What does a flea bite look like after it occurs? - briefly
A flea bite appears as a small, red, raised spot that often turns into an itchy, circular welt with a central puncture point. The surrounding skin may become swollen and develop a halo of lighter redness around the core lesion.
What does a flea bite look like after it occurs? - in detail
A flea bite typically appears as a small, red, raised spot about 2‑5 mm in diameter. The center often shows a pinpoint puncture where the insect’s mouthparts entered, surrounded by a halo of erythema that may be slightly paler or darker than the surrounding skin. The lesion is usually pruritic; scratching can increase redness and cause a thin wheal to develop.
Key visual characteristics
- Size: 2–5 mm, sometimes larger if the reaction is strong.
- Shape: round or slightly oval, with a clear central point.
- Color: bright red to pink; may turn purplish or brownish as blood settles.
- Border: well‑defined, often with a faint, lighter‑colored ring.
- Edema: mild swelling around the punctum, occasionally forming a small bump.
- Secondary changes: vesicle formation, crusting, or ulceration if the bite is scratched repeatedly.
Typical progression
- Immediate (0–30 min): sharp redness and a tiny puncture; intense itching begins.
- Early (1–4 h): halo expands, swelling becomes noticeable; skin may feel warm.
- Peak (4–24 h): maximum size and erythema; itching peaks, possible formation of a tiny blister.
- Resolution (2–7 days): redness fades, swelling subsides, pigment may linger for several days.
- Complications (optional): if infected, the area may develop pus, increased pain, and a yellowish crust.
Variations depend on individual sensitivity. Persons with hypersensitivity can experience larger wheals, multiple clustered bites, or even systemic symptoms such as fever. In darker skin tones, the central puncture may be less visible, while the surrounding erythema can appear more violaceous.
When evaluating a suspected flea bite, note the presence of a central punctum, the uniform round shape, and the characteristic pattern of itching that intensifies after a few hours. Absence of these features may suggest an alternative arthropod bite or dermatologic condition.