Flea Treatments for Humans

Fleas survive by sucking blood from their hosts, causing itchy flea bites. Fleas can feed off human blood as well as animal blood. In humans flea bites can lead to hives and skin infections. If you suspect that you have a flea bite, you must act immediately to treat the bite. You must also use insecticide or an exterminator to get rid of the fleas before they proliferate throughout your house.

  1. Wash

    • Wash the area with antiseptic soap. Use cold water, which does not increase the itchy feeling as hot water does. Washing with antiseptic soap reduces the possibility of an infection developing from the bite. Identify a flea bite by the presence of a raised red welt that itches intensely. Fleas seem to mainly bite the ankles, lower arms and stomach areas.

    Ice pack

    • Apply a cold compress or ice pack on the bite area. This helps to relieve the itching and swelling.

    Cream

    • Smooth calamine lotion or one percent hydrocortisone cream on the bite to help reduce the itching. Scratching a flea bite can cause it to bleed or become infected.

    Antihistamines

    • Take some oral antihistamines to relieve the itching. The flea bite can heal if you don't scratch it.

    Possibility of Infection

    • Observe the bite area to see if it becomes puffy, hot or has a discharge. In such a case, see a doctor to ascertain if an infection has developed. If the flea bite has become infected, you will need to take antibiotics.