What are the symptoms of flea bites? - briefly
Typical reactions to «flea bites» include small, red, itchy papules that appear within hours, often surrounded by a halo of swelling. Multiple bites may align in a line or cluster, and scratched lesions can become secondarily infected.
What are the symptoms of flea bites? - in detail
Flea bites typically produce a localized skin reaction that appears within minutes to a few hours after exposure. The primary manifestations include:
- Small, red papules or punctate wheals, often 2‑5 mm in diameter.
- Intense pruritus that may persist for several days.
- A central punctum where the insect’s mouthparts penetrated the epidermis.
- Occasionally, a surrounding halo of erythema that expands as the inflammatory response progresses.
In sensitized individuals, the cutaneous response can intensify, forming larger wheals, vesicles, or urticarial plaques. Repeated exposure may lead to a delayed‑type hypersensitivity reaction, characterized by:
- Thickened, lichenified plaques after weeks of persistent itching.
- Eczematous changes with scaling and crusting.
- Regional lymphadenopathy, most often in the inguinal or popliteal nodes.
Systemic involvement is rare but documented. Signs of a generalized allergic reaction include:
- Fever, malaise, or headache.
- Generalized urticaria beyond the bite sites.
- Anaphylaxis, presenting with respiratory distress, hypotension, and angioedema; immediate medical intervention is required.
Secondary bacterial infection is a frequent complication when scratching disrupts the skin barrier. Indicators of infection are:
- Increased warmth, swelling, and pain at the bite site.
- Purulent discharge or crust formation.
- Elevated local temperature and possible regional lymphadenitis.
Risk factors for severe manifestations comprise young age, atopic predisposition, immunocompromised status, and extensive exposure in heavily infested environments. Prompt identification of the characteristic “bite pattern” – clusters of bites on the lower extremities, especially around the ankles and feet – aids differentiation from other arthropod bites such as those of mosquitoes or bed bugs.
Management focuses on symptom relief and prevention of complications. Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation; oral antihistamines alleviate pruritus. Antiseptic cleansing minimizes infection risk, and antibiotics are indicated only when bacterial involvement is confirmed. In cases of systemic allergic response, epinephrine administration and emergency medical care are mandatory.