Identifying flea bites on humans

Flea bites, which are also recognizable as such, should be treated accordingly, otherwise the wound can easily become infected. They can also transmit various pathogens such as bacteria that can trigger what is known as typhus or tapeworm larvae. These animals can survive in their cocoons for up to a year indoors. Rodents and birds are also often visited by fleas and can get into the apartment, for example, through a bird's nest located near a window.

Recognize flea bites correctly

As already mentioned, flea bites are not a sign of poor hygiene, although the so-called human flea has almost been eradicated in Central Europe due to the now high hygiene standards. That is why most flea bites today come from other species, but mainly from dog and cat fleas. Once in the home, these parasites nest in clothing, carpets, upholstery or mattresses and continue to multiply rapidly there. Even if fleas cause great discomfort in the apartment, their bites are definitely the most unpleasant thing about the whole thing. They are not immediately recognizable as flea bites, because these skin irritations are sometimes similar to allergic reactions of the skin to other substances. In contrast, they are easy to distinguish from insect bites. While stings from bees, wasps or mosquitoes cause large-scale swelling and ants or spiders only leave two small marks, flea bites are always similar bite structures.

A flea bite itself is not painful. It is only 12-24 hours later that wheals form, a reaction of the body to the saliva of the fleas. These wheals are usually arranged in groups or rows. There is redness and swelling at the puncture sites, which causes severe itching.

Initial treatment for obvious bites

If flea bites are clearly identified as such, appropriate countermeasures can be taken. In most cases, the healing of flea bites runs smoothly in this country, in contrast to tropical ones Countries where serious diseases such as plague, swine fever or even polio are transmitted can. First, it makes sense to shower thoroughly, including your hair. You can counteract the itching by placing cold and damp cloths or cold packs on the itchy areas. These can reduce both the itching and the swelling. Slightly cooling, pain-relieving and itching-relieving ointments and gels from the pharmacy should be helpful, which are also used against other insect bites or eczema.

In the case of extreme itching, the doctor may also prescribe a homeopathic remedy for oral use. If the punctures or If bites are inflamed or if you develop additional symptoms such as headaches, fever, nausea or even shortness of breath, you should definitely consult a doctor. This also applies if flea bites do not heal or become infected. Normally, the itching should have disappeared after a few days and a few days later the swelling or lumps should also be gone. wheals.

What to do next

If you have found flea bites, it is important to treat pets living in the household accordingly. Commercial flea collars or flea drops are suitable for this, which can be used to destroy the fleas but also preventively. You can also have your vet prescribe an anti-flea agent that kills both the fleas and their larvae and eggs. Since fleas can nest anywhere in the home, it is important to wash all clothing that could be infested at at least 60 °C. The same applies to blankets, curtains, stuffed animals and the like. Textiles that do not tolerate such high temperatures should, if possible, be placed in the freezer or freezer for at least 12 hours. Smooth floors are best cleaned with a steam cleaner and carpets are thoroughly vacuumed and emptied immediately with household waste. This cleaning procedure must be repeated for several consecutive days, and it is extremely meticulous. The sleeping places of pets must also be cleaned thoroughly. If necessary, it may make sense to dispose of them completely.

Anyone who swears by home remedies can, in addition to the measures mentioned, try to get rid of fleas by placing a soup plate with water and a drop of washing-up liquid on the floor. The purpose of the detergent is to break the surface tension of the water so the fleas cannot escape. A candle or a small raised block is placed in the middle of the plate and a tealight on top. Fleas are attracted to the heat given off by the candle or tea light. With a bit of luck, they will jump towards the candle, falling into the water and eventually drowning. However, the room in question must be darkened.

Effectively prevent the parasite

• The best way to prevent flea bites is to protect household pets from infestation.
• Flea collars or a flea comb can help with this.
• Otherwise, you should regularly clean the sleeping places of the pets and their snuggling places.
• This also includes all textiles and upholstery on which they often sit.
• Also frequently air and beat out the bedding of the human residents and carpets.
• Regularly wipe floors made of laminate, parquet, tiles or similar.
• Vacuum carpets at regular intervals and always empty them immediately.

Editor's conclusion

Fleas are parasites that are not normally dangerous but whose bites can be very unpleasant. In order to protect yourself from them as best as possible, you should protect your pet accordingly, especially if it is out and about a lot or has contact with other animals. With regular fur care, for example with a so-called flea comb, a possible infestation can be detected early and possibly nipped in the bud. Otherwise diligently cool and always consult a doctor in case of complications.

Worth knowing about flea bites in brief

In most cases, flea bites are not a sign of uncleanliness. They are often caused by fleas brought into the home by pets such as dogs and cats, hence children particularly often affected because they often have very close contact with the animals and also like to take them into their room and you take bed. This type of fleas are cat and dog fleas, which generally prefer the blood of these animals, but will also be satisfied with the blood of humans if necessary.

Detect flea bites on humans

• Flea bites are round and often line up because the fleas bite multiple times.
• The parasites are easily irritated by human movements or other disturbances.
• The skin around the bite is red and there is extreme itching that can spread widely.
• Because most fleas are nocturnal, most people are bitten while they sleep.
• They then scratch themselves unconsciously, which makes the itching even worse.
• Scratching can easily cause inflammation.
• Bacteria, which are transmitted by the fleas, can also penetrate more easily through the scratched areas.

treatment of flea bites

• The first step in reducing the itching is to cool the affected areas with water or ice.
• Alternatively, a cooling gel from the pharmacy can be used, some of which also relieve the itching at the same time.
• As a result, the entire apartment and especially the bed should be freed from fleas so that there are no more bites.

Fleas look for warm and soft places where they can rest during the day and attack people and animals at night. They are therefore usually found in beds, cat and dog baskets, in upholstered furniture, carpets and other fabrics. These potential haunts can be rid of fleas in the following ways.

• Thoroughly vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture
• Machine wash clothing and other fabrics as hot as possible
• Sprinkle flea powder, leave to take effect according to the manufacturer's instructions and then vacuum off
• Wash children's cuddly toys, vacuum thoroughly or place in the freezer for a day

Since most fleas are brought into the home by pets such as cats and dogs, the animals should also be examined and treated. If the animals are outdoors frequently, they should be given a flea collar, which is available at a pet store or veterinarian. So-called spot-ons are dripped or sprayed onto the animal's neck and from there kill all fleas in the fur.

Learn more about home pests