts are absent. Fleas can jump to an extreme height to be able to get to their host.

The major signs and symptoms of flea bites on humans include;

– Flea bites naturally occur around the feet, legs and other areas of the body that are easily accessible.

– Bites underneath the toenails, or the feet and in some extreme cases around the genitalia are usually signs of bite from sand fleas. Sand flea bites are usually painful and swollen. For individuals who are their immune system has been compromised, they stand a serious risk of getting skin infections.

– For those who have allergies and also in little kids, sub-epidermal blisters could occur as a result of flea bites. These blisters might not be a direct result of the flea bites but mainly as an allergic reaction to the flea bite.

– Rodents and rat fleas usually transmit fatal diseases like plague and murine typhus.

– A typical flea bite occurs in the shape of papules or wheels. These bites are clearly identifiable from a central area where the flea has bitten to draw out blood. This spot is typically referred to as the purpura pullicosa.

Sign and Symptoms of Mosquito bites

Mosquitoes are essentially carriers of several diseases. Male mosquitoes love to feed on plant products while their female counterparts need a blood meal to be able to reproduce (lay eggs). There different species of mosquitoes in existence.

The major signs and symptoms of Mosquito bites on humans include;

– Mosquito bites depending on your skin type could produce blisters

– Mosquito bites appear in every part of the body from your legs, arms, face, back, to other parts of your body.

– The areas surrounding the mosquito bite is usually swollen and reddish.

– Infected mosquito bites are typically accompanied with itching, redness and swelling.

Summary of Flea bites vs Mosquito bites

As previously stated, both flea bites and mosquito bites occur around the shines and have almost the same sign and symptoms which are itchiness and tendency to cause secondary infections. The table below documents the relationship between flea bite vs mosquito bite;

Flea Bites vs. Bed Bug Bites

Flea	Bed Bug
Bites look like small clusters of red spots.	Bites look like mosquito bites. They are red, firm, and sometimes swollen.
Bites are scattered about randomly, and are usually found on the legs, ankles, or feet.	Bites often appear in linear rows, and can be found anywhere on the body.
Bites may occur at night, but are more likely to occur when in close proximity to furniture or pets.	Bites usually occur at night when you are sleeping in your bed (hence the name).
Bites start to itch immediately and will become red within an hour of being bitten.	Bites may take several days to appear, and begin to itch gradually.

Flea Bites vs Bed Bug Bites: Symptoms and Differences

It is possible to differentiate between flea bites and bites as a result of bed bugs. Most insect bites around the house are usually a result of either fleas or bed bugs.

It isn’t so easy to eliminate infestations that occur due to these bites, and they tend to leave a lasting spot on our skin. Some of these insects could also be disease carriers which could make them potentially dangerous. Being able to differentiate between bed bugs and flea bites helps you know the kind of insect you are dealing with and the steps to eliminate these insects around the house.

Except you can pre-emptively catch the insect just before it bites, the only way you can identify the type of insect you are dealing with is to have a look at the bite mark. Insects have different ways of feasting on the human skin, and they can be easily identified by the type of mark they leave on the skin.

Bed Bugs vs Fleas

There are a ton of differences between bed bugs and fleas. The table below would help identify the type of insect you may be dealing with.

Bed Bugs vs Fleas
	Bed Bugs	Fleas
Looks	Small, reddish-brown, oval in shaped and flat	Either brown or red; thin; long legs and typically small
Size	Length: 4 – 5 mm; Width: 1.5 – 3 mm	Length: 1.5 to 3.3 mm
Parasitic Potential	No	Yes
Bite Behaviour	No instant pain during biting; becomes itchy and rashes appear later	Instant pain during biting and later swelling occurs.
Identifiable signs	Rust like stains on bedsheets; dark spots on the bed; bite spots on lower legs; funny odour	Can be seen on the body and pets
Hiding Place	Bed frames and mattresses, cracks on floors and in walls. Can be transported easily.	On furniture and pets.

Symptoms of Flea Bites vs Bed Bug Bites

Flea and Bed bug bites have their special symptoms that makes it easy to identify which is which and gives you an idea of what type of insect you are dealing with. It is important to point out that these symptoms are not peculiar to an insect alone and as such, it is necessary for a doctor to examine insect bites to give a detailed diagnosis.

Symptoms of Flea Bites

Bites from fleas mostly occur around the legs, waist, feet, or armpit region. In other cases, they could occur anywhere these fleas can reach. Flea bites are typically reddish and swollen. They also tend to itch a lot and are somewhat blotchy. Rashes usually accompany flea bites. Bites from fleas usually form in small clusters and typically possess a white “halo” shape which forms right close to the puncture spot.

You can easily identify the halo when your skin is stretched or when you press on the location of the bite. In some cases, days after flea bites, a blister forms although this isn’t a certainty.

There is the possibility of developing a secondary infection as a result of scratching and with time could lead to hypersensitivity to flea bites.

Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

Bites from bed bugs are quite different from bites from fleas. They are usually hard, swollen and small, much like bites from mosquitoes. They appear on the hands, arms, and neck region of the body.

Similar to bites from fleas, bed bug bites could lead to itching. However, they do not lead to rashes.

It is important to point out that bed bugs feed linearly, so it possible for their bites to appear linearly than in clusters like those from fleas. The bites from bed bugs do not have the halo shape, although they can form blisters overtime and look inflamed.

Depending on your skin type, some people experience no form of irritation or itching while others experience serious blisters, hives, and develop serious itching.

Another important characteristic to take note of is the frequency at which these insect bites occur. Fleas eat regularly and continuously, and as a result, their bites may frequently occur if the insects aren’t exterminated. On the other hand, Bed bugs eat once in a few days and as such their bites do not occur as frequently as those of fleas.

There are several other ways to identify the type of insect you are dealing with asides looking at the physical symptoms. For instance, fleas are very small and as such are very difficult to identify. If you feel you have been able to identify one, it is important you take a close look at the shape of the insect and the legs. Fleas are usually thin and flat with brown bodies; they have no wings although their back legs are strong and big enough for jumping.

Health Risks of Fleas and Bed Bugs

Asides rare skin allergies, bed bug and flea bites are more of a nuisance than having serious consequences. Bed bugs, in particular, aren’t known to be disease carriers. Flea bites, on the other hand, could be more harmful since they are known to carry tapeworms, plagues, typhoid to mention a few, irrespective of the fact these diseases aren’t common in the United States.

A potential danger could be a cat combined with a flea infestation; this is because fleas could transmit a condition known as cat scratch fever. If you happen to be scratched by a cat that is infected, it could lead to a sore throat, loss of appetite, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. It could be a lot more severe if your immune system has been compromised.

Bites from bed bugs and fleas could itch a lot, and constantly itching your skin could lead to skin tear which could give rise to other infections and diseases. It is essential that you try as much as possible to avoid itching.

Treating Flea Bites and Bed Bug Bites

Applying Calamine lotion or making use of a cold compress can help reduce itching and also soothe insect bites. If you have an exposed blister as a result of scratching you should endeavour to rinse the area with clean, warm soapy water and dry carefully to prevent infection. There are other natural solutions that can help to stop itching;

Cover bites with aloe.

► Apply a mixture of baking soda and water paste to bites and leave for an hour or thereabouts before washing with warm water.

► Use half a cup of peppermint oil, “Alka-Seltzer”, Baking Soda or Epson Salt in warm water to take your bath.

► Use cotton balls immersed in lemon juice, St. John’s wort or witch hazel to dab at the insect bites
The treatments listed above are usually helpful to deal with symptoms of bed bug and flea bites, there are other peculiar ways of treating the main causes.

Prevention Guides

Preventing Flea Bites

▪ Consume a lot of meals with garlic to prevent fleas from coming close.

▪ Ensure you apply shampoos and collars for your pets.

▪ Cleans pets often and ensure you check for fleas from time to time.

▪ Use Water and apple cider vinegar to attract fleas to a trap for fleas. Place liquid in a glass and position it around the area with the highest population of fleas.

▪ Mix water with lime or citrus fruit overnight and spray around the legs or ankles.

▪ Use of one of either lavender, cedarwood or Eucalyptus oil on your skin or put a few drops in water to prevent fleas from climbing the skin.

Preventing Bed Bug Bites

▪ Check your luggage and clothes carefully when back from an overnight camp or trip

▪ Do not place your luggage on top of the bed in hotels, always use the rack provided

▪ Check your room often for infestation signs

▪ Do away with infested mattresses, bed frames and box springs

▪ Ensure you wash every cloth taken on a trip either worn or not.

▪ Use vacuum cleaners in crevices and cracks in your bedroom and everywhere around the house where they could be bed bugs.

▪ Keep clothing in bags frozen for some days ideally four days.

Eliminating Fleas and Bed Bugs

The most difficult part of dealing with bedbugs and flea bite is eliminating the source of the bite. Like we have mentioned previously, flea bites are a lot different from bed bug bites. Bed bugs do not have a main nest like ants and as such killing requires serious attention and effort. Fleas also tend to grow a lot quicker and multiply rapidly.

It is important that you hire the services of a pest control expert to inform you about the choices you have. You necessarily do not have to result to fumigation in all cases.