How should flea bites be treated in a child? - briefly
Clean the skin around the «flea bites» with mild soap and water, then apply a cold compress to lessen swelling. An age‑appropriate antihistamine or a low‑strength hydrocortisone cream can be used to control itching and inflammation.
How should flea bites be treated in a child? - in detail
Flea bites on a child appear as small, red papules, often grouped in clusters of three or more. The lesions are typically itchy and may develop a central punctum where the insect inserted its mouthparts. Occasionally, a wheal or a vesicle forms around the bite site.
Immediate care consists of gentle cleansing with mild soap and lukewarm water to remove debris and reduce bacterial load. After cleaning, a cool, damp compress applied for several minutes alleviates itching and limits local swelling.
Symptomatic relief can be achieved with oral antihistamines such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine, dosed according to the child’s age and weight. Topical corticosteroid creams (e.g., 1 % hydrocortisone) applied thinly to the affected areas diminish inflammation and pruritus. If scratching causes excoriation, a protective barrier ointment (e.g., petroleum jelly) helps prevent secondary infection.
Medical evaluation is warranted if any of the following occur: rapidly spreading redness, pus formation, fever, severe swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips and tongue. These symptoms may indicate bacterial superinfection or systemic hypersensitivity and require prompt professional intervention.
Prevention focuses on eliminating the source. Regular grooming and flea‑combing of pets, combined with veterinary‑approved flea control products, reduce infestation risk. Home environments benefit from frequent vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and bedding, followed by disposal of vacuum bags. Washing the child’s clothing and linens in hot water (≥ 60 °C) removes residual insects and eggs. Maintaining low indoor humidity and sealing cracks where rodents or wild animals could enter further limits flea exposure.