What to apply to bites from ground fleas? - briefly
Use a topical antihistamine or a low‑strength hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching and swelling. Apply a cold compress afterward to further soothe the skin.
What to apply to bites from ground fleas? - in detail
Ground flea bites cause itching, redness, and occasional swelling. Effective relief involves several categories of topical and systemic measures.
First‑line topical agents
- Hydrocortisone 1 % cream: reduces inflammation and pruritus; apply thinly to the affected area three times daily for up to seven days.
- Calamine lotion: provides a cooling effect and mild astringent action; spread evenly after cleansing the skin.
- Antihistamine cream (e.g., diphenhydramine 1 %): blocks histamine receptors locally, diminishing itch; use no more than three times per day.
Second‑line options for persistent symptoms
- Prescription‑strength corticosteroids (hydrocortisone 2.5 % or triamcinolone 0.1 %): reserved for severe erythema or extensive lesions; follow physician instructions regarding duration and tapering.
- Topical anesthetics (lidocaine 2.5 %/prilocaine 2.5 %): numb the skin for immediate relief; limit application to short intervals to avoid irritation.
Systemic treatments
- Oral antihistamines (cetirizine 10 mg, loratadine 10 mg, or diphenhydramine 25–50 mg): alleviate widespread itching; dosage as per label, avoid sedating agents before driving.
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen 200–400 mg): help with pain and swelling when inflammation is pronounced.
Supportive care
- Clean the bite with mild soap and water to prevent secondary infection.
- Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes, several times daily, to reduce swelling.
- Keep nails trimmed to limit skin damage from scratching.
- Avoid heat sources (hot packs, heating pads), which can aggravate inflammation.
When to seek medical attention
- Rapid expansion of redness or presence of pus.
- Fever, chills, or malaise.
- Persistent symptoms beyond ten days despite treatment.
- Known allergy to any recommended medication.
Combining a low‑potency corticosteroid with an antihistamine cream typically provides rapid symptom control. If the reaction is moderate to severe, escalation to prescription steroids and oral antihistamines is justified. Continuous monitoring of the bite’s appearance ensures timely intervention if complications develop.