How to treat sand fleas? - briefly
Clean the bite area with soap and water, then apply a licensed topical insecticide such as permethrin 5% cream directly to the lesions. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days and keep the skin dry to prevent re‑infestation.
How to treat sand fleas? - in detail
Sand flea bites produce intense itching and localized inflammation. Effective management begins with accurate identification. Sand fleas are small, wingless insects that burrow into the skin, leaving a raised, red papule often surrounded by a halo of irritation.
First‑line care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing secondary infection:
- Clean the affected area with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Use an over‑the‑counter topical antihistamine or corticosteroid cream to control pruritus.
- If the lesion shows signs of infection—pus, increasing pain, or spreading redness—apply a topical antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin or mupirocin.
When topical measures are insufficient, systemic therapy may be required:
- Oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg daily) alleviate persistent itching.
- A short course of oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 20 mg daily for 3–5 days) can be prescribed for severe inflammatory responses.
- In cases of confirmed bacterial superinfection, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin 500 mg three times daily for 7 days are appropriate.
Environmental control reduces the risk of re‑infestation:
- Remove sand from clothing, towels, and bedding by washing in hot water (≥60 °C) and drying on high heat.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpets, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister.
- Apply an approved insecticide spray to beach‑area sand, decks, and outdoor rugs following label instructions.
- Seal cracks and gaps in flooring to limit the insects’ ability to penetrate indoor spaces.
Preventive measures for future exposure include:
- Wearing protective footwear and tight‑weave clothing when walking on beaches or in dunes.
- Using insect‑repellent products containing DEET (20 %–30 %) or picaridin on exposed skin.
- Showering promptly after beach visits to wash away any organisms before they can embed.
Monitoring the healing process is essential. Lesions typically resolve within 1–2 weeks; persistent nodules or ulceration warrant dermatological evaluation to rule out allergic reactions or other dermatoses.