What does a flea bite look? - briefly
A flea bite appears as a tiny, red, raised bump often surrounded by a slightly swollen halo, and it commonly itches intensely. Bites frequently occur in clusters of two to four closely spaced spots.
What does a flea bite look? - in detail
A flea bite typically presents as a small, red puncture surrounded by a halo of swelling. The central point is often a pinpoint, sometimes with a tiny black dot where the insect’s mouthparts entered. The surrounding area may be raised, forming a raised, itchy welt that can range from a few millimeters to about a centimeter in diameter.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Size: puncture about 1–2 mm; surrounding welt up to 5–10 mm.
- Color: bright red or pink center; lighter pink or pale halo.
- Shape: round or slightly oval; may appear as a cluster of several bites close together.
- Distribution: commonly found on ankles, calves, feet, and lower legs; can also appear on the waist, groin, or underarms where clothing is tight.
- Texture: smooth central point; raised, sometimes slightly firm surrounding area.
The reaction often intensifies within minutes to a few hours, producing intense itching. In some individuals, the bite may develop a small blister or a crusted scab after repeated scratching. Secondary infection is possible if the skin is broken and bacteria enter.
When multiple bites occur, they may form a line or a group of punctures, reflecting the flea’s movement as it feeds. The pattern can help differentiate flea bites from other arthropod bites, such as those of mosquitoes (which are typically isolated) or bed bugs (which often appear in a linear “breakfast‑n‑lunch” arrangement).