Human rash from fleas can cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock. This article explains how to treat it and avoid it in the future. A human rash from fleas isn’t normally something you’d expect unless you’ve dealt with fleas in the past. However, if your companion animals have fleas and they scratch themselves, they can end up with a bumpy rash.
Human Rash From Fleas
Flea bites are small, discolored bumps on your skin that come from fleas feeding on your blood. Fleas are small insects known as vectors (living things that carry diseases between animals and humans). Vectors often carry infections through blood.
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects. They are dark brown or black and have flat bodies. They have six legs, strong claws on the bottoms of their legs that allow them to hold onto a host and mouthparts that pierce your skin and feed on your blood. Their hind legs are longer and stronger than their legs in the middle and the front, allowing them to jump over 12 inches.
There are more than 2,500 flea species in the world and more than 300 species in the United States.
Flea bites rarely cause any lasting harm. They cause mild annoyance and irritation for a short period. However, flea bites can be dangerous because they may spread diseases that can be serious or even fatal.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Where are fleas found?
Fleas are most active when the weather is warm. Outside, fleas prefer cool, damp areas with a lot of shade. They live around trees, leaves, tall grass and shrubs. Fleas hop onto animals when they walk by these areas.
On dogs, cats and other animals, fleas live around the ears, neck, back and belly (abdomen). Once inside your home, fleas may jump off an infested animal and hide. They often hide in carpet, furniture, bedding and cracks in the floor.
Why do fleas bite?
Male and female fleas feed on blood. Female fleas lay eggs after feeding on blood. In some flea species, especially the species that commonly bother dogs and cats, baby fleas (larvae) feed on blood-rich adult flea poop (feces). Flea poop is also called flea dirt.
Do fleas bite humans?
Fleas bite humans. However, the flea species that commonly bother dogs and cats don’t live on humans. Dogs and cats have much more hair than humans. Fleas like animals with a lot of fur because fur allows them to hide easily.
What happens when a flea bites you?
Fleas have strong claws on the ends of their legs that they use to hold onto a host. Their mouthparts include a tiny needle (proboscis) that pierces your skin, sucks your blood and secretes saliva into your bloodstream.
Why do flea bites itch?
When a flea secretes saliva into your bloodstream, your body registers the saliva as an allergen. Your immune system then sends the chemical histamine to the area where the flea bit you to remove the allergen from your body. Histamine is what causes your flea bites to itch and swell. Most people have a flea bite allergy.
List Of Products To Use For Rash From Fleas
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin and Acne-Prone Skin, Oil-Free Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended, 1.7 oz Pump
Price : $41.00 ($24.12 / Ounce)
Features :
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 face sunscreen for oily skin contains 9.0% Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide and an antioxidant to promote healthy skin while blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun
- Apply this face sunscreen for sensitive skin daily to help soothe sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation
- EltaMD UV Clear oil free sunscreen protects against breakouts and is an essential acne sunscreen for those with acne prone skin care concerns
- Broad-spectrum SPF 46 coverage ensures this sensitive skin sunscreen helps protect you from the sun and is a daily face sunscreen for your everyday skin care needs
- This Zinc Oxide sunscreen is a non greasy sunscreen sensitive skin lotion recommended by Dermatologists that is fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic
emuaid EMUAIDMAX Ointment – Eczema Cream. Maximum Strength Treatment. Use Max Strength for Athletes Foot, Psoriasis, Jock Itch, Anti Itch, Rash, Shingles and Skin Yeast Infection.
Price : $63.90 ($31.95 / Fl Oz)
Features :
- Fights infections faster while enhancing the skin’s vital barrier and healing functions – maximum relief from pain, infection and inflammation
- Natural, soothing, and effective ointment for 100+ itchy and painful skin conditions.
- Unique delivery system that helps carry powerful healing ingredients deep into your nails and skin.
- Calms pain, infection and inflammation for 100+ resistant and difficult skin conditions.
- Contains 2x Bacillus Ferment, 10x Tea Tree Oil and 50x Vitamin E. NOTE: Product contains Tea Tree Oil. If you have a known allergy to Tea Tree Oil, please avoid using this product.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Spray for Dogs and Cats, 8 oz Fast Acting Medicated Topical Spray Treatment for Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs and Cats
Price : $9.86
Features :
- HEAL AND SOOTHE – Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Spray for dogs and cats with chlorhexidine gluconate deodorizes and helps relieve bacterial pyoderma and allergic or fungal dermatitis.
- FAST ACTING – This antiseptic and antifungal spray works fast to help relieve symptoms including redness, malodorous discharge from lesions, itchiness, pustules, loss hair, greasiness and/or scaly skin caused by wounds, endocrine diseases, or allergies.
- VETERINARY RECOMMENDED – This paraben-free antibacterial spray for dogs and cats is spot-on-safe so it will not remove topical spot-on flea and tick treatments. Keratin and Aloe Vera help heal and soothe, and the topical spray does not sting.
- FOR DOGS & CATS – Medicated antiseptic and antifungal spray is for topical use on both dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age. The pleasant smell and soothing, effective relief of symptoms will make you and your pets happy. Store in the original container in a dry, cool place, and away from sunlight, at a temperature below 86°F or 30°C
- EFFECTIVE & AFFORDABLE – Veterinary Formula Clinical Care premium medicated products are created with veterinary-grade ingredients, available at an affordable price. We know dogs and cats are more than just pets because we are pet parents too.
Additional Info :
Color | Original Version |
Item Dimensions | |
Height | 8 Inches |
Width | 2.28 Inches |
Length | 2.38 Inches |
Weight | 0.6 Pounds |
Goli® Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy Vitamins (1 Pack, 60 Count, Gelatin-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan & Non-GMO Made with Essential Vitamins B9 & B12)
Price : $18.98 ($0.32 / Count)
Features :
- Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-free & Gelatin-free: Each bottle of Goli contains 60 delicious, vegan, non-gmo, gluten-free & gelatin-free Apple Cider Vinegar gummies, which makes them suitable for almost any lifestyle.
- Made in the USA with locally and globally sourced ingredients. Goli Gummies are made in allergen-free, cGMP certified facilities in the United States with local and globally sourced ingredients to ensure that our products are reputable and of the highest quality standards.
- Patented Formula, Essential Vitamins, Great Taste: Our patented formula contains essential Vitamins B9 and B12 to help support cellular energy production, immune function, heart health, healthy nutrient metabolism, a healthy nervous system and overall health and wellbeing. Apple Cider Vinegar has traditionally been used for digestion, gut health and appetite. Our unique flavor profile combined with essential vitamins makes Goli ACV Gummies a delicious addition to your daily health routine.
- Vitamin Angels: Goli is a proud supporter of Vitamin Angels
Additional Info :
Item Dimensions | |
Height | 4.8 Inches |
Width | 2.6 Inches |
Length | 2.6 Inches |
Weight | 0.661386786 Pounds |
Release Date | 2019-10-07T00:00:01Z |
Living with Itchy Skin: Treatment for Dermatographia, Chronic Urticaria, Hives, Painful Swelling, and other Skin Problems
Price : $17.99
Features :
Additional Info :
Item Dimensions | |
Height | 9 Inches |
Width | 0.15 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs & Cats Safe Humans Kids & Pet Vet’s Treatment Best Pets Ticks, Fleas and Insect Killer Best for Home Yard, Outdoor and Indoor House, No Powder and Natural, Charity !
Price : $12.59 ($3.07 / Fl Oz)
Features :
- NATURAL TREATMENT: Use natural plant essential oil ingredients to kills and repel fleas and ticks, lice, mite, mosquitoes through contact. It can kill these pest all life cycle, including eggs, larvae and adults.
- SAFE AND EFFECTIVE: It is safe for dogs and cats of all ages. It can be frequently used for puppies, kittens and senior pets as needed. It can be used safely in the whole family and is safe for children.
- Plant essential oil ingredients: Natural plant essential oil spray can effective alternative to collars, pills, chews and drops are safe alternatives.
- Comprehensive prevention: suitable for dogs, cats and homes! kills fleas on carpets, furniture, bedding and the entire house on the floor. It can use in pet environments (such as kennels or cat apartments)
- CHARITY !!– With every sold spray we donate 1$ to Organizations that are engaged in saving animals. Help us to give them hope! Nothing is more important than the safety and health of your pet.
Additional Info :
Item Dimensions | |
Weight | 0.2645547144 Pounds |