A Sight For Sore Skin: Flea Bites On Humans

The skin is our first layer of protection against the outside world. It covers our entire body and, therefore, is its largest organ. Our skin keeps our bodies in an ideal temperature by determining outside conditions and sending this data to the brain so the entire body can act in accordance. In short, the skin is a vital part of our body. This is why we do everything in our power to protect and maintain it - because it protects and maintains us.

We all want to have blemish-free skin and most of us are well aware of what we should protect our skin from. If you have pets, then it's a completely different matter. You need to take more precautions since your pet may have fleas and these parasites are hazardous to us because fleas also bite humans. Fleas are your pets' worst enemy - which make them yours, too.

Now, if you can't stomach these parasites biting and infesting your pets, I'm sure you wouldn't want them biting and infesting you. If you think that your pet is a victim of flea infestation, it wouldn't hurt to check yourself for fleas, too.

What do flea bites look like?

Flea bites on humans usually appear as a red spot accompanied by a halo of redness that can last for several hours depending on one¿s reaction to it. A flea bite may sometimes cause itching and slight irritation of the skin.

Those with extreme allergies or Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) may sometimes break out into hives and suffer from excessive swelling.

The presence of children in the household is also a reason to be extra careful about flea bites. Children have more sensitive skin and hence can suffer worse symptoms than adults.

How to treat flea bites

Now that you have an idea of what flea bites look like, it is time to get some tips on effectively treating them. To save you from a trip to your doctor, here are a few home remedies for flea bites you may try:

• Wash

  Simply washing the affected area with water and a mild antiseptic soap may help - especially in cases of mild allergies.

• Cool

  In case of an allergic reaction, applying an ice pack over the affected area will reduce swelling and inflammation.

• Relieve

  To relieve itching, apply some calamine lotion on the affected area.

• Medicate

  A mild steroid cream like hydrocortisone, which is readily available from a local pharmacy, is useful in relieving the swelling and itching more rapidly. Use only in cases of extreme allergies; if symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.