Sand fleas ("Tunga penetrans", also known as penetrating fleas) are small and annoying parasites found on almost every beach. When they bite they leave their own saliva which causes itching and skin irritation. In some cases, they can also burrow under the skin and lay eggs, causing infections and increasing irritation. In order to treat their bites, you need to relieve skin irritation; if symptoms get worse, see your doctor. You can also avoid their attacks by going to the beach at appropriate times and covering any exposed areas of skin.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding Bite Relief
Step 1. Avoid scratching yourself
Many people tend to scratch the skin bitten by sand fleas right away because it is itchy and irritated; Instead, you should avoid it, because you could open the wounds, increasing the risk of contracting some infections.
Step 2. Apply calamine lotion
It is a remedy to calm the itching sensation; you can find it in drugstores and it acts as a soothing for the skin, relieving annoying irritation.
- To know how to apply it correctly, carefully read the instructions on the package and gently spread a small amount on the affected skin; However, be careful not to use it on your eyes, mouth or genitals.
- Talk to your pediatrician before using calamine lotion on infants who are less than six months old; you should also consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Step 3. Try a hydrocortisone cream
This substance also minimizes itching, preventing the temptation to scratch the skin; you can buy it at the pharmacy.
- Also in this case, read all the indications regarding the dosage before applying it; usually, it should be carefully rubbed onto the infected area. Remember to wash your hands after application.
- If you are pregnant or taking other medications, you should speak to your doctor before using a cortisone cream.
- Consult your pediatrician before administering this product to children under the age of 10.
Step 4. Make a paste of water and baking soda
This compound helps relieve itching and skin irritation. Here's how to use the mixture to soothe piercing flea bites:
- Pour 200 g of baking soda into the bathtub filled with fresh water, then soak for about half an hour to an hour.
- Alternatively, you can mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water until a paste forms to spread on irritated skin. let it sit for about half an hour and then rinse it off with water.
Step 5. Immerse yourself in an oatmeal bath
This substance contains antioxidants with soothing effects; To prepare the bath, simply add 100 or 200 g of flour to the tub filled with hot water, then soak for about an hour.
However, be careful not to use water that is too hot, as this could make the irritation worse
Step 6. Apply aloe vera
It is a perfect ingredient to soothe discomfort and resolve a variety of skin irritations. You can buy it at pharmacies or major supermarkets; just rub it on the area affected by the bite to enjoy some relief and calm the skin.
Step 7. Use essential oils
Certain types of oils, such as those of lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and cedar, help reduce skin irritation caused by sand flea bites. To use them correctly, apply them directly on the area to be treated, following the instructions on the package to know the right dosage.
- Always consult your doctor before using them for therapeutic purposes, especially if you are pregnant.
- If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain substances, test a small area of healthy skin first.
- Most essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil before being used on the skin, to avoid possible irritation; do not use them pure for topical purposes, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Part 2 of 3: Medical Treatments
Step 1. Check if the bites also have eggs
In most cases, the "wounds" caused by penetrating fleas are small red dots similar to mosquito bites; however, in some cases the female can burrow into the skin and lay eggs, causing severe irritation and infection. The bite appears as a swollen area with a small black dot in the center.
If you are concerned that you have a flea under your skin, you need to see your doctor to have it removed
Step 2. Visit the doctor
Once hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion is applied, symptoms should subside; However, if this does not happen or if they get worse, you should go to the doctor immediately, because in this case it means that you have contracted an infection or are allergic to the saliva of the flea.
Step 3. Treat the bite with antihistamine cream
Your doctor may prescribe this ointment to apply to the affected area and which reduces the irritation triggered by an allergic reaction to the bite; follow your doctor's recommendations regarding dosage.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Bites
Step 1. Avoid going to the beach at sunrise and sunset
Sand fleas are most active at these times of the day when temperatures are slightly cooler. To prevent possible bites, you should go to the beach in the middle of the day; even at this time you run some risks, but the odds are lower as there are fewer parasites.
You should also forgo the beach when it rains, as fleas are more active when the weather is cool and humid
Step 2. Apply repellent
By doing so, you can save yourself from possible penetrating flea bites. Before going to the beach, spray the product on your feet, ankles and legs, following the instructions on the package and, preferably, choose a specific one for this type of parasites.
Keep the repellent handy when you are at the beach, so you can reapply it after taking a bath
Step 3. Cover legs, feet and ankles
This is the perfect way to protect yourself from parasite bites; since it can't jump higher than 20-40cm, it's very unlikely it will hit you above the waist. When walking on the beach you should wear light trousers and sandals; if you are lying on the sand, be sure to put a towel or sheet under your body.
