You may run into a flea if you have dogs or cats in your home.Fleas leave behind red bumps around the feet and ankle when they feast on humans.There are a lot of things you can do at home to treat these bites, and it is usually not something you need to worry about.If you have an allergy to flea bites, you should see a doctor right away.
Step 1: Use warm, soapy water to wash the flea bite.
Warm water can be used to wash away dirt and debris.To clean the skin, use a mild hand soap.Remove excess soap.The area will be cleaned and the fleabacteria removed.You can put an ice pack on the skin after you wash it.If you are experiencing swelling or irritation, this can help.
Step 2: Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can be used.
You can get either of these at your drugstore.You can use your fingers to work the ointment into the skin by squirting it on the bite.Calamine lotion contains ferric oxide, which is a steroid cream.They will speed up your healing time.Both are safe to use in quantities directed by the manufacturer.
Step 3: If you have severe itching, ask your doctor about antihistamines.
Flea bites can itch so bad that you need to take an oral antihistamine.Suggestions for OTC or prescription solutions can be given by your doctor or pharmacist.Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is one of the antihistamines that you might consider.There is a drug called tripelennamine hydrochloride.The one sold in the US is no longer available.Hydroxyzine is a prescription only drug.
Step 4: Don't scratch the affected area.
The skin can be damaged by excessive scratching.Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone can be used to relieve the itching.The flea bite should go away in 1-2 days in most cases, but it depends on how deep the bite was.The bite should disappear after 1-2 weeks.
Step 5: An ice pack can be used to stop the itch.
If you feel a sudden urge to scratch the area where you were bit, grab an ice pack and hold it against the skin until the urge goes away.It's best to hold it in place for 10 minutes at a time.If you are going to leave the ice pack on your skin, you should wrap it in a cloth.
Step 6: If you want to soothe your skin, apply someAloe Vera gel.
You can either rub the gel on your bites or break the leaf.The cooling sensation should help reduce itch and redness.
Step 7: You can cleanse your skin by taking a oatmeal bath.
If you want to make an oatmeal bath out of oats, you should buy a kit designed for this.To draw your bath, follow the instructions on the box.Since hot water makes the itch worse, be sure to draw a warm bath.If you want to make an oatmeal bath out of oats, they have to be unprocessed.The packet stuff will not work here.Add your oats directly to your bath by grinding up 1-2 cups in a food processor.You can stay in the tub for as long as you want.
Step 8: When you are outside, wear long-sleeved clothing.
Fleas don't like biting people through thick fabric.If you are going outside, wear long sleeves and pants.The main places where fleas will bite are on your arms or legs.Don't worry if it's really hot.Don't risk heat stroke if you want to keep fleas off of you.If you wear short sleeves, you can keep fleas out of bare skin.
Step 9: It's a good idea to treat your clothing and gear with a permethrin spray.
Purchase a spray that contains 0.5% permethrin for an added dose of protection.Before you put on your clothes, spray them with the spray.It will help keep fleas away from you.Permethrin is not the most effective flea deterrent in the world.It is safe on skin, but its main benefit is that you can douse your clothes in it.If you want additional protection on your clothes all day, permethrin is the ideal choice.Permethrin-treated clothing can be bought.
Step 10: For the best prevention, use an EPA-registered spray.
There are proven ways to prevent flea bites.DEET, picaridin, IR3535, OLE, PMD, and 2-undecanone will keep fleas away.You cannot give OLE or PMD to children under 3 years of age, but other than that, these are all safe options.Follow the instructions on the label.Unless you are under 3 years of age, all of these repellents are safe.Keep them away from your eyes, nose, or mouth, and always use them as directed.
Step 11: It is possible to keep fleas out of an area by spraying essential oils.
There is evidence that fleas dislike odors.Put 80% water, 10% of any citrus essential oil, and 10% clove oil in a spray bottle and make a solution.You want to keep the fleas out of the ground.They should avoid the area for 3 hours.It will only work to keep fleas out of the area for a short time.Do not apply it to your skin.It's not possible to prevent flea bites on skin with essential oil-based solutions.You can try solutions that include khaki weed, turmeric, thyme oil, geraniol, and peppermint oil.These aren't safe or sustainable for prevention of fleas.