If you have dogs or cats in the house or go hiking in your free time, you may find a few fleas lying around every now and then. In some cases, these parasites do not cause any problems, but if they bite, they can cause small lesions accompanied by inflammation and itching, usually around the ankles and feet. Generally, this is nothing to worry about and there are many solutions to self-medicate. However, some individuals may be allergic to flea bites, so if you have any abnormal symptoms - such as a rash, glossitis, swollen mouth, and difficulty breathing - see your doctor right away.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Proven Remedies
Step 1. Wash the bite site with warm soapy water
Rinse it with warm water to get rid of any dirt or debris. Then, use a mild hand soap to gently cleanse the skin surface and finally wash off the lather with water. This will remove any bacteria that the flea may have passed on.
If you want, after washing the affected area, you can apply an ice pack for 10 minutes. It helps you prevent swelling and soothe any irritation
Step 2. Apply calamine or hydrocortisone ointment
These are active ingredients that relieve itching. You can buy them in the form of ointment at the pharmacy. Just put a nut on the affected area and massage it to make it absorb.
Hydrocortisone is a mildly acting steroid drug, while calamine contains ferric oxide. Both relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process. They are over-the-counter pharmaceutical products and do not involve risks if applied in the doses indicated in the package leaflet
Step 3. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about antihistamines if itching is severe
Sometimes, flea bites cause itching so badly that the patient is forced to take an antihistamine by mouth. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one is best for you. Here are some antihistamines to consider:
- Diphenhydramine (Allergan);
- Tripelenamine hydrochloride (no longer for sale in the United States);
- Hydroxyzine (Atarax).
Step 4. Avoid scratching yourself
Scratching yourself too much can make it worse and get an infection. Instead, apply an over-the-counter product, such as calamine or hydrocortisone ointment, to soothe the itch.
Typically, the lesion will go away within 1-2 days, but it depends on how deep the puncture is. At the latest, it should heal over the course of 1-2 weeks
Part 2 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Use an ice pack to immediately inhibit itching
If you suddenly feel the urge to scratch where you were stung, take an ice pack and place it on the affected site until the itching subsides. Leave it for 10-20 minutes to relieve the tingling sensation.
Wrap the ice pack in a cloth if the application lasts longer than a few seconds
Step 2. Apply an aloe vera based gel to refresh and soothe the skin
Try breaking an aloe vera leaf and massaging the gel that comes out on the lesion or buy it directly. The cool sensation should relieve itching, while aloe vera helps contain the redness and swelling.
Step 3. Take an oatmeal bath to cleanse your skin and relax
You can take an oatmeal bath using raw oat flakes or grains, but your best bet is to purchase a kit specifically designed for this treatment. Follow the instructions for preparing the bathroom. Make sure the water is lukewarm, otherwise too hot a temperature will increase the itching sensation.
If you want to take a bath with raw oats, the kernels must be whole for them to take effect. Packaged products with added fragrances are not useful. Just grind 80-160g of oats in a food processor and pour it directly into the tub. You can stay immersed as long as you want
Part 3 of 3: Prevention
Step 1. Wear long-sleeved clothing if you need to be outdoors
Fleas cannot bite through thick tissue. When you go out, put on a long-sleeved shirt and pants if you can. You will prevent these parasites from attaching to your arms and legs, which are their favorite spots.
If it's very hot, don't worry. Don't risk heatstroke just to keep fleas away. If you are wearing a short-sleeved shirt, you can apply insect repellent on exposed skin
Step 2. Treat clothes and equipment with 0.5% permethrin solution
To increase protection, buy an insect repellent spray containing a concentration of 0.5% permethrin. Spray it on clothing before putting it on and leaving the house. It will help you keep fleas away.
- Permethrin is not one of the most effective flea repellents in the world. It is safe on the skin, but its main advantage is that you can apply it to clothes. Thanks to this feature, it is the ideal choice if you want prolonged protection on your clothes.
- You can even buy permethrin treated clothing!
Step 3. Use eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) repellent as a prevention method
There are 6 proven solutions to effectively prevent flea bites. Any insect repellent based on diethyltoluamide (DEET), icaridin, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535), eucalyptus and lemon oil (OLE), paramatandiol (PMD) and 2-undecanone keeps fleas away. Do not give OLE or PMD to children under the age of 3, but you can use the other substances. To apply the repellent, just follow the instructions on the package.
Apart from the 3-year age limit, all of these products have no contraindications for skin and clothing. Always use them according to the instructions and keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth
Step 4. Spray clove and citrus essential oil to decontaminate an area
According to some evidence, fleas do not like the smell of citrus fruits. Make a solution that contains about 80% water, 10% citrus essential oil, and 10% clove oil, then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it where you want to keep fleas away - it should work for about 3 hours.
- This preventative measure is only effective for a short period of time. Do not apply the mixture to the skin. Solutions based on essential oils are not used to prevent flea bites.
- You can also try solutions made from khaki weed (Alternanthera pungens), turmeric, thyme oil, geraniol, mint oil, cedar oil, or patchouli. They are substances that can temporarily ward off fleas, but they are not safe on the skin.
Advice
- Fleas can transmit tapeworms when they bite, but it is a problem that primarily affects pets. However, see your doctor if you experience nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or unexpected weight loss.
- If you have a flea infestation in your home, you can get rid of it by washing your clothes, vacuuming, and steaming carpets and rugs. It will take some time and it will certainly be annoying, but it is not an unsolvable problem.
Warnings
- See your doctor if you experience symptoms other than itching, redness, and mild swelling.
- Seek immediate medical attention if the sting produces purulent discharge. It could indicate a secondary infection.
- Regardless of what you think, garlic is not a tested flea repellent.
- If you want to prevent flea bites on your four-legged friends, don't use essential oils. Animals can have severe adverse reactions to these substances.
