Как выглядит укус блохи у ребёнка? - briefly
Flea bites on a child appear as tiny, red, raised papules with a central puncture point and a surrounding halo of irritation. They commonly occur on exposed areas such as the ankles, legs, or waist and are intensely itchy.
Как выглядит укус блохи у ребёнка? - in detail
Flea bites on infants and young children present as small, raised lesions typically 2–5 mm in diameter. The central point is often a pinpoint puncture that may appear slightly reddish or pink, surrounded by a halo of erythema that can be pale, pink, or reddish‑brown. The halo frequently forms a circular or oval shape, sometimes with a subtle “target” appearance. In many cases the lesion is pruritic; scratching can increase redness and cause a wheal‑like swelling.
Typical locations include the ankles, calves, thighs, and lower abdomen, but bites may appear on any exposed skin. In toddlers who crawl or sit on the floor, the back of the knees and the buttocks are also common sites. The lesions often appear in clusters of 2–5 bites, reflecting the flea’s tendency to feed repeatedly in a small area.
Clinical characteristics
- Size: 2–5 mm papule or wheal.
- Color: Central punctum (red or pink) with peripheral erythema; halo may be lighter than surrounding skin.
- Shape: Round or slightly oval; sometimes a concentric ring pattern.
- Texture: Firm to touch, may become soft if edema develops.
- Symptoms: Immediate itching, possible burning sensation; secondary irritation if scratched.
- Evolution: Redness peaks within 12–24 hours, may persist for 2–3 days, then fades. Persistent swelling or ulceration suggests secondary infection.
Differential considerations
- Mosquito bite: typically larger, with a more diffuse erythema and no distinct central punctum.
- Bed‑bug bite: often linear or grouped in a “breakfast‑lunch‑dinner” pattern, may have a darker central spot.
- Contact dermatitis: diffuse rash without discrete puncta, associated with exposure to irritants.
When medical assessment is warranted
- Rapid expansion of the lesion beyond the initial size.
- Development of pus, crusting, or ulceration.
- Fever, malaise, or lymphadenopathy accompanying the bite.
- Persistent itching despite antihistamine use, indicating possible allergic reaction.
Management recommendations
- Clean the area with mild soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itching.
- Use over‑the‑counter antihistamine cream or oral antihistamine for pruritus.
- Monitor for signs of infection; seek pediatric care if redness spreads or systemic symptoms appear.
Understanding the visual and symptomatic profile of flea bites enables prompt identification and appropriate care for affected children.