Can You Get Lice From Fleas?
WouterWhile fleas and lice are both ectoparasites, they are not the same. Fleas are smaller and move faster than lice. Both can cause itching and swelling in human hosts. In addition, fleas can spread disease to humans. However, the flea bite is more painful.
In the home, you can prevent flea infestations by washing bedding and other surfaces frequently used by your pet. You can also use flea shampoo, which contains pyrethrins or organophosphates, every two weeks. Be sure to allow the shampoo to stay on your pet’s coat for 5-10 minutes. Rinsing too soon will reduce its effectiveness.
If you notice a flea infestation on your body, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. The first step is to check for the presence of flea eggs. Female fleas will begin laying eggs as soon as they have chosen a host. They can lay as many as 50 eggs per day. If you’ve found any flea eggs, you should wash the affected area thoroughly. If the infestation has spread to your skin, you may also experience an allergic reaction. This can include skin swelling, hives, and even a skin infection.
After the eggs hatch, the lice enter the nymph stage. These immature lice are about the size of a pinhead. After a week or two, the nymphs turn into adult lice. These creatures need to find a blood source to survive. Adult lice live for three to four weeks. Fortunately, thanks to the widespread use of monthly flea and tick preventatives, lice infestations are uncommon in well-cared pet dogs. They are most common on sick, stray, and feral animals.
