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.