Overview:

Fleas feed on the blood of warm blooded mammals & are capable of surviving months without food. Cat & dog fleas don't generally live on humans, but they will bite a human if the opportunity presents itself. When a flea bites, it injects saliva which contains 15 known allergens, each one is capable of causing an allergic reaction which results in itching. If scratching occurs, this may lead to secondary infections. Flea bites typically occur on the lower legs in humans.

In some pets, even one bite can lead to an allergic reaction known as flea allergy dermatitis which results in itching, crusting & scabbing in the affected area.

How to treat flea bites:

In humans, the best way to treat & control flea bites includes;

• Don't scratch, that will only make the bite itch more & increase the chances of a secondary infection.

• Wash the area with an antiseptic soap to reduce the chance of infection.

Controlling the itch of a flea bite:

• Apply an anti-itch medication, an ice pack or calamine lotion to the area.

• Apply a hydrocortisone cream.

• If the area becomes very swollen, see your pharmacist for an anti-histamine medication.

• See your doctor if the area becomes infected or if you begin to feel unwell.