Can Fleas Make You Itchy?
WouterThere are many ways to treat flea bites. Home remedies such as chamomile tea, a tea made from dried chamomile flowers, can help to ease the itching and swelling. The plant contains flavonoids and terpenes that have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile tea can be applied directly to flea bites, but the benefits may not be as strong as some other remedies. Another treatment that can help soothe the itch is raw apple cider vinegar. However, the application of raw apple cider vinegar should not be done to open wounds.
If you suspect that fleas are responsible for your itchiness, you should seek medical advice from a doctor. You should avoid using bug repellent and chemical sprays. Using bug repellent can also make the itch worse, so if you notice any flea bites, you should visit a doctor immediately. If left untreated, flea bites can lead to secondary infections, pus-filled blisters, and slower healing.
Flea bites can become infected if they are scratched. Scratching aggravates the skin and pushes harmful bacteria into the open sore. Depending on the area, the infected sores may be painful, pus-filled, or crusted. In some cases, fleas can carry diseases, such as typhus and bubonic plague.
A flea bite will look like a red, raised bump. It may be surrounded by a halo of red blood surrounding the bite. Fleas can live for weeks or even months on carpets and soft furnishings. Although the bite will not swell, it may bleed if scratched, and it can even cause a rash. It may take up to 24 hours for the itching to subside.
