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Fleas are parasites that preferentially attack animals to feed on their blood, biting humans only as a last resort.
The flea bite in humans can cause skin lesions, about 3 to 10 mm in diameter, called papular urticaria, in which it is possible to identify a central point, corresponding to the bite. Generally, injuries caused by flea bites are located in the waist area and in areas where clothing can be an obstacle to their passage.
Treatment consists of symptom relief, which can be done with oral or topical antihistamines and corticoid ointments.
Sting signs and symptoms
The flea bite is more common in the waist region, where several lesions appear, with about 3 to 10 mm in diameter, and can appear in other areas, mainly in places where the clothes can constitute a barrier to the passage of the flea.
These lesions cause intense itching and are usually red and protruding, making it possible to identify a central point, corresponding to the bite.
Possible complications
In some cases, the flea bite can give rise to infections, which can result from the act of itching intensely, which facilitates the entry and development of bacteria in the region.
In addition, flea bites can also cause an allergic reaction in people with hypersensitivity to the saliva of these parasites.
See which ointments are indicated for the treatment of insect bites.
How to eliminate fleas from the environment
It is very important to keep domestic animals dewormed in order to prevent the spread of parasites.
In addition to the infestation of animals, fleas generally seek deep, hidden and dark places, such as carpets, carpets, corners of sofas, to lay their eggs, making it very difficult to find them, and therefore it is important to clean these well. locations.
The use of vacuum cleaner with great power and disposable bag, can help to eliminate these parasites inside the house. For outdoor environments, such as backyards and places where domestic animals circulate, they can be sprayed with specific products. In addition, washing floors is also an effective measure, since the immature forms of the flea do not like moisture. Alternatively, companies that specialize in pest control can be used.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of flea bites consists of relieving symptoms, controlling the allergic reaction to flea saliva and measures to prevent bites.
Generally, it is recommended by the doctor to apply soothing solutions or creams and the use of oral or topical antihistamines and corticosteroids in cream or ointment, to relieve itching and swelling.
5 frequently asked questions about fleas
Can it be flea bite even if my house has not been inhabited for several months?
Flea eggs can take weeks or months to hatch and may be dormant during the winter, releasing the flea when the house or garden is inhabited again.
Why do I still have bites, if the bedding has no signs of fleas?
Newly adult fleas are very small, as well as their feces, so they are easily overlooked. Even when washing the bedding, the flea can get caught in the clothes or in a hidden place in the room.
If my pet has fleas, would it also be bitten?
Generally, fleas only bite humans as a last resort. So if the domestic animal has been infested, or even if one of the people living in the house is bitten, it does not mean that all people are.
In addition, it is important for the person to know, that even if the animal has fleas, they may not be visible, since when they lick the fur, they can hide to less visible areas.
My son seems to have a flea bite. If it's a flea, would I have to, too?
Children have a more exacerbated reaction to flea bites than adults. The reaction to the bite decreases over the years, because the person gains immunity to flea saliva and tolerance to their bites, hence the adult may have more discreet or even absent bubbles.
My pets live only inside the house, can they catch fleas?
If the human carries a fertilized female flea indoors, domestic animals can become infested in a few weeks due to their eggs.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- MOREIRA, Ana et. al .. Papular urticaria - Literature review. PORTUGUESE MAGAZINE OF IMMUNOALERGOLOGY. Vol.22. 4.ed; 279-287, 2014
- ZOETIS. Fleas - Important information. 2019. Available at:. Accessed on 28 May 2020
- CHILDREN'S HEALTH. Fleas and itchy stropula. 2016. Available at:. Accessed on 28 May 2020