What to do for bites from household fleas? - briefly
Wash the affected area with mild soap and cool water, then apply a topical anti‑itch cream or oral antihistamine to relieve discomfort. Seek medical care if swelling, intense pain, or signs of infection appear.
What to do for bites from household fleas? - in detail
Flea bites appear as small, red, itchy welts, often clustered on ankles, legs, or arms. Prompt treatment reduces discomfort and prevents secondary infection.
First, cleanse the affected skin with mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry; avoid rubbing, which can worsen irritation. Apply a cold compress for 5–10 minutes to lessen swelling and soothe itching.
Topical options include:
- Over‑the‑counter hydrocortisone cream (1 %) applied twice daily for up to three days.
- Calamine lotion or a 0.5 % pramoxine gel to relieve itch.
- Antiseptic ointment (e.g., bacitracin) if the skin shows signs of abrasion.
Oral antihistamines such as cetirizine (10 mg) or diphenhydramine (25 mg) may be taken every 12 hours for severe pruritus. Do not exceed recommended doses; consult a pharmacist if uncertain.
Do not scratch; use a clean fingernail or a disposable glove to remove debris if necessary. Keep nails trimmed to limit damage to the skin.
Monitor the bite sites for increasing redness, warmth, pus, or expanding borders—indicators of infection. Seek medical attention if any of these develop or if systemic symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes) arise.
Eliminate the source to prevent recurrence:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly; discard vacuum bag or clean canister afterward.
- Treat pets with veterinarian‑approved flea control products (spot‑on treatments, oral medications, or collars) and bathe them regularly.
- Apply an indoor flea spray or fogger containing an insect growth regulator (e.g., methoprene) to cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas.
- Seal entry points around windows and doors to reduce outdoor flea ingress.
If infestation persists despite these measures, contact a licensed pest‑management professional for a comprehensive eradication plan.
By combining immediate skin care, symptom management, and environmental control, the discomfort of flea bites can be alleviated and future incidents minimized.