Flea Bites On Humans

Fleas are blood-sucking parasites that feed off the blood of mammals such as cats and dogs. Unfortunately, humans are not immune to the attentions of this pesky creature, and are often subjected to the extreme irritation that stems from flea bites. There are many kinds of fleas around the world, but humans usually only suffer from one of three kinds of fleas. These are:

• The human flea (Pulex irritans)
• The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
• The dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)

Dog fleas are rare in North America; they are usually found throughout Europe.  The human flea is more commonly found in South America. Cat fleas are in fact the most problematic species of flea in North America, particularly throughout California. The differences between these fleas is incredibly minor, distinguishable only under high magnification.

There is a certain kind of parasite that is commonly called the sand flea (also known as the sandhopper or landhopper). In actual fact, sand fleas are not fleas at all, but are rather a very distant relative of the flea. Sand fleas are a kind of amphipod, which are not even insects. While these creatures do feed on blood and often leave similar symptoms as flea bites, they should not be mistaken with the common flea. Sand fleas tend to live in very moist environments, such as on the beach, near swampy terrain or within moist leaf matter.

It is uncommon to contract a flea infestation if you do not own a pet, such as a dog. Dogs will usually pick up fleas from their interactions with other animals, or from the environments they frequent, and then pass them on to their owners. However, because of the life-cycle of the flea, it is perfectly possible to get fleas even if you do not own any animals. Fleas can reside almost anywhere, from furniture to floor coverings, from dirt to bird nests or pet kennels. Because flea eggs are smooth, they readily fall off infested animals, littering the environment with future generations of fleas.

Fleas are particularly prevalent during hot, humid weather, though the overall lifecycle of a flea can last for many months as they lay dormant during their pupa stage. It is quite common for sudden outbreaks of fleas in a building or environment that hasn’t been occupied for some time. For example, you may discover a flea infestation just days after moving into a new home. This may occur if the previous owners of the house had a flea infestation. The fleas lay dormant in the carpet or floorboards, and are “awakened” by the stimulation of your arrival.
As explained in the article How To Get Rid Of Fleas In Your House, fleas respond to movement, body heat and the chemicals that are emitted through our exhalations and skin secretions. These “smells” tell a dormant flea that its meal has arrived, prompting it to hatch from its protective cocoon and partake in its first feast.

The Symptoms Of Flea Bites On Humans

Many people mistake flea bites to be heat rash (particularly common because fleas are active in warmer months) or mosquito bites. This is often the case if people do not own any pets, thus they don’t tend to consider the possibility of a flea infestation.

 
Flea bites are intensely itchy, and usually form a small red spot or lump on the skin for each bite.
Typically, the flea bites will be focused towards the feet and legs, however it is not uncommon to get flea bites on other parts of the body.
Some humans may be particularly sensitive (hypersensitive) to the bites of fleas and large, painful welts may form. The skin may also feel hot, or have a burning sensation.
Fleas defecate excess blood meal during feeding, so there are likely to be flea feces around the bite area. If you scratch a flea bite, you will likely spread the bacteria across your skin and even introduce it into open wounds, leaving you at risk of infection. Infections manifest as open, pussy, aching, swollen wounds that may require a course of antibiotics to treat. This is the main reason why it is strongly advised not to scratch at flea bites.

How To Treat Flea Bites On Humans

There are three things that you must do if you have flea bites:

1. Confirm you actually have flea bites. If you suspect yourself of having flea bites, keep an eye out for the fleas themselves. Fleas are approximately 2-8mm in size and a brownish colour with proportionally small heads, a round (laterally thin) body and long hind legs. Their feces may also be seen as tiny black specks that leech blood onto absorbent surfaces. Their eggs are equally small and are a white/ cream colour. If you are unsure if you have fleas, see your doctor.
2. Address the symptoms.You need to stop scratching at the bites to avoid infection and give them a chance to heal. Taking oral antihistamines can help reduce the itchiness of the bites, as can hydrocortisone cream or other topical anti-itch creams. These products are easily purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy, however take note of the directions to ensure you don’t overuse these medications. A tepid bath in an oatmeal solution (commonly found at pharmacies and health stores) can also help relieve some of the itching. Be sure not to have the bath too hot, as hot water can actually make the itching worse. Calamine lotion or an ice-pack applied to the affected areas are also favoured solutions.Keeping the skin clean is also important to help reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Clean the skin with antiseptic lotions or soaps, and cover any open wounds with a clean dressing.
3. Get rid of the flea infestation.If you don’t get rid of the fleas, you will continue to get flea bites. Thoroughly “spring clean” your home, cleaning all linens, clothes and furniture. Vacuum the floors well, and throw the bag away (or carefully empty the cartridge in the trash outside) as you will have vacuumed up fleas, pupa and eggs. There are numerous products such as flea bombs available that will help finish off the job. If these commercially available products are unsuccessful in getting rid of a flea infestation, it may be time to call in the experts.

How to avoid flea bites in the future

• If you have any pets or come into contact with animals regularly, ensure these animals are treated for fleas. There are numerous flea products available from your veterinarian. If possible, avoid contact with wild animals as wild animals or “feral animals” such as street cats are likely to be infested with fleas.
• Keep your house as clean as possible. Ensuring that your floors, linens, clothes and furniture are regularly and completely cleaned will help halt the spread of fleas in your home.

RELATED ARTICLES:
How To Ged Rid Of Fleas In Your House
Flea Treatment For Dogs