How can you get rid of ground fleas on a person? - briefly
Wash the affected area with hot water and soap, then treat the skin with an insecticidal shampoo or a permethrin‑based repellent and repeat as needed while laundering clothing and bedding in hot water.
How can you get rid of ground fleas on a person? - in detail
Ground fleas, commonly called chiggers, embed their larvae in skin and cause intense itching. Effective removal requires a combination of immediate physical cleaning, topical treatment, and environmental control.
First, wash the affected area with warm water and a mild soap. Scrubbing gently dislodges larvae that have not yet penetrated deeply. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
Second, apply an antiparasitic cream or lotion containing permethrin, benzyl benzoate, or crotamiton. Follow the product instructions regarding contact time—typically 10–30 minutes—then rinse off. For mild reactions, a hydrocortisone cream (1 %) can reduce inflammation, but it does not eliminate the insects.
Third, take an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine to alleviate itching and prevent secondary skin infection caused by scratching.
If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, consult a healthcare professional for possible prescription medication.
To prevent recurrence, adopt the following measures:
- Wear long sleeves, trousers, and closed shoes when entering grassy, wooded, or brushy areas.
- Tuck pants into socks to create a barrier.
- Apply insect-repellent sprays containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.
- Shower and change clothes promptly after outdoor exposure; launder garments in hot water.
- Treat yard edges and perimeters with a suitable acaricide if infestations are evident.
Consistent hygiene, appropriate topical agents, and protective clothing together eliminate the larvae and reduce the likelihood of future bites.