What does a combed flea bite look like? - briefly
A comb‑treated flea bite appears as a tiny, red, raised spot, often surrounded by a pale halo and accompanied by intense itching; multiple bites may form a linear or clustered pattern on exposed skin.
What does a combed flea bite look like? - in detail
A flea bite that has been examined with a fine-toothed comb typically presents as a small, red papule about 2–3 mm in diameter. The centre often appears slightly raised, while the surrounding skin may show a faint halo of erythema extending 5–10 mm from the lesion. The border is usually well‑defined, with a clear transition between the inflamed area and normal skin.
The lesion is often pruritic; scratching can cause the central spot to become a tiny vesicle or develop a crust if the skin is broken. In cases of multiple bites, the marks may appear in clusters or linear patterns, reflecting the flea’s hopping behavior. The surrounding skin may exhibit mild edema, giving the area a slightly swollen appearance.
Key visual cues include:
- Size: 2–3 mm red bump.
- Shape: Round or slightly oval with a sharp edge.
- Color: Bright red to pink, sometimes with a darker central point.
- Surrounding halo: Light pink or pale red ring.
- Distribution: Grouped or linearly arranged, often on ankles, calves, or waistline.
If the bite is observed shortly after the combing process, the skin may still be intact, showing only the characteristic redness. Over time, the lesion can evolve into a small, raised wheal that may turn into a papule or develop a thin, white scab as it heals.