How to get rid of bites from a domestic flea? - briefly
Clean the affected skin with mild soap and cool water, then treat it with a hydrocortisone or calamine ointment to reduce itching and inflammation. Seek medical attention if swelling, redness, or signs of infection worsen.
How to get rid of bites from a domestic flea? - in detail
Flea bites cause itching, redness, and sometimes swelling. Immediate relief begins with cleaning the affected area. Wash the skin with mild soap and cool water to remove any residual flea debris and reduce the risk of infection. Pat dry with a clean towel; avoid rubbing, which can aggravate irritation.
Apply a topical anti‑itch agent. Options include:
- Hydrocortisone cream (1 %) for inflammation control.
- Calamine lotion to soothe and dry the lesion.
- Antihistamine gel or cream containing diphenhydramine for itching relief.
If the reaction is more severe, oral antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine can be taken according to package directions. For pronounced swelling, a short course of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory medication (e.g., ibuprofen) may be appropriate.
Prevent secondary infection by keeping the skin moisturized with a fragrance‑free ointment and monitoring for signs of bacterial involvement—pus, increasing pain, or spreading redness. Should these symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation for possible antibiotic therapy.
To minimize future bites, eliminate the flea population in the home:
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding daily; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Wash all removable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product—topical spot‑on, oral medication, or a flea collar.
- Apply an environmental insecticide to cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas, following label instructions precisely.
- Use diatomaceous earth or a synthetic flea powder on carpets and pet zones as a non‑chemical barrier.
After treatment, maintain a regular schedule of pet flea prevention and household cleaning to sustain a bite‑free environment.