Humans And Fleas

Human and non-human animals are at risk of fleabites, which can be itchy and painful. Fleas can also carry human diseasesTrusted Source. The most famous example of this was the plague.

Owning a pet increases the risk of a flea infestation, but it is not only pet-owners who are at risk. Fleas can enter the home on any fabric or fur. Once in the home, their quick breeding cycle means they can rapidly become a nuisance.

This article covers everything you need to know about fleabites, including how to identify and treat them. This MNT Knowledge Center article will also give advice on keeping your home and pets free of fleas.

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Fleabites on humans usually appear around the feet, ankles, or legs.

If uncontrolled, fleas can spread across the body and bite anywhere, especially on people with dense areas of hair on their legs or chest.

• The bites themselves will be very small with a central red spot.
• They often appear in groups of three or four and sometimes appear in a line.
• Fleabites will often form a small scab surrounded by a light red halo.

As many fleabites do not produce a reaction in humans, they may well go unnoticed.

How do fleas bite humans?

Humans are often the secondary options when it comes to fleabites, as they do not make good hosts. They tend to become targets for hungry adult fleas who have not yet found the family pet or another, more suitable host.

If an adult or child happens to walk or crawl past an adult flea that has just emerged from its cocoon, they may be the first option for a meal.

Most people will not develop noticeable symptoms from a fleabite. In general, fleas do not carry diseases.

Small children and people who are allergic may have a bad reaction. This can include swelling and itching. The skin may become irritated and painful around the bite, and sometimes hives and a rash will appear. Scratching the bite can cause a secondary infection.

In most cases, fleas will be a nuisance and can indicate a household infestation that needs to be dealt with, but they will cause no serious symptoms.

Complications

There are two primary complications from fleabites. These are allergic reactions and secondary infections.

If a person is bitten and begins to show the following symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• nausea
• swelling of the lips or face

A flea bite may also become infected. If the affected person has swollen glands, extreme pain around the bite, or excessive redness, they should speak with a doctor.

In some cases, fleas carry diseases that can be transmitted through bites, such as flea-borne spotted fever, plague, typhus, and cat scratch fever.