How to treat fleas on a person? - briefly
«Apply a medicated flea shampoo or lotion containing permethrin or pyrethrin, following label directions, then launder all clothing and bedding in hot water.»
«Treat the environment with an appropriate insecticide spray, vacuum thoroughly, and repeat cleaning after 48 hours to eliminate eggs and larvae.»
How to treat fleas on a person? - in detail
Flea infestations on humans cause itching, redness, and possible secondary infection. Prompt removal of insects and relief of symptoms reduce discomfort and lower the risk of complications.
First step: eliminate the insects from the skin.
- Wash the affected area with warm water and mild soap.
- Apply a cold compress for several minutes to soothe irritation.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or disposable gloves to pick visible fleas from hair or clothing.
Topical options provide immediate relief.
- Over‑the‑counter antihistamine creams or calamine lotion decrease itching.
- Hydrocortisone 1 % ointment reduces inflammation when applied sparingly.
- Antiseptic solutions (e.g., povidone‑iodine) prevent bacterial entry through broken skin.
Systemic treatment may be required for extensive bites or allergic reactions.
- Oral antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) control systemic itching.
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen) alleviate pain and swelling.
- In cases of severe hypersensitivity, a physician may prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids.
Environmental control eliminates the source of re‑infestation.
- Launder clothing, bedding, and towels at ≥ 60 °C; dry‑clean items that cannot be washed.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Treat pets with veterinarian‑approved flea preventatives (topical spot‑on, oral tablets, or collars).
- Apply an indoor insecticide spray labeled for fleas to cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas, following manufacturer instructions.
Preventive measures maintain a flea‑free environment.
- Regular grooming and inspection of pets detect early infestations.
- Keep outdoor areas trimmed and free of debris where fleas thrive.
- Use flea traps or sticky pads in high‑risk zones to monitor activity.
If symptoms persist beyond a few days, or if signs of infection (pus, increasing redness, fever) appear, seek medical evaluation promptly.