What Fleas Look Like on Humans
WouterIf you’ve ever had fleas on your cat, dog, or even yourself, you probably know what they look like. The tiny, red creatures crawl across your skin, feeding on your blood. These insects are most common on animals but can also bite humans. They are small and appear as red bumps, and they often appear in clusters on your lower legs, ankles, arms, or groin. Unlike bedbugs, flea bites are usually not noticeable until they’re a few days or weeks old.
The first step in curing fleas is to identify their source. Fleas bites typically look like red lesions, which make it difficult to differentiate them from other insects. While most flea bites are harmless, they can be difficult to distinguish from ticks and mosquitoes because of their wingless appearance, which makes them hard to spot. Whether they’re attached to a human or a cat, fleas can cause an intense itch. Fortunately, there are medications available to relieve the itch and prevent fleas from transmitting diseases.
Fleas can bite people, too, especially children. They’re susceptible to flea bites while cuddling their pets or playing outdoors in shady, sandy areas. The family dog is often a common source of flea bites. A dog may even jump up onto a child’s bed. Despite the love that parents have for their pets, the love of their pet can result in fleas jumping off Fido and onto the child.
