How Do I Know If I Have Flea Bites?

• Flea bites are diagnosed with a patient history including asking about known flea infestation, and a skin examination. 
• Fleas are very small and adults can jump very high and far, but if you are able to catch one it can be helpful to bring it to the doctor for identification. 
• Adult fleas are wingless, oval, about 1/12 to 1/8 inch long, flat from side to side, and dark reddish-brown, with six long legs. Flea larvae are pale white and measure about three mm in length, resembling tiny worms. 

Treatment for flea bites involves treating the main symptom, which is itching. Avoid scratching flea bites which can create an open wound. Bacteria under the fingernails may enter the broken skin, resulting in infection.

Treatment for itching due to flea bites includes: 

• Wash the area first to lessen the chances for infection
• Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch creams, lotions, or ointments
  • Calamine lotion (Caladryl)
  • Hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Cortizone)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel)
• Oral antihistamines for more severe itching
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 
• For allergic reactions, see a doctor
  • Stronger antihistamines may be prescribed, such as hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax)
• For secondary infection (if the bites start draining pus), see a doctor
  • Antibiotics may be needed

Home remedies to relieve itching and other symptoms of flea bites include: 

• For itching
  • Witch hazel 
  • White vinegar (dilute 1 part vinegar with 1 part water)
  • Tea tree oil
• For redness, swelling, and inflammation
  • Aloe vera 
  • Ice packs (or frozen vegetables) wrapped in a towel and applied to the skin
  • Used teabags – cool in freezer and apply to the bite 
• Rubbing alcohol can be used to dry the bites

Complications of flea bites include infection and disease. 

• Fleas can transmit diseases, such as:
  • Plague (Yersinia pestis)
  • Bartonellosis
  • Typhus (Rickettsia typhi)
  • Tungiasis
  • Flea tapeworm
• Secondary infection can occur from scratching the bites
  • Vigorous scratching of the rash may cause an open wound
  • Bacteria and other debris under the fingernails may enter broken skin, resulting in infection

Most of the time, fleas get into the home via pets. The best way to prevent getting bitten is to prevent your pet from getting fleas and to keep the home free of fleas. 

• Use flea prevention on your pet once a month 
  • Talk to your veterinarian about the right product for your dog or cat
• Mow the lawn frequently and keep the grass short 
• Treat outdoor areas commonly used by your pet, such as kennels, with appropriate insecticides
  • Follow label instructions and keep pets off the grass and out of the yard until the product dries or as indicated by the product label instructions
• Check your pet’s fur for fleas using a flea comb
• Clean pet bedding regularly by washing in hot water
• Keep pets away from animals known to have had fleas recently
• Keep pets out of places that are difficult to treat for fleas such as under decks or sheds
• Vacuum rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, under beds and sofas, and behind furniture frequently, paying attention to places where pets sleep 
  • If you have a known infestation, throw away the vacuum cleaner bag or empty the vacuum cylinder promptly
• Dust furniture and dry clean curtains and upholstery regularly
• Persistent flea infestations may need to be treated by a pest control specialist