How to get rid of flea bites on a human body? - briefly
Clean the area with mild soap, apply a cold compress to lessen swelling, and then treat the itch with an over‑the‑counter antihistamine or 1% hydrocortisone cream. Keep the skin moisturized and avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection.
How to get rid of flea bites on a human body? - in detail
Flea bites appear as small, red, itchy papules, often grouped in clusters. Prompt treatment reduces discomfort and prevents secondary infection.
First, cleanse the affected skin. Wash the area with mild soap and lukewarm water for 30 seconds, then pat dry. This removes saliva and reduces bacterial load.
Apply a topical anti‑itch agent. Options include:
- 1 % hydrocortisone cream, applied thinly 2–3 times daily for up to 7 days.
- Calamine lotion or 0.5 % pramoxine gel, for immediate soothing.
- Over‑the‑counter antihistamine tablets (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg) taken once daily if itching is widespread.
If the bite becomes inflamed, a short course of oral non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen 200 mg every 6 hours) can alleviate swelling. For signs of infection—pus, increasing redness, warmth, or fever—seek medical attention; a prescription antibiotic may be required.
To accelerate healing, keep the skin moisturized with a fragrance‑free emollient, and avoid scratching, which can introduce bacteria and cause scarring.
Prevent future incidents by treating the source:
- Wash bedding, clothing, and pet fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag.
- Apply a veterinary‑approved flea control product to pets, following label instructions.
- Consider environmental flea sprays or diatomaceous earth in infested areas.
By combining immediate skin care with thorough eradication of the parasite environment, flea bite lesions resolve within a few days and recurrence is minimized.