How should wounds from flea bites be treated? - briefly
Clean the affected skin with mild soap and water, apply an antiseptic followed by a low‑potency corticosteroid cream to control itching and inflammation, and cover with a breathable bandage if necessary. Seek medical care if redness, swelling, or pus appear.
How should wounds from flea bites be treated? - in detail
Flea bites often appear as small, red papules that may become itchy, swollen, or develop a central punctum. Prompt care reduces discomfort and prevents secondary infection.
Begin with thorough cleansing. Wash the area with mild soap and lukewarm water for at least 30 seconds. Rinse and pat dry with a clean towel. Apply an antiseptic solution—such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine—using a sterile cotton swab. Allow the antiseptic to air‑dry before covering.
If itching is intense, use one of the following options:
- Over‑the‑counter antihistamine tablets (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg) or a short course of oral diphenhydramine.
- Topical corticosteroid cream (1 % hydrocortisone) applied thinly 2–3 times daily for no more than 5 days.
- Calamine lotion or a soothing gel containing aloe vera for additional relief.
Monitor the wound for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever. Should any of these appear, initiate systemic therapy:
- Oral antibiotics targeting common skin flora (e.g., cephalexin 500 mg q6h for 5 days) or, in case of penicillin allergy, clindamycin 300 mg q6h.
- Elevate the affected limb to reduce edema.
- Keep the area covered with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing that is changed daily.
Avoid scratching to prevent bacterial entry. If the bite occurs on a child, an elderly person, or an individual with compromised immunity, seek medical evaluation promptly, even if symptoms seem mild.
Prevent future incidents by controlling the flea population on pets and in the environment. Use veterinarian‑approved flea control products, wash bedding in hot water, and vacuum carpets regularly. Maintaining a flea‑free setting reduces the likelihood of new lesions and the need for repeated treatment.