Fleas are common parasites on dogs, cats or furry animals. They stick to the host body and make a living by sucking host’s blood. The bloodsuckers cannot fly, but they can jump pretty well, thanks to strong legs. They increase their number at a rapid rate by laying eggs every day and it just takes one or two weeks for the eggs to grow into adult fleas. Basically, fleas don’t take human as target host, but at times they interfere with our lives by biting us. You can equip yourselves with flea treatment knowledge to get rid of the nuisance. This writing will focus on answering two concerns namely what flea bites look like and how to treat flea bites.
What do flea bites look like?
Flea bites resemble bug bites or mosquito bites a lot. They are all red bumps and cause the victim to feel terribly itchy. However, there are still some distinctions that distinguish flea bites from others. Flea bites appear to be a small cluster of dots. If you get a flea bite on the skin, it will look like red bumps with halo. The lower parts of your body are most likely to be bitten by fleas because ankles, feet or legs are within the reach of flea jump. Sometimes, you can have bites on elbow or armpits for the fact that you are hugging your flea-infested pets. Fleas may even find a way to your hair while you are sleeping with your pets. Regarding pets, if they are bitten by fleas, red spots will be detected over their body. Depending on the sensitiveness of skin, you may experience itchiness, inflammation or even infection if you can’t stand scratching the bite. Therefore, it is necessary to look for the remedies for flea bites.
How to treat flea bites?
Flea bites treatment aims at removing the irritation of itchiness, reducing the redness and ultimately preventing any infection due to scratching. You can apply cream that is specifically designed to treat insect bites. However, there are natural and effective remedies to cure flea bites that you will get to know here.
Lemon
Lemon is one of the premium choices for flea bite treatment. The sour taste of the liquid is effective in balancing the pH level of the bite, which results in calming the itchiness. Squeeze half or a quarter of a lemon to get the cure for your bites. Directly dab it on the red spots and irritation will be gone.
Ice
Ice pack is another option for flea bites. The cold of the ice will numb the irritation. The swelling and the redness will be reduced. However, you need to put the ice in a cloth or towel and then apply to the bites rather than directly place the ice on.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is well-known in skin care industry for moisturizing effect and it is good for flea bite treatment. Once you apply aloe vera gel on the bites, the inflamed skin will be soothed. Keep using the aloe vera until you feel no irritation.
Honey
Honey is the next recommended remedy that you can resort to in case of being bitten by fleas. The sweet product of bee is ideal in repairing damaged skin. You can directly apply it on the bite and see how the itchiness is removed. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of honey help to prevent any symptoms of skin infections. Every time you feel like scratching the bites, get some honey on it and the scratching urge will be reduced.
Apart from some remedies above, you can use essential oil, cool tea bag, baking soda or oatmeal to apply on flea bites. They are all equally effective in curing you of irritation or itchiness that flea bites cause. Nevertheless, it is best not to be bitten by fleas or remove fleas altogether in your living environment. Start by treating fleas on your pets, in your house and outdoor in the yard or garden.