Bukky Aremu is an advanced practice registered nurse. Bukky has experience in family practice and urgent care, and she also specializes in dermatology. She especially enjoys the diversity of dermatology and being able to treat medical, surgical, and even cosmetic patients.\n
Education\n
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University of Missouri – Kansas City, BS, MN\n
Graceland University, BA\n\n
Certifications\n
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Registered Nurse – Kansas\n
Registered Nurse – Missouri\n
Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (NP-C)\n
Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)\n
U.S. Department of Transportation Medical Examiner\n
Flea bites are itchy bites that tend to appear in clusters. Scratching the bites can cause an infection, which may result in a rash or blisters.
Fleas are tiny bugs that don’t grow much larger than the tip of a pen. They range from light brown to almost black in color.
Fleas don’t have wings, so they jump from place to place. There are over 2,000 types of fleas. They’re a parasite, which means they survive by sucking blood from their host.
Fleas reproduce quickly, especially if you have pets in the house. But even if you don’t have pets, your yard can potentially play host to fleas, and you may end up with a bunch of mysterious bites.
They’re almost impossible to get rid of without pesticide treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, treatments, and complications of fleabites, and how to prevent them.
Flea bites look like small, itchy bumps that appear in clusters of three or more and are usually in a straight line. Healthcare professionals sometimes refer to this pattern as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner.â€
On lighter skin tones, flea bites may appear red and slightly swollen.
On darker skin tones, the color of the bumps may appear similar to the surrounding skin, but the flea bites can be distinguished by their linear pattern, itching, and inflammation.
You might notice a red “halo†around the bite center.
Flea bites remain small, unlike mosquito bites.
Where do flea bites appear?
The most common places to find flea bites are around the ankles, but they may bite any exposed skin, such as your arms, legs, upper back, and scalp.
The most common symptoms of fleabites are small, itchy bumps that appear on the skin and are usually very itchy. In some cases, you may also experience tenderness or pain on the skin surrounding each bite.
If you experience an allergic reaction, hives may develop around the flea bites.
Sometimes, fleas could transmit diseases that may lead to other symptoms, including:
Scratching the affected area can also further damage the skin and potentially cause a bacterial infection. Signs of infections may include bumps that break open, ooze pus, and eventually crust over.
Fleabites will go away without treatment. However, to stop being bitten you have to get rid of the fleas.
To help relieve symptoms like itching and inflammation, you can try:
washing the affected area with water and mild soap
taking over-the-counter anti-itch creams and antihistamines
To prevent infections, avoid scratching the area. If you notice signs of an infection at the bite site, such as a white pocket or rash, speak with a doctor.
If a child has flea bites, call a pediatrician if they experience any of the following symptoms:
fever
bumps that swell up, feel warm to the touch, or leak fluid
hives or shortness of breath, which may be symptoms of an allergic reaction
A doctor may recommend specific treatments to help prevent complications.
In rare cases, fleas may transmit bacterial infections through bites, or for bacteria to get into your body through the bite and cause an infection, especially if you scratch it.
Some complications associated with flea bites may include:
Fleas prefer to live on animals, such as dogs and cats, but they could take up residence on other animals, or on you.
They’re more likely to appear in your bed if you have a pet that comes onto your bed, and they have fleas.
Fleas need a blood host to survive, so if your pet regularly comes into bed and still has fleas, they may remain in your bed.
A severe flea infestation can be obvious. Try walking on your carpet wearing white socks. Look at your socks afterward. If you see tiny black bugs, those are likely fleas.
If you don’t see the actual fleas, you may spot their droppings, or “dirt.†These look like tiny specks of black pepper.
The most common type of flea that bites dogs in the United States is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis).
According to the American Kennel Club, the cat flea may infest 50 other types of mammals, including mice, rats, cats, and wolves, among others.
Flea bites in dogs resemble those in humans. They form tiny red bumps, sometimes with a red circle around them.
It can be hard to spot flea bites underneath your pet’s thick fur, but a telltale sign that it may have been bitten is a lot of scratching. You may also see missing areas of fur or redness on the animal’s skin.
Consider going through your dog’s fur with a flea comb, which will help reveal them. You’re most likely to find them on your pet’s neck, belly, lower back, and on the base of the tail.
Can fleas bite people without pets at home?
Yes, it’s possible to experience flea bites from your yard or another person’s animal.
Fleas prefer tall grass and shaded areas near decks, woodpiles, or storage buildings.
If you’re experiencing an itchy skin area that’s accompanied by bumps, you may be wondering if it’s caused by fleas, bed bugs, or mosquitoes.
Some symptoms may help you differentiate between the types of insect bites.
Vs. mosquito bites
Mosquito bites are usually larger than flea bites and don’t present in a specific pattern. Instead, they usually present as one raised, itchy bump, rather than a small cluster of several bites.
Female mosquitoes leave these bumps behind when they feed on your blood.
Vs. bed bugs
Bedbugs are another tiny critter that feeds on human blood. Unlike fleas, however, bedbugs only come out at night while you’re sleeping, so you’re more likely to notice symptoms when you wake up.
After feeding, they can hide in mattresses and carpets for a few days before re-feeding.
Bedbug bites also typically appear in a line of three or more bites. However, they’re more likely to appear on areas like your face, neck, and hands.
If your pet has fleas, the ASPCA recommends bringing it to the vet as soon as possible to prevent complications. The vet may recommend using an anti-flea shampoo, spray, or powder to eliminate the fleas. They might suggest using a flea collar to prevent fleas from moving in again.
In your home, vacuum areas where fleas may inhabit, such as carpets and furniture. Then, throw out the bag. Washing all bedding in hot water and drying it on the highest heat setting may also help kill fleas.
Otherwise, you may need insecticides to rid your home of fleas. A pest control company can help you determine the best course of action for you.
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