Although cat fleas and dog fleas may hitch a ride and feed on humans, there is an actual type of flea known as the human flea (pulex irritans). Like other species of fleas, it is an external parasite which feeds on the blood of its host. The resulting bites are red, irritated and itchy due to the flea injecting its saliva into the wound to facilitate the flow of its meal.
Flea bites and infestation can occur even when a person has not been around animals. Without a microscope, it's difficult to identify which type of flea has bitten a person. Human fleas, which can be found worldwide, are partial to people and populated areas, but they're also known to infest domesticated and wild animals. Similarly, cat fleas (most common in North America) and dog fleas (more prevalent in Europe) may bite and feed from other kinds of animals as well as humans.
What Do Flea Bites Look Like?
Flea bites may not appear exactly the same on each person. Depending on the size of the offending flea and how allergic the host is to the flea's saliva, a new flea bite may present itself as a swelled area similar to a mosquito bite or swollen hive; or, it may initially appear as a flattish, reddish circle with a tiny pinprick puncture mark at its center. Later, the bites may turn a deeper color, increase in size for a day or two, and eventually shrink and harden to a pimple-like appearance.
Identifying Flea Bites on Humans
While mosquito bites are usually found on exposed skin, flea bites tend to be concentrated on the feet and ankles (where fleas often make first contact with the host) or areas beneath the snuggest-fitting clothing (such as underarms, buttocks, waistbands, socks, bras, etc.) which fleas may seek out for warmth. Human flea bites may be lined up several in a row, or the bites can occur anywhere on the body as the fleas move around. If the flea is still on the host, more bites will periodically appear as the flea continues to feed.
Tiny specks of blood-like stains on clothing or bedding is another indicator that the offending parasite is a flea. This is the flea's excrement, but the flea itself may be difficult to find since it can hide in fabric seams and move around very quickly without being noticed. It may also have jumped off its host before the bites or excrement were found. If a flea is caught, it's easiest to kill the flea by drowning it, as its flattish body makes it very difficult to squash.
Treating Flea Bites on People
Topical ointments such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion may be effective at reducing the itchiness and irritation, but for the most part the flea bites simply need to be left alone to heal naturally. The itchiness may persist as long as the flea bite is perceptible.
Controlling Fleas and Getting Rid of Fleas
When flea bites are found on a person, submerging the clothing in a bucket of water should drown any fleas hidden in the garments. A shower may also be helpful for peace of mind, if not for washing away a bug that manages to escape notice. If a flea is suspected to be in a bed, remove all linens, blankets, comforters and other bedding and wash them immediately. If a pet is in the household, it should be treated with an appropriate flea product and its bedding area cleaned thoroughly.
If signs of a flea infestation are evident in the home, then it may take some time to completely eliminate the problem. Diligently vacuum rugs, wash floors and change linens. Lighted flea traps, insecticides, bombs and other products may need to be used. For severe infestations, a professional fumigation may be necessary.
Sources:
PiedPiper Northern Limited (Pest Control) Website; Perdue University Medical Entomology Website
Christine Benlafquih - Christine (Amina) Benlafquih is a Morocco-based writer. She covers varied topics including religion, food, health and culture.
