Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds.
When a human has flea bites, they appear as itchy bumps, often in groups of three.
Fleas are known for their leaping capabilities.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This article discusses flea bites, how to identify them, and treatment options.
Reproduced with permission from ADermNetwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Flea Bites Causes
Fleas predominantly live on and feed off of animals.
Can Fleas Live in Your Bed?
Yes, fleas can live in your bed.
However, you could usually determine flea bites based on the symptoms.
Complications From Flea Bites
Flea bites are usually not a significant health concern.
However, they can result in certain complications, including infection, disease, and allergic reactions.
Infection from a flea bite usually occurs from scratching the itchy welts.
That’s because bacteria from your fingernail can enter the sores when you scratch the flea bites.
Disease
Fleas also carry pathogens that can cause human disease.
These diseases include:
Allergic Reaction
Some people can have anallergic reactionto flea bites.
Symptoms include:
Symptoms most often occur on the hands and feet but can affect the entire body.
Flea allergy can also causerespiratory allergysymptoms, especially in those with a cat allergy.
Doing so will prevent you from having to deal with ongoing flea bites.
Summary
Flea bites are small, itchy welts that often occur in patterns of three.
Humans usually encounter flea bites from pets, who carry the insects inside.
Flea bites can lead to infection, disease, and allergic reactions.
The best way to handle flea bites is to avoid scratching and eliminate fleas from your pets and home.
Fleabites are pretty common, especially if you have pets.
Talk to your veterinarian about flea control.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Flea bites.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing flea bites.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing fleas on your pets.
American Kennel Club.What do flea bites look like on dogs?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fleaborne diseases of the United States.
Mullen GR, Durden LA, King J.Chapter 10 - Fleas (Siphonaptera).
In:Medical and Veterinary Entomology.
London: Academic Press, an imprint of Elsevier.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting rid of fleas.
