What should be applied to bites from domestic fleas? - briefly
Apply a low‑strength corticosteroid cream, such as 1 % hydrocortisone, to the affected area and consider an oral antihistamine for additional itch relief. Clean the skin with mild soap before treatment.
What should be applied to bites from domestic fleas? - in detail
Flea bites on humans cause localized redness, swelling, and intense itching. Effective management involves three steps: immediate symptom relief, prevention of secondary infection, and reduction of future exposure.
Immediate relief
- Apply a cold compress for 5–10 minutes to diminish swelling.
- Use over‑the‑counter topical antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine cream) or calamine lotion to soothe itching.
- Oral antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine can control systemic reactions, especially when multiple bites are present.
Infection control
- Clean the area with mild soap and water; avoid vigorous scrubbing.
- If the skin appears broken or shows signs of infection (pus, increasing warmth, fever), apply a thin layer of a topical antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin or mupirocin.
- Seek medical attention for severe or spreading infection; systemic antibiotics may be required.
Preventive measures
- Treat pets with veterinarian‑recommended flea control products (topical spot‑on treatments, oral tablets, or collars).
- Wash bedding, upholstery, and carpets in hot water; vacuum regularly and discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to remove larvae and eggs.
- Use environmental flea sprays or powders labeled for indoor use, focusing on cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas.
- Maintain low indoor humidity (below 50 %) to inhibit flea development.
Combining these actions provides rapid symptom reduction, minimizes the risk of bacterial complications, and addresses the source of infestation to prevent recurrence.