What does a bite from grass fleas look like? - briefly
A grass flea bite shows as a tiny red, raised spot with mild surrounding swelling and intense itching. Sometimes a central puncture or a cluster of similar spots is visible.
What does a bite from grass fleas look like? - in detail
A bite inflicted by a grass flea typically presents as a small, raised spot about 2–5 mm in diameter. The centre is often a pinpoint puncture that may appear slightly pink or flesh‑coloured, surrounded by a halo of erythema that can range from faint pink to deep red. The surrounding area is frequently swollen, giving the lesion a dome‑shaped profile. Itching is intense and may begin within minutes of the bite, persisting for several hours.
Common characteristics include:
- Location: Lower extremities—especially calves, ankles, and feet—are most frequently affected because the insects inhabit grass and low vegetation.
- Pattern: Bites often appear in clusters or linear rows, reflecting the flea’s movement across the skin.
- Temporal changes: Within 24 hours the centre may become a tiny vesicle or develop a white, slightly raised plug. After 48–72 hours the erythema fades, leaving a faint, flat discoloration that can persist for a week or more.
- Secondary signs: If the skin is broken from scratching, a thin crust may form, and the area can become warm, tender, or ooze clear fluid, indicating possible infection.
Differentiation from other arthropod bites hinges on the combination of a pinpoint punctum, pronounced itching, and the typical linear or grouped arrangement on the lower limbs. Absence of a central ulcer or necrotic tissue helps rule out spider or tick lesions, while the rapid onset of pruritus distinguishes it from mosquito bites, which often have a broader, less defined erythema.