What do bites from domestic fleas look like? - briefly
Flea bites appear as tiny, red, raised spots with a central puncture, often grouped in clusters of two to five. They typically affect the ankles, lower legs, or waistline and provoke immediate itching.
What do bites from domestic fleas look like? - in detail
Flea bites on humans appear as small, red papules, typically 2–5 mm in diameter. The central point often shows a pinpoint puncture, surrounded by a halo of erythema that may be slightly raised. In many cases the lesions are grouped in clusters of two to five, reflecting the flea’s feeding pattern of multiple quick punctures before moving on. The surrounding skin may exhibit mild swelling and a clear, watery fluid may ooze from the puncture site if scratched.
The reaction evolves over time:
- Immediate (minutes to 1 hour): Sharp pricking sensation, followed by a faint red dot.
- Early (1–24 hours): Redness expands, forming a circular or oval halo; itching intensifies.
- Late (24–72 hours): Central area may become a tiny vesicle or develop a white spot; surrounding erythema may fade, leaving a lingering welt.
- Resolution (3–7 days): Lesion diminishes, leaving possible hyperpigmentation that fades over weeks.
Typical locations include the ankles, lower legs, waistline, and areas where clothing contacts the skin. Children often show bites on the neck and forearms. The distribution is usually linear or curvilinear, following the path of the insect’s movement across the body.
Key distinguishing features compared with other arthropod bites:
- Size: Smaller than mosquito bites, which are usually 3–10 mm.
- Pattern: Flea bites frequently appear in groups; solitary lesions are more characteristic of bed‑bug or spider bites.
- Timing: Flea feeding occurs rapidly, often during daylight, whereas nocturnal insects such as bed bugs bite at night.
- Itch intensity: Moderate to strong, but rarely accompanied by a burning sensation seen with spider envenomation.
Complications can include secondary bacterial infection if the lesions are scratched excessively. Signs of infection are increasing pain, pus formation, spreading redness, or fever. In individuals with hypersensitivity, a larger wheal-and-flare response may develop, resembling an allergic reaction.
Management focuses on symptom relief and preventing infection: topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, oral antihistamines for itching, and cleaning the area with mild antiseptic. Persistent or worsening lesions warrant medical evaluation.