Flea Bites: Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Prevent Them

Insect bites are a common part of outdoor life. Most bites are harmless and resolve after causing mild irritation and itching. However, some insect bites may lead to allergic reactions, and infections, or transmit debilitating diseases. This blog sheds light on the causes and risks of flea bites, how to identify them, what to do in case you are bitten, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

What are Flea Bites?

When a flea bites and pierces the skin, it causes a small, red, and itchy bump to appear on the skin. This is known as a flea bite. Flea bites usually occur in clusters and are predominantly found on the lower body. Flea bites in humans rarely cause lasting symptoms. However, there is a possibility of serious health issues like flea bite allergy and transmission of several flea-borne diseases. Most flea bites occur between June and September, which is the peak flea season.

What Are Fleas?

A flea is a tiny black/brown insect with no wings. There are thousands of species of fleas worldwide. Most flea bites in Turkey are attributed to the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis), and human flea (Pulex irritans) species. Flea bites on ankles are a common occurrence because of central heating in most buildings. Warmer temperatures promote the flea life cycle and breeding.

Common Flea Habitats

Outdoors, the flea habitats include cool and damp areas in the shade. Such as grassy fields, dense shrubs, or in the vicinity of trees. Your pets are the primary flea habitat indoors. Fleas are capable of jumping almost 2 feet. They jump from the animal to hide inside carpet fibers, bed linens, floor cracks, behind curtains, etc.

Common Causes For a Flea Bite

Some of the common reasons that predispose human beings to flea bites include:

Presence of indoor pets
Household flea infestations
During outdoor activities (Hiking, Trekking)
Proximity to wild animals (Racoons, Rats)
Peak flea season (Flea bite season in Turkey – June to September)

What are the Symptoms of a Flea Bite?

Flea bites are usually mild and resolve quickly. However, susceptible individuals may develop an allergic reaction to flea bites. Fleas also have a role in the transmission of various diseases.

Typical Symptoms

Flea bites in humans cause the following symptoms:

Raised, red bumps on the skin
Halo around the bite area
Itching, and irritation at the site
Swelling
Excessive scratching may lead to infection

Many people wonder how long do flea bites last, particularly when the itching won’t resolve. Typical flea bite symptoms take two to three days to improve and may only require symptomatic treatment. This duration increases in case of a secondary infection.

Flea Bites In Kids

Symptoms of flea bites in kids are more intense compared to adults. The clusters of red bumps at the bite site are intensely itchy. Children are also more prone to secondary infections as they keep scratching the flea bite bumps. Unlike in adults, flea bite symptoms in kids take 7 - 14 days to subside due to their intensity.

Flea Bite Allergy

Sensitive people can develop flea bite allergy symptoms, which may warrant a trip to the hospital. Symptoms of flea bite allergy are similar in kids and adults and include:

Hives
Intense itching
Skin rash
Swelling (skin, throat, and tongue)
Rapid heart rate
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing

Anyone who develops these symptoms after suffering a flea bite in Turkey can access immediate medical care at any of the Medical Park Hospitals with ease.

How are flea bites treated?

To answer the question of how to relieve a flea bite, one has to take a closer look at the symptoms and their intensity. Flea bite activity peaks in the warmer months and typical treatment modalities include OTC medications as well as flea treatments for household pets (if present).

Treatment of Flea Bites in Humans

Flea treatment in human beings includes the following steps:

Washing the bite area with water and soap
Applying ice (wrapped in a towel) or a cold compress for swelling relief
Over-the-counter ointments for itching relief (Steroids)
Oral antihistamines

A secondary infection will require a doctor’s visit. Patients with flea bite infections may require a suitable antibiotic prescription from a certified physician.

Flea Treatment in Pets

To prevent flea bites in humans and successfully treat a flea infestation, pets need to be treated as well. The protocol includes:

Using a pet flea shampoo prescribed by a veterinarian
Using a flea treatment

Treatment For Flea Bite Allergy

For a severe flea bite allergy treatment or any other part of the world, patients are advised to seek immediate emergency care.

How do I stop getting bitten by fleas?

Prevention is always the best practice with all kinds of insect bites including flea bites. During the peak season, to avoid flea bites you should take the following precautions:

Ensure that pets are regularly treated for fleas
Vacuum rugs, furniture, and carpets that may act as flea habitats
Maintain hygiene of the bed linens
Keep the lawn grass trimmed
Avoid flea-infested areas
Wear long pants and shirts with full sleeves when hiking
Use flea repellent sprays and powders

Flea bite prevention in Istanbul should be practiced all year round due to the hot summers and the frequent use of indoor central heating. Common culprits of flea bites can infect both humans and animals so pets should be included in any form of flea prevention or management.

What types of diseases can be spread by flea bites?

Flea bites are responsible for the spread of diseases, such as:

Rickettsia Typhi – Endemic Murine Typhus
Rickettsia Felis – Flea-Borne Spotted Fever
Bartonella Henselae – Cat Scratch Disease

If you get a flea bite in Turkey or any other part of the world, keep a close eye on your symptoms. Sudden fever, pain, rash, etc., after a flea bite, are an indication to seek an immediate medical evaluation. The Medical Park Hospitals are providing the latest in diagnostic and healthcare technology to hundreds of patients all over Turkey, all year round. With over 27 facilities across the country, international certifications (JCI), and experienced and certified staff, the Medical Park Hospitals are the best place to easily access state-of-the-art healthcare services.