What do bites from lice and fleas look like? - briefly
Lice bites present as tiny, red papules that may group near the scalp, neck, or shoulders and cause intense itching; flea bites appear as several pinpoint red spots with a surrounding halo of raised skin, commonly located on the ankles and lower legs, also provoking strong pruritus.
What do bites from lice and fleas look like? - in detail
Bites produced by lice are typically tiny, erythematous papules measuring 1–2 mm in diameter. The lesions often appear in clusters on the scalp, neck, shoulders, or behind the ears, reflecting the insect’s limited mobility. A characteristic linear or “railroad‑track” arrangement may develop when several lice feed in succession along a hair shaft. The surrounding skin may exhibit mild edema and a faint, pruritic sensation. In some cases, a small central punctum marks the feeding site, but this is less pronounced than with flea bites.
Flea bites present as slightly larger, 2–4 mm, red or pink papules with a central punctate point. The lesions are most common on the lower extremities—ankles, calves, and feet—because fleas jump onto exposed skin from the ground. A halo of erythema often surrounds the central point, creating a “target” appearance. The bites are intensely itchy and may develop a raised, wheal‑like border if an allergic reaction occurs. Multiple bites tend to group in clusters of three to five, occasionally forming a “break‑fast‑plate” pattern on the lower legs.
Key distinguishing features:
- Location: lice – scalp and upper torso; fleas – lower legs and feet.
- Size: lice – 1–2 mm; fleas – 2–4 mm.
- Arrangement: lice – linear or clustered along hair shafts; fleas – grouped clusters, often irregular.
- Central punctum: more evident in flea bites; less pronounced in lice bites.
- Associated symptoms: both provoke itching; flea bites may elicit larger wheals and occasional hives.
Recognition of these visual cues assists in accurate identification of the responsible ectoparasite and guides appropriate treatment measures.