Fleas bit a person: what does it look like? - briefly
A flea bite shows up as a minute red puncture with a surrounding raised, itchy welt, frequently occurring in clusters of three or four. The area may develop a slight swelling halo and a mild burning sensation shortly after the bite.
Fleas bit a person: what does it look like? - in detail
Flea bites appear as tiny, pinpoint red papules, often 1–3 mm in diameter. The centre may be a pale dot where the insect’s mouthparts penetrated, surrounded by a slightly raised, erythematous halo. The lesion typically itches intensely; scratching can cause a halo of erythema to expand.
The bites are most common on exposed skin near clothing seams: ankles, lower legs, waistline, groin, and sometimes the arms. Fleas tend to bite in clusters or linear rows, reflecting their movement across the host’s surface.
Reaction timing varies. Immediate redness and itching develop within minutes. In sensitised individuals, swelling may peak after 12–24 hours, producing a wheal‑like appearance. Some people experience a delayed hypersensitivity response, with papules persisting for several days.
Potential complications include:
- Secondary bacterial infection from excoriation
- Allergic urticaria or anaphylaxis in highly sensitive hosts
- Papular urticaria, a chronic eruption of grouped papules caused by repeated exposure
Management focuses on topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, oral antihistamines for itch control, and hygiene measures to eliminate the flea source. Persistent or worsening lesions warrant medical evaluation to rule out infection or systemic allergic reaction.