How Long Do Flea Bites Itch? Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
Flea bites are normal, particularly when you have pets at home. Flea bites are tiny but may be itchy and very irritating. Some people may get only light itching, but others might experience prolonged discomfort based on skin type and the immune system.
This blog will take you through how long it takes flea bites to itch, what flea bites appear like, where fleas lives, how to tell flea bites on humans, and some common symptoms.
How Do Fleas Look Like
Fleas are small, wingless insects that are difficult to see. They are typically dark brown or black and only approximately one-fourth of an inch long. Despite their small size, they move rapidly and are able to jump great distances, making them difficult to catch.
Fleas may live in human hairs for sometime and survive on the blood of animals and humans. When they bite, they create itchy patches that can be extremely annoying.
Flea bite usually looks like a small red bump. In some cases, it is surrounded by a light center and reddish ring. It’s common to find them in clusters, particularly on ankles and legs.
The itchiness is the main reason why the flea bites can’t be ignore. If you have this type of bite, try not to scratch it no matter how appealing it is to do so. Scratching could introduce bacteria into the wound and make matters worse.
How Long Do Flea Bites Itch
Flea bites normally itch for several days, but for some individuals, the itching may persist for seven days. The duration of time is influenced by your skin sensitivity and the severity of your body’s reaction to the bite. Individuals with allergies will have itching for longer. Scratching the bite can further increase itching and swelling or infection.
When Flea Bites Itch for Too Long
If the flea bite itch persists for over a week, it could be because of an allergic reaction or infection of the skin. This is most likely to occur when the bite has been scratched repeatedly or when bacteria penetrate the broken skin. In these instances, the redness may spread, and the bite may become swollen or painful later.
What to Do When Flea Bites Itch for Too Long
Wash the spot with soap and water and resist scratching it. You can apply anti-itch creams or antihistamines to ease the itch. In case the bite is infected and you experience pus, heat, or red streaks, you should go see a physician. Keeping clean and dry ensures the itch is not aggravated.
Where Do Fleas Live
Many people ask where do fleas live? Fleas prefer warm and dry places. You’ll often find them in the fur of cats and dogs, but they can also live in carpets, soft furniture, and bedding. Fleas like dark places and can hide in cracks, rugs, and floorboards.
There are thousands of flea species. In fact, there are more than 3000 bugs species in United States. They can survive both indoors and outdoors. Inside your home, they tend to settle where your pets spend their time.
Outdoors, they can survive in soil, particularly in shaded ground. Fleas can survive without feeding for several days, and this makes them difficult to eradicate.
How to Find Flea Bites on Humans
Flea bites tend to be small, red, and scratchy. They usually come in groups, particularly on the ankles, legs, or waist. Though similar to mosquito bites, human flea bites tend to have a reddish circle with a paler center.
Because of fleas appearance, they are flightless and difficult to spot. Fleas can jump from animals to humans and deposit specks on your skin or clothing. If you’re not sure what bit you, seeing a doctor can assist.
A doctor’s examination will also assist in eliminating other insects such as ticks or mites. A doctor can also identify early infection signs if the bite site is swollen or has pus.
4 Major Symptoms of Flea Bites
1. Red Bumps
When a flea bites, it leaves behind a small, red bump. These bumps are usually itchy and may swell. For some people, the area becomes very irritated and can stay swollen for several days. In serious cases, the bump may turn into a blister or even leak fluid.
2. Itchy Skin
One of the main signs of flea bites is itchy skin. This can start within minutes of the bite and may last for days. The skin around the bite may also turn red or feel warm. In many cases, the bite site develops a circular red pattern with a pale center.
3. Scratching
Flea bites are very itchy, and scratching them can cause more harm. Constant scratching can break the skin, which leads to bleeding or infection. Scratching also spreads bacteria that may be sitting on your fingers or nails. This makes the healing process slower and more painful.
4. Hives and Welts
Some people may develop hives or welts after getting bitten by fleas. These are large, red bumps that appear in clusters. They can be itchy and painful. Hives usually appear within an hour of the bite and may last longer if scratched. Avoid rubbing the area to prevent further irritation.
Conclusion
Flea bites itch because of your body’s natural reaction to flea saliva. While most people only deal with a few days of itching, others may feel the irritation for a longer time. Knowing what flea bites look like, where fleas live, and how to treat the itch helps keep the situation under control.
FAQs
Q1. How can I stop flea bites from itching fast?
You can wash the area with soap and cold water, then apply an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion. Taking an antihistamine can also help with the swelling and itching.
Q2. Can flea bites make you sick?
Flea bites can cause infections if scratched too much. In rare cases, fleas can carry diseases. If you feel sick or the bite gets worse, talk to a doctor right away.
Q3. Do flea bites go away on their own?
Yes, most flea bites on humans heal without treatment in a few days. But avoid scratching to help your skin recover faster and prevent infection.
Call Professionals Before Bed Bugs Bite You
Still dealing with itchy flea bites or seeing signs of fleas at home? Don’t let it get worse. Just call our pest control professionals we’re here to help you get rid of fleas safely and quickly.