Flea Bites Itching

Fleas are blood sucking insects that typically feed on the blood of animals, including human beings. They generally lay their eggs after feeding on the blood. When fleas insert their sting into the body of an animal or human being, their saliva is injected into the body of the host. This saliva contains an anticoagulant that serves to keep the blood from flowing and prevents coagulation. The anticoagulant in the saliva is an irritant that causes itching in the infected body part. Frequent scratching of the afflicted area may cause further infections.

There are three major species of fleas that often afflict humans as well. These are the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis), and the human flea (Ctenocephalides irritans).

Home Remedy Flea Bites

Remedies for Bites: Flea bites can cause itching, redness, and soreness. It is important to treat the bite as soon as possible so as to avoid further infection and infestation. Some of the natural remedies to treat flea bites are as follows:

• Clean the area of the body where a flea has bitten you. You are recommended to use cold water to wash the insect bitten area as hot water may stimulate further itching.

• Apply cold packs to avoid swelling. You can also use several natural cold masks like such as of cucumber. Place cucumber pieces on the affected area so as to relieve the swelling caused by flea bites. If swelling persists, apply a mild steroid cream.

• Do not scratch the affected area as it may expose the bite to other environmental agents.

• To reduce itching, make some alterations to your diet. Increase your intake of foods rich in Vitamins C and E, zinc, and beta carotene, such as beet root, citrus fruits, green chili, and broccoli.

• Apply calamine lotion to the affected area to reduce soreness and redness of skin.

• Use antiseptic lotions or ointments to prevent the bite from getting infected.

• If you get frequent flea bites, it is obvious that there is a flea cycle persisting in your surroundings. Find the flea habitat and break their regular cycle.

• Also protect your pets from flea bites. Use anti-flea and tick shampoos and check them regularly for infestations.

While these are some of the natural home remedies you can use to treat flea bites, if the itching and swelling persists, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid further complications.