What should be used to eradicate fleas from a person? - briefly
Use a topical insecticide (e.g., permethrin cream) or a prescription oral antiparasitic such as ivermectin, and wash all clothing and bedding in hot water to eliminate remaining fleas.
What should be used to eradicate fleas from a person? - in detail
Fleas can bite humans, causing itching, inflammation, and possible transmission of disease. Effective eradication requires a combination of personal treatment, environmental decontamination, and control of animal hosts.
Topical agents applied directly to the skin eliminate adult insects and relieve symptoms. Permethrin‑based creams or lotions, applied according to the product label, kill fleas on contact. For severe reactions, a short course of topical corticosteroids reduces inflammation.
Systemic medication provides broader coverage. Oral ivermectin, prescribed at the appropriate dose, attacks fleas throughout the body and can be used when topical options are contraindicated. Antihistamines reduce itching but do not affect the parasites.
Environmental measures prevent re‑infestation. Actions include:
- Washing all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥60 °C) and drying on high heat.
- Vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and cracks, then discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister.
- Applying residual insecticide sprays containing pyrethroids or insect growth regulators (IGRs) to floors, baseboards, and pet resting areas.
- Treating pets with veterinary‑approved flea collars, spot‑on products, or oral preventatives to remove the primary reservoir.
After treatment, monitor the skin for lingering lesions and repeat personal therapy if new bites appear. Coordination with a healthcare professional ensures dosage accuracy and addresses any allergic reactions.