Why does flea bites itch

The severity of the itch depends on the person being bit, but most experience extreme itchiness; those who are allergic may also develop hives or rashes. Allergic reactions can take up to 24 hours to occur.

It is difficult to tell the difference between a flea bite and a mosquito bite. Similar red spots can also be the result of a different type of insect bite or skin reaction. Noting how frequently the bites occur, and at what times of day or night, can help narrow down the culprits. Finding evidence of the actual bug is best. If the bites persist, a pest management professional can identify what type of infestation you might have.

You should seek medical advice if you become concerned. During a feeding session, fleas release saliva containing an anticoagulant into your bloodstream. This increases your flow of blood, making it easier for the flea to feed. But when the flea is done, it leaves trace amounts of saliva on your skin.

Your body processes the leftover saliva as a foreign substance. In response, it sends a warning signal to your immune system, triggering it to start producing histamine. The release of histamine causes the bite to swell, resulting in the small red bump that is common with flea bites.

This process happens when mosquitoes bite too, which is part of the reason why the bites look similar. Everyone responds differently to insect bites. Some people build up a tolerance to mosquito saliva. As it becomes less foreign to the body, there is a lower chance for an allergic reaction. Since flea bites happen less frequently than mosquito bites, more reactions and itchiness can occur.

An allergic reaction occurs when your body has an exaggerated response to the saliva. In hypersensitive individuals, the body processes the saliva as toxic and increases the amount of histamine released, causing rashes or hives. Animals can also have an allergic reaction. Cat bites can lead to infections. Learn more about how this happens, the diseases a person could contract, and how to treat a cat bite here.

Snakebites can be dangerous. Symptoms of a rattlesnake bite may include pain, bleeding, drooping eyelids, and low blood pressure. Learn more here. Bee stings are common. It is important to remain calm and remove a bee stinger from the skin as quickly as possible. Learn more. Bee stings are an unpleasant, although common, occurrence.

Swelling can last more than 24 hours, and it can persist up to 7 days. Spider bites are uncommon, but they can be painful and sometimes dangerous. Read on to learn which spiders bite, when to contact a doctor, and more. Everything you need to know about fleabites. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Identification Symptoms Fleas, mosquitos, and bed bugs Treatments Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers.

What do fleabites look like? Share on Pinterest Flea bites often appear as groups of small scabs. The pictured example is a severe case. Fleas, mosquitos, and bed bugs. Share on Pinterest It is important to distinguish flea bites from the bites of other insects. Share on Pinterest It is important to know how to clear the flea infestation of a pet.

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Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. How can cat bites be dangerous? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Rattlesnake bite: What you should know. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

How to safely remove a bee stinger. Infected bites should always be examined by a doctor, and you may need to take a course of antibiotics to help your body deal with the infection. Fleas in some parts of the world also carry diseases like typhus or bubonic plague. Some fleas can also carry dangerous infections like bubonic plague or typhus. Typhus is a serious bacterial infection with symptoms of:. Plague is also a serious bacterial infection. It has many different forms, but bubonic plague is the most common.

This causes symptoms of fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. It also infects your lymph nodes, causing characteristic swellings called buboes. You can treat a flea bite by washing the surrounding area with an antibacterial soap to prevent infection.

If your bite swells up, try applying an ice pack to the affected area, or talk to a pharmacist or doctor about using an antihistamine to relieve your symptoms. You should see a doctor if your symptoms get worse, or you see any pus leaking from your bites. This could be a sign that your bite has become infected and you may need antibiotics to get rid of it.

Read more about the best treatment for insect bites. Fleas can live for several weeks or months in carpets, soft furnishings, animal bedding or soil. They do this by creating protective cocoons, and lying dormant inactive until they sense that a potential host is nearby. The best way to prevent flea bites is to stop fleas from infesting your home. To do this you can take the following steps:.

All cats and dogs should be treated regularly for fleas by a vet. This is the best way of preventing an outbreak in your home. If a flea bite becomes worse over time, infected, you have symptoms of bubonic plague or typhus, or if you feel unwell or have an allergic reaction you should see a doctor. Signs of infection include:.

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