· Flea bites usually appear as a line or cluster of small, itchy bumps on the ankles and lower legs. They usually only last a few days, but the itch can be intense. Flea bites are small, discolored bumps on your skin that come from fleas feeding on your blood. Fleas are small insects known as vectors (living things that carry diseases between animals and humans). Vectors often carry infections through blood.ContentsArrow DownOverviewSymptoms and CausesDiagnosis and TestsManagement and TreatmentPreventionLiving WithContentsArrow DownSee full list on my.clevelandclinic.orgWhat do flea bites look like on humans?After a flea bites you, a small, discolored bump forms. A discolored ring or halo may appear around the bite. Flea bites may appear in a straight line or a cluster of many bites. Flea bites most commonly occur on your legs, especially your feet, calves and ankles. Flea bites rarely appear above your knee, unless you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.What causes a flea bite?Male and female fleas bite. They feed on your blood as part of their diet. Female fleas lay eggs after feeding on blood. In some flea species, flea babies feed on adult flea poop, which contains blood.What are the symptoms of a flea bite?The symptoms of a flea bite vary. If the flea has a disease or an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms may be more severe. Common symptoms include: Itchy and irritated skin. A discolored ring around the bite.More severe symptoms can include: An allergic reaction (hives, rash, shortness of breath and swelling). Infection of a disease carried by a flea (fever, headache, body aches, rashes, nausea, abdominal pain, weight loss, dizziness and weakness can accompany various diseases).See full list on my.clevelandclinic.orgHow can you tell if it’s a flea bite?Flea bites are slightly more unique than other common insect bites. After a flea bites you, a small, discolored bump typically forms. A discolored ring may form around the bite. Flea bites don’t swell to the size of mosquito bites. Flea bites are also unique because of their bite pattern and location. Flea bites often appear in a straight line or a cluster. Fleas are more likely to bite you on your legs, especially your feet, calves and ankles. It’s important to examine your pets. If your pets are scratching more than normal and restless, it’s a good idea to check them for fleas. If your pet has fleas and you have bites on your legs, you likely have flea bites.See full list on my.clevelandclinic.orgHow are flea bites treated?Flea bites typically don’t need treatment. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams or ointments and antihistamines can relieve itchy skin and discomfort. However, see your healthcare provider if more severe symptoms develop after a bite (allergic reaction, fever, headache or body aches).How do I stop flea bites from itching?Don’t scratch your flea bites. You risk breaking your skin and exposing yourself to infection. If you accidentally break your skin, keep the area clean by washing it with soap and water and covering your flea bites with a bandage. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have an infected flea bite. Flea bites only last a few days. However, there are many over-the-counter products or home remedies that can stop flea bites from itching. Home remedies are safe for most people. However, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying some of the following options to get rid of your flea bites. You may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction on your skin. Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a popular flea bite treatment. Histamine is a chemical created by your immune system. Your body releases histamine after it encounters an allergen. Histamine is what makes flea bites itch. You can take an antihistamine as a pill, or you can apply it directly to your flea bite as a cream or ointment. Hydrocortisone: Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid combined with an anesthetic pain reliever. It relieves itching and swelling. You can apply it directly to your flea bite as a cream or ointment. Ice: Ice can slow down the amount of blood that flows to an area. It reduces inflammation, pain, swelling and itchiness. Apply an ice pack covered in a light towel over the area for at least 10 minutes for flea bite relief. Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a succulent plant. The gel in its leaves contains salicylic acid, which relieves itching and pain. You can apply aloe gel directly to your flea bite. Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea contains dried chamomile flowers. The dried chamomile flowers contain terpenoids and flavonoids, which are natural chemicals that have antioxidant and antihistamine properties. To treat a flea bite, add a chamomile tea bag to water. Let the tea bag steep for at least 20 minutes until the water is a rich gold-brown color. Remove the tea bag from the water and squeeze the tea bag to remove excess water. Press the tea bag to your flea bites for at least 10 minutes, and then wipe your bites with a clean towel. Put the wet tea bag in a container in your refrigerator so that you can reuse it on your bites throughout the day. Honey: Honey has many properties that relieve itching and pain. Honey contains an enzyme called catalase, which provides relief for minor inflammation. Put on enough unprocessed honey to lightly cover your flea bites. To avoid accidentally creating a sticky mess, you can also put a bandage on top of your honey-covered flea bites. Oatmeal: Oatmeal contains properties that can soothe itchy flea bites. The best way to use oatmeal to treat your flea bites is to grind it into a fine powder (colloidal oatmeal) in a blender or food processor. Mix the oatmeal powder with warm water until it becomes a thick, sticky paste. Apply enough of the oatmeal paste to completely cover your flea bites. After at least 10 minutes, wipe off the paste with a clean towel.Care at Cleveland ClinicFind a Primary Care Provider Schedule an AppointmentSee full list on my.clevelandclinic.orgHow do I stop getting bitten by fleas?To stop flea bites, you must get rid of the fleas. Fleas are more likely to bite your pet. Check your pet for fleas around their ears, neck, back, and belly. Part your pet’s fur and look around its skin. If you find fleas, here are some removal options: Flea comb: The tines on a flea comb are very close together. When you brush your pet’s fur, fleas get stuck in the tines. If you see fleas in the comb, dunk the comb in a bowl of soapy water. Flea shampoo: Soak your pet in warm water and thoroughly apply a flea shampoo. Avoid getting shampoo in your pet’s eyes and mouth. Medicine: Give your pet over-the-counter or prescription flea medicines. Some medicines are oral (taken by mouth). Other medicines are topical (put on the skin). Wash the bedding: Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every few days. Wash your bedding in hot water, too, especially if your pet sleeps with you. Dry the bedding on the highest heat setting. Vacuum: Use a strong vacuum to thoroughly clean your carpets, rugs and fabric furniture. When you finish, immediately empty the vacuum’s contents into a bag, seal it and throw it away outside.Bed bug bites vs. flea bitesLike fleas, bed bugs feed off your blood and secrete saliva into your bloodstream. Bed bug bites look similar to flea bites. However, bed bug bites often exhibit a distinct line or zigzag pattern. Bed bugs are active at night, and they’ll bite your exposed skin while you’re sleeping, including your face, hands, arms, feet and legs.Flea bites vs. mosquito bitesMosquitos are small, flying insects. They also feed off your blood and secrete saliva into your bloodstream. Mosquito bites look a little different than flea bites. After a mosquito bites you, a small, raised bump forms. The raised bump may change colors, and you can sometimes see a small, dark spot in the center. The dark spot is where the bite occurred.See full list on my.clevelandclinic.orgHow do fleas spread disease?Fleas spread disease through their bites. Fleas are vectors (living things that carry diseases between animals and humans). Vectors often carry infections through blood. Many of the creatures classified as vectors are bloodsuckers. Other vectors include ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies. In rare cases, fleas can spread tapeworms and other parasites to animals and people. Parasites can spread if a person or animal were to swallow an infected flea accidentally. In houses with a flea infestation, young children are more likely to get a parasite than adults. Young children spend more time on the floor, and fleas like to hide in carpets and cracks.What types of diseases can be spread by flea bites?Fleas sometimes carry diseases that can infect humans. Some of those diseases include: Plague Plague most commonly affects small rodents in Africa, Asia, North America and South America. Most human cases of plague in the United States occur in the western part of the country, especially in rural New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon and Nevada. Infected fleas can transmit plague to humans. Humans can also get plague after handling an infected animal. Symptoms of plague include: Flu-like symptoms like fever, aches and chills. Low blood pressure. Bleeding under the skin or other organs. Weakness. Shortness of breath. Pain in the chest and/or abdomen. Nausea and/or vomiting.Endemic murine typhus Endemic murine typhus commonly occurs in warm coastal areas in tropical and subtropical regions. Most cases in the United States occur in southern California and Texas. Infected fleas transmit endemic murine typhus to humans through flea poop. Infected flea poop enters your body through broken skin — typically from scratching a flea bite — or by inhaling it through your mouth or nose. Symptoms of endemic murine typhus include: General discomfort. Headache. Pain in your muscles and/or joints. Nausea and/or vomiting. Fever and/or chills. Rash. Cough.Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) CSD commonly occurs throughout the world. In moderate climates, more cases occur during the fall and winter seasons. In tropical climates, cases occur throughout the year. Fleas pass on the bacteria _Bartonella _to cats. Fleas can sometimes pass the bacteria to dogs or other animals. Infected cats also pass the bacteria during fights with other cats. Cats — especially kittens — pass the infection to humans through a bite or scratch. Symptoms of CSD include: A small, discolored blister or pimple near the scratch or bite. Swollen, painful lymph nodes. General discomfort. Fever. Night sweats. Weight loss.Parasites Tapeworm larvae and the larvae of other parasites sometimes infect fleas. Infected fleas can spread parasites to animals and humans. Animals and humans must swallow an infected flea to acquire a parasite. Animals may swallow an infected flea while grooming. Humans rarely acquire parasites from infected fleas. Most cases involve children, who spend more time on the ground around places where fleas hide. Symptoms of parasites include: Nausea. Weakness. Weight loss. Abdominal pain. Dizziness. Headache.When should I see a healthcare provider?You should see a healthcare provider if you experience an allergic reaction to flea bites or develop symptoms of a disease or parasite carried by fleas. A note from Cleveland Clinic Flea bites are an itchy, annoying problem for you and your pets. In most cases, flea bites are ultimately harmless. But you shouldn’t scratch your flea bites. You can relieve your itch with many over-the-counter or home remedies. Contact your healthcare provider if your bite symptoms last longer than a few days or if you develop an allergic reaction or other symptoms.Medically ReviewedLast reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on . Learn more about our editorial process.See full list on my.clevelandclinic.orgFlea bites are small, discolored bumps on your skin that come from fleas feeding on your blood. Learn how to identify, prevent and treat flea bites and the diseases they may carry.See full list on my.clevelandclinic.orgApr 30, 2024 · Learn how to identify flea bites, which look like small red dots with halos, and how to prevent and treat them. Find out the possible complications of flea bites, such as allergic reactions and diseases, and when to see a doctor. · Dermatologists and entomologists break down what fleabiteslooklike on humans, along with pictures. Plus, how to prevent and get rid of fleas, and more intel. · Fleabites are small, itchy bumps that appear in clusters of three or more and are usually in a straight line. Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent fleabites, and how they differ from other insect bites. · Flea bites are small, red, itchy bumps that result from the flea puncturing the skin and feeding on blood. These bites often appear as clusters or in a line due to the flea’s movement, and they’re most commonly found on ankles, lower legs, arms, and sometimes the waist. What do flea bite symptoms look like?What are some flea bite symptoms, and what they look like? The main symptoms of flea bites are itchiness, a raised bump where the flea penetrated the skin (usually surrounded by a red “halo”, see the photos below), and the surrounding area can get a little red and inflamed.What does a mosquito bite look like?In some cases, however, a mosquito bite can also manifest as dark or black spots. To some, the spots on their skin may present like a skin bruise, while for others, it can present as small blisters on the surface of their skin. This occurrence is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).What do fleabites look like?In others, fleabites may appear as small bites with a central red spot on the skin. They may appear in groups or form a scab. Uncommonly, people may develop an allergic reaction to fleabites that includes skin swelling, irritation, and hives. · Flea bites on humans have a fairly distinct appearance, though they can still be confused with bed bug or mosquito bites. Flea bites usually appear as small, raised red or pink bumps. Many have a darker red center or a tiny puncture mark where the flea bit the skin. · Learn how to identify flea bites, which look like small red dots with halos, and how to prevent and treat them. Find out the possible complications of flea bites, such as allergic reactions and diseases, and when to see a doctor. · Dermatologists and entomologists break down what fleabiteslooklike on humans, along with pictures. Plus, how to prevent and get rid of fleas, and more intel. · Fleabites are small, itchy bumps that appear in clusters of three or more and are usually in a straight line. Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent fleabites, and how they differ from other insect bites. · Flea bites are small, red, itchy bumps that result from the flea puncturing the skin and feeding on blood. These bites often appear as clusters or in a line due to the flea’s movement, and they’re most commonly found on ankles, lower legs, arms, and sometimes the waist. · Flea bites on humans have a fairly distinct appearance, though they can still be confused with bed bug or mosquito bites. Flea bites usually appear as small, raised red or pink bumps. Many have a darker red center or a tiny puncture mark where the flea bit the skin.
