Overview
Fleas are bloodsucking insects that survive pets, livestock, and humans. They are small, 1–4 mm (1/16 to 1/8 in.) in length, and blackish-brown. Although wingless, fleas are capable of taking giant leaps, jumping to a height of several meters. Adult fleas feed only on blood and are capable of going long periods without feeding.
Fleas that live on humans (Pulex irritans) are relatively uncommon. The species that humans are presumably to encounter is that the Ctenocephalides felis (Ctenocephalides felis), which also infests dogs. Humans can also encounter the Ctenocephalides canis (Ctenocephalides canis) or the rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis). Cat, dog, and rat fleas don't survive people, but they're going to bite a person's if they encounter one and are trying to find a feed.
Fleas most often bite people around the legs and the ankles. The resulting red bump is an allergy to flea saliva. The bites, which are usually but not always felt immediately, become increasingly irritated and may remain sore and/or itchy for as long as a week. Itching may be just at the site of the bites or more generalized in nature.
Who's at risk?
Risk factors include household pets, livestock, and rodent infestation.
Some people are more sensitive to flea bites than others, and it can sometimes appear that the fleas are "picking on" one individual in a household but not others. Children aged younger than 10 are generally more sensitive than older people, as people tend to become desensitized by repeated exposure over time. Flea bites in children produce an allergy during which recurrent or chronic small red bumps occur on the exposed skin areas. Individuals who are hypersensitive to fleas may also develop blister reactions.
Signs and Symptoms
Flea bites are small, raised, red bumps that are firm to the touch. The redness disappears when pressure is applied. Flea bites are often extremely itchy and should show signs of bleeding. Flea bites usually occur round the ankles and lower legs. Other common locations for flea bites include the world round the waist, armpits, creases of the elbows, and behind the knees.
Flea bites produce a spread of effects, starting from a little , temporary red bump to long-term symptoms which will last for years counting on the sensitivity of the person bitten. The area of skin affected may increase over time, or the rash may spread to a special area. Flea bites can take a really while to heal up and may sometimes evolve into "persistent bite reactions." Itching and swelling may occur at the sites of older bites when the person is bitten again.
Self-Care Guidelines
The primary goal of therapy is to relieve the itching, which can be achieved by the following:
Ø Burow's solution compresses applied to the bites
Ø Calamine lotion to which 0.25% menthol may be added by the pharmacist
Ø 1% hydrocortisone cream may take the edge off the itch
If flea bites have occurred indoors, all sources must be treated for effective flea control. Carpets, pet bedding, and every one rooms should be thoroughly vacuumed, and pets should be treated separately.
Flea control reception could also be regulated by the subsequent measures:
Ø Bedding should be clean and laundered regularly.
Ø Bedrooms should be vacuumed regularly, especially in the corners underneath the beds.
Ø The indoor environment can be sprayed with a chemical used for flea infestation such as methoprene.
Ø A professional exterminator may be needed.
Ø Pets should be kept clean and regularly checked by a veterinarian.
Flea control for pets includes the following:
Ø Oral flea medication (available for dogs but not for cats)
Ø Monthly topical spot-on products
Ø Flea collars
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if,
Ø Itch is not alleviated using over-the-counter products
Ø The bites become infected due to scratching
Ø Blisters form in reaction to flea bites
Ø Bites do not resolve in a few weeks
If you develop large, painful lymph nodes and swelling in the groin, armpit or neck, seek medical help, as fleas can transmit the Yersinia pestis bacterium, which causes plague. Endemic plague is seen in the southwestern US (approximately 10-20 cases reported each year in the US) and other parts of the world.
Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
Prescription-strength mid- or high-potency topical corticosteroids can alleviate the severe itch.
Antihistamines may be prescribed for the relief of the itching. Be aware that some antihistamines cause drowsiness.
Ø Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl®) – 25, 50 mg tablets or capsules, 25–50 mg nightly or every 6 hours as needed
Ø Cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec®) – 10 mg tablets, 10 mg per day
Oral antibiotics may be necessary if secondary bacterial infection develops.
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