For the most part, people mix up flea bites and mosquito bites. Both are red, itchy, and irritable, however, mosquito bites will appear separately while flea bites from three to four spots in a row. Because of not knowing the difference, the victims often ignore them or do not have the right methods to treat them, hence the bites become more serious. Please bear this tip in mind so that you can identify what kind of insects have attacked you and be able to take action as soon as possible.
Once you know that you’ve been bitten by pesky fleas, what should you do next?
Don’t scratch
As we all know, it’s really difficult to stop scratching flea bites as they are really annoying and itchy. On the one hand, scratching helps you feel a little bit more comfortable for a couple of minutes, but on the other hand, it damages the skin and opens the bites, creating an entrance for infection. Think about this hugely negative effect and try to restrain yourself from scratching.
Wash the affected areas with warm, soapy water
Warm, soapy water is one of the most effective ways of reducing itchiness. In addition, the ingredients in soap can act as an antiseptic, protecting your skin from infection. Some people may think that the hotter the water is, the more harmful viruses will be killed. Instead, water that is too hot can burn and dry out your sensitive skin. Make sure to use the appropriate water temperature to wash flea bites.
Apply ice packs
Ice packs, or even a cloth with some ice cubes inside, can help to reduce the itching and swelling of flea bites. Apply your icepack to the bitten areas and remove it after ten minutes. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin as your skin may be burnt.
Use calamine lotion or take medication
Your local drug store will have calamine lotion which is especially for treating mild itchiness. Don’t forget to check with your doctor and strictly follow the instructions. In serious cases, you may need to take medication to stop the itching.
Rub aloe Vera on the bites
Although aloe Vera is considered to be a beauty product, it is also a perfect treatment for insect bites. Cut one big aloe leaf and rub the gel directly onto your bitten areas. Leave it on until it dries.
Make use of green tea
Put a couple of handfuls of green tea leaves into your bath water and soak yourself for about ten minutes. Green tea is believed to contain beneficial ingredients for your skin’s health. Pat yourself dry gently after bathing and the itching should be relieved.
Try coconut pulp
Like aloe Vera, coconut also is famous for skincare, but do you know its other benefit? Treating flea bites! Open the coconut, remove the white pulp, and grind it in a food processor. You should end up with some pulp. Apply it to the affected areas, wrap in a towel for about an hour, and then just wash it off. Repeat three times a day, with the most important time being before you go sleep. This ensures that you will have a good night’s rest without any itching.
All the aforementioned treatments will work to relieve the itching of your flea bites. Once your itching has been relieved, though, don’t relax too soon. You will now need to pay attention to where the fleas are coming from. There is a high risk that you will be bitten again if a flea infestation exists on your animals or in your home.
Nowadays, there are many effective flea removal products available on the market. Purchase some flea shampoo for your pets, and perhaps a medicated flea collar. For your home, vacuum thoroughly and perhaps use a fogger or insecticide spray. Whatever you purchase, check the reviews and make sure it is a good quality product that won’t have too many side effects on your health or that of your pets.
After this, for the best results, you need to employ methods to stop fleas from coming back. For example, eat garlic. Fleas intensely hate the taste of garlic, so add garlic to some of your favorite savory dishes and to your pets’ food. In addition to garlic, fleas also don’t like the fragrance of mint or basil. Steep some mint in boiling water, put it in a spray bottle, and use it as a spray repellant on yourself and around your home. It will also help to keep other insects away.
To recap everything we have said then, to treat flea bites, you should know how to identify them, how to choose the correct products, and even how to eliminate fleas from your pets and house. Each and every step is equally important, so remember to follow them all.