What do flea bites on human skin look like and how to treat them?

Flea bites are quite a serious and dangerous phenomenon. Despite the fact that fleas are small insects that are almost invisible to the human eye, they can cause a lot of inconvenience. Insects are blood-sucking parasites, jumping quite quickly and sharply. Their danger lies not so much in the anxiety and discomfort they cause, but in the complications and consequences. It is known that insects can cause allergies, skin itching, dermatitis. But the greatest danger is that fleas act as carriers of many dangerous infectious diseases.

Why are flea bites dangerous for humans?

Flea bites are dangerous due to their possible consequences and complications. First of all, this concerns the risk of developing allergies and infectious diseases. The most famous consequence of flea bites is the plague epidemic, which took millions of lives in the Middle Ages. The spreaders of the bubonic plague were fleas that bit people. They got into the city together with rats, which are their main hosts.

In Central Asia, fleas still cause numerous epidemics today. For example, they are carriers of salmonellosis and tularemia, typhus, encephalitis, and anthrax.

Epidemiology

According to statistics, dog and cat fleas bite people most often – they account for over 47% of bites. Bed and linen fleas bite about 18% of cases. Human fleas affect people only in 3% of cases. In 78% of cases, the cause of human flea infestation is poor hygiene. Single bites are observed in 54% of cases, and multiple bites occur in 31%. In 76% of cases, children are bitten.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Causes flea bites

The main reason for the bite is the parasitic lifestyle of the flea, which is forced to bite warm-blooded animals of humans in order to obtain nutrients. It is interesting that among fleas, as among other insects, only females bite, since they need a large amount of blood protein to bear and feed their offspring.

A person is an intermediate host for a flea, the main host is wild animals, domestic pets. But there are also human fleas that are specially adapted to bite a person. They easily bite through the epidermis, their mouth apparatus is designed exclusively for feeding through human skin.

Risk factors

People who live in abandoned houses and dirty apartments are at risk. Failure to observe hygiene rules increases the risk of being bitten by fleas. Fleas enter a person's apartment in various ways. First of all, with dirt and particles of dust and earth. Fleas are carried with the fur of dogs and cats that spend a lot of time outside and have contact with yard animals. Fleas are often found during renovations, settling behind baseboards and peeling wallpaper. If renovations are not carried out for a long time, fleas can settle in cracks and dried-out baseboards. A large number of fleas live in basements, less often in attics. The risk increases if more than one animal lives in the apartment and is allowed to roam outside. People who are forced to spend a long time in basements, abandoned buildings, and old houses are often at risk of being bitten by fleas.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on the toxic effect of enzymes, which are introduced by the parasite into the wound along with saliva. Enzymes prevent blood clotting, making it more liquid. That is, enzymes act as anticoagulants, which significantly thin the blood. Thus, after injecting such a dose of enzymes, the blood begins to flow out in a thin stream. It enters the body almost spontaneously, without any additional actions on the part of the insect.

The blood from the bite site does not flow out after the bite, but stops immediately due to the fact that the skin has a high degree of elasticity. As a result, the walls stick together, and the blood cannot come out. But often there is a hemorrhage under the skin, that is, a point hemorrhage forms at the bite site. If there are too many such bites on one small area of skin, they can merge with each other, forming purpura.

The degree of hemorrhage and purple, redness depends on how sensitive the person's skin is, as well as on the production of histamine in response to the violation of integrity and the spread of the enzyme. The duration of the traces also depends on this. In one person, the compaction and redness may persist for 30 minutes, while another will walk around with pronounced bites for 5 days or more.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Symptoms flea bites

They are manifested by intense redness. They are very painful, since the saliva does not contain painkillers. A small swelling and severe itching develops at the site of the bite. Bites can be felt both during the day and at night, since fleas remain active at almost any time of the day.

In general, bites should not be scratched, but when scratched, multiple wounds are observed, suppuration may occur. Multiple bites around one redness may also be observed. This is due to the fact that the flea bites the skin several times in search of the softest place, the most elastic area of the skin. The legs are mainly subject to bites. Bites are localized along the entire leg, starting from the foot and ending with the knee.

Some people may develop a particularly violent reaction to flea bites, manifested in the form of increased body temperature, chills. The temperature can rise up to 40 degrees. The patient is accompanied by anxiety, difficulty breathing, fever, diarrhea. With an increased tendency to allergic reactions, swelling, urticaria, hyperemia may also be observed. A particularly dangerous sign is shortness of breath and a feeling of lack of air. This may indicate the development of an allergic reaction.

Those who have been bitten before will always be able to recognize them. According to those who have experienced flea bites, they cannot be confused with anything else. These are quite unpleasant sensations. They cause discomfort and other symptoms in the bite area, itching, burning, pain. Swelling and puffiness gradually appear. It is especially difficult to resist itching, since an irresistible desire to scratch and tear the affected area appears. With a large number of bites, hemorrhage, cyanosis, and bruises appear at the affected area. A large red spot gradually develops, possibly with a white center. The legs are mainly affected.

[ 9 ]

First signs

The very first sign is a sharp pain, a feeling of a puncture at the site of the bite. After this, a person may forget about the bite for a while, and remember only by the appearance of itching and burning sensations. Usually, a person does not pay attention to this immediately, but the itching intensifies and causes a lot of inconvenience to the person. You want to scratch until it bleeds, the sensations become unbearable, spread to the entire surface of the affected part of the body. These signs are usually accompanied by redness, swelling. Usually it has a red appearance with a pronounced center. In the center there is a tiny hemorrhage.

[ 10 ]

Itching from flea bites

Allergy to flea bites is a common occurrence. Therefore, when there is a tendency to allergic reactions and the body breaks out when bitten by wasps and other insects, then the reaction to a flea bite will also be violent.

Symptoms of allergy include sudden rashes in the bite area. Later, headaches develop and the temperature rises. The most dangerous sign is difficulty breathing.

Skin irritation is constantly increasing and does not go away on its own, so it requires the use of local remedies, antihistamines. With severe increasing itching and irritation, you can use a cold compress, and even ice. You can hold the affected area under cold running water. Negative reactions can be eliminated with the help of antipruritic and antiallergic creams. Baking soda, compresses from herbal decoctions, compresses, honey will help remove irritation.

A person immediately feels a flea bite, as there is a painful sensation there, reminiscent of a needle prick. The insect has a piercing mouth apparatus, thanks to which it bites the skin. At the same time, an anesthetic is not introduced into the person's blood with saliva, which explains the high level of pain sensitivity. For example, bedbugs are able to introduce special anesthetics with saliva, as a result of which the bite becomes painless, and the person does not feel it.

The danger of bites is that they inject special anesthetic substances and enzymes into the blood. They help thin the blood and prevent it from clotting. This is dangerous for humans because the risk of bleeding increases. It is especially dangerous for people with hemophilia. Hemorrhage may occur. With a large number of bites in one place, purpura develops, which is dangerous due to its consequences.

What do flea bites look like?

They look like a small redness. There is a pink halo. If a person is prone to allergic reactions, there is severe itching and red dots. The bite of a human flea is very different from the bite of other fleas. Its size can significantly exceed the size of any other bite. At first, a blister can be observed, and only after it resolves, a small swelling and hematoma appear. This condition can persist for several days. The duration and severity of the reaction is determined by the individual sensitivity of the body and its tendency to allergic reactions.

If we talk about the localization of bites, then the predominant place of their location is the legs, in particular, the feet, shins, and also open areas of the body. If fleas bite a sleeping person, then they bite mainly on the neck, armpits and hands.

A distinctive feature of a flea bite is that they tend to pierce the skin in several places, trying to find the most suitable place in terms of elasticity, resulting in several small bites at a small distance from each other (approximately a few centimeters).

Flea bite marks

Bites often leave marks that remain for quite a long time. The marks intensify with a strong allergic reaction and often develop into dermatophiliasis. It is a borderline condition between a normal skin reaction to a bite and a pathological one. In this case, swelling and a pronounced rash already occur, but there are no symptoms indicating generalization of allergy symptoms.

If sufficiently pronounced bite marks appear, it is advisable to take immediate action to prevent a normal reaction from becoming pathological and to avoid complications.

If traces appear, immediately wash the affected area with cold water and dry it. When washing, it is advisable to use antiseptic soap. The affected areas are treated with sulfur ointment or regular alcohol. After this, apply a cold compress for about 10-15 minutes.

If there is no improvement, you should immediately contact a doctor, as this may be a sign of an allergic reaction and an inflammatory process, as well as a possible infection. The risk of developing an infection is especially dangerous, since fleas can act as carriers of dangerous infections.

Flea bites on the body, legs

Bites are localized mainly in the area of the legs and body. First of all, fleas bite the feet and shins. If there are open areas, they also bite them. If the bite is localized on the body, then mainly in the area of the neck and sternum. In these places, fleas bite mainly a sleeping person. They can be recognized by their peculiar location: most often they are localized in a continuous row, a chain, strictly one after another.

There is pain and burning at the site of the bite. A red spot appears in the center, which swells greatly. Gradually it turns into a blister. The bite sites become inflamed and swell. Various reactions to anticoagulants (substances that the flea injects into the blood when it bites) may occur. Since they thin the blood, the reaction can be dangerous for hemophiliacs. The tendency to bleed increases significantly.

An allergic reaction is also dangerous. Thus, a person prone to allergies may develop a delayed or immediate reaction, up to anaphylactic shock. Some develop scabies at the site of the bite. It is dangerous to scratch the bite sites, as they can turn into non-healing wounds.

[ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Sand flea bites

They can be found in hot countries with a tropical climate. It is a parasite of humans, dogs and pigs. Humans are one of the main hosts. Bites can cause a severe allergic reaction.

[ 13 ]

House flea bites

They get into the house from basements, streets with animals, things, shoes. The bite and general signs of pathology are no different from other bites. A sharp stabbing pain occurs at the site of the bite. Itching is very pronounced, sometimes exhausting a person. A subcutaneous hematoma gradually forms, turning into a small swelling. Most often they bite the legs, less often - in other places. A series of bites is typical for these fleas.

Quite often they cause a complication - pulicosis, which is manifested by abundant rashes, the formation of suppuration and erosions. Gradually, erosions can merge with each other. Over time, ulcers can appear in the mouth and throat, resulting in difficulty breathing, inflammation of the lymph nodes, and an increase in temperature. A sign of systemic effects is the spread of the inflammatory process, an increase in body temperature, and suppuration. Later, signs of intoxication and headache appear.

[ 14 ]

Bed bug bites

Bed bugs usually bite less painfully than other types of fleas. However, their bites can be quite painful. The pain at the moment of the bite can be stabbing or cutting. Catching them is usually impossible, as they jump very quickly.

Itching appears at the site of the bite. It is quite pronounced, subcutaneous hemorrhages form. Small tumors and hematomas form. Bites are most often located on the legs. May be accompanied by headache and insomnia.

[ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Linen flea bites

Linen fleas are dangerous because they can cause an allergic reaction. Single bites can be accompanied by itching and redness. But with multiple bites, small ulcers are formed, which often merge with each other, turning into an ulcer.

The temperature rises, up to 40 degrees. Anxiety and fear arise. With the development of signs of intoxication, difficulty breathing, anxiety, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air may appear. Diarrhea, vomiting, severe chills may appear. In the presence of hypersensitivity, anaphylactic shock occurs. If signs of an allergic reaction appear, you must consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Animal flea bites

A typical sensation is a puncture, burning at the moment of the bite. Gradually, pain and burning appear, and intoxication almost always develops, since the flea injects a complex of enzymes with various properties along with saliva when biting. Quite often, the consequence is an increase in body temperature, intoxication, chills, and fever.

Cat flea bites

Although the primary host was originally a member of the cat family, today the primary and intermediate hosts can be many animals, including humans. Today they often migrate to humans, since there are usually not many cats in the home. They cause itching and a local inflammatory reaction in cats, while in humans the consequences of a bite can be more serious.

They carry a number of infectious diseases. The most dangerous are plague and fungus. Parasites carried by cat fleas are also dangerous. Thus, fleas can be carriers of cucumber tapeworms, which are the causative agents of helminthic diseases. A parasitic helminth up to 50 meters long develops from an egg. These worms are the causative agents of such a dangerous disease as toxocariasis. The eggs enter the bloodstream immediately at the moment of the bite. They spread throughout the body with the blood. In this case, the lungs, liver, kidneys, and other vital organs are affected.

Dog flea bites

Most often, humans are bitten by dog fleas. This is explained by their widespread prevalence, availability of dogs, which are the main host, and high survival rate in the environment. A large number of fleas can live on one pet. To treat, it is necessary to treat the bite site with a product designed to eliminate fleas, then apply ointment.

Flea bites

They are parasites that live in places where birds and rodents congregate. They bite through the skin and drink blood. Another danger is that they can get under the fingernails and lay eggs there. As a result, severe suppuration of the affected area develops. The parasite can develop and be carried with blood. Self-medication is prohibited under any circumstances. It is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo appropriate treatment.

[ 17 ]

Rat flea bites

In urban conditions, especially in a megalopolis, this type of flea may not be encountered, but in rural areas they are quite common. The main host is the rat. The danger of these fleas is that they carry the most dangerous infectious diseases and can cause mass epidemics. During plague epidemics, the main incidence of disease arose precisely as a result of rat bites, and not from the rats themselves.

[ 18 ], [ 19 ]

Sea flea bites

Sea fleas are also called ground fleas. They are the causative agents of such a serious disease as sarcopsillosis. It causes severe itching, swelling, inflammation. Severe irritation develops, which is accompanied by suppuration, the spread of the infectious process.

Basement flea bite

Basement fleas are usually a collective term that includes insects that live in basements. They can belong to several species and genera and are parasites of animals. First of all, they colonize stray animals and those that live in basements. They also affect synanthropes. They can be found on basement dogs, cats, rats, mice.

They are not highly specific. They affect various animals and humans that are nearby. Animal groups are especially often at risk of infection. Despite the fact that they do affect humans, they prefer other warm-blooded animals.

Insects do not live permanently on the skin, they are transient organisms. They live most often in bedding, carpets, upholstery, and feed on blood. They also lay eggs and larvae in the skin and fur.

[ 20 ]

Flea bites

Genital fleas are dangerous because they can live on the skin, in the folds of the human genitals. They can cause acute inflammation, intoxication. They are often the cause of severe allergies, up to anaphylactic shock. They cause severe itching.

It is important to start treatment in a timely manner to prevent the development of erosions and ulcers, as well as allergic reactions and dermatitis. You should also not scratch the wounds, as a channel may form, which is formed as a result of the flea's feeding and movement. The parasite's excrement and various infections may accumulate there. When scratching the channel, there is a risk of infection and abundant spread of the infection throughout the body.

Flea bites in children

Children are bitten by fleas much more often than adults, since children are more often in contact with animals, more often play with leaves, grass, are in abandoned premises, and this is the source of fleas. Usually, when bitten, itching develops, spots appear, signs of an allergic reaction. In some cases, no action is required, except for local treatment.

But in case of a severe allergic reaction, urgent medical care is required, as anaphylactic shock may develop. Also, the danger of bites is that fleas can be carriers of dangerous infections. Due to lower immunity, the risk of developing an infection or a severe allergic reaction in children is much higher than in adults.

[ 21 ]

Complications and consequences

One of the consequences of a bite is severe itching that torments a person. An allergic reaction to an enzyme that enters the body with the flea's saliva during a bite may also occur. Severe swelling, inflammation, and irritation may develop. The most dangerous is anaphylactic shock.

The second danger is that the flea is a carrier of the most severe infectious diseases, such as encephalitis, typhus, plague. There is also a high risk of developing parasites.

When scratching a wound, an infection may develop, which will lead to the spread of the inflammatory process, suppuration, and infection.

[ 22 ], [ 23 ]

Allergy to flea bites

An allergic reaction almost always occurs after a flea bite. It is the body's reaction to an enzyme that enters the human body with a bite. Usually, the degree of expression of the reaction depends on the tendency to allergic reactions and the degree of sensitization of immune cells. In some, an allergy can manifest itself as severe itching, rashes, while in others it can lead to the development of anaphylactic shock.

Any, even minimal allergic reaction requires medical care, a visit to a doctor. Antihistamines are used first. Loratadine, suprastin, diphenhydramine work well. Antipyretics are taken at elevated temperatures. Sedatives are also necessary.

Signs of an allergy may include increased excitability, rashes and redness on the skin, severe headache, fever, intense neuropsychic reactions, including increased excitability, irritability, feelings of fear, anxiety, and excitement.

Flea bite marks

After a flea bites, spots almost always remain. They can be caused by the action of an enzyme or an allergic reaction. Most often, several spots appear, which are localized one after another. They can be located on open areas of the body. They are often localized on the legs.

Burning and itching usually appear at the location of the spot. At first, a small red spot appears, gradually it expands, forming a large red spot. Edema and hyperemia develop around it. Then a blister may form.

To provide first aid, you can use hydrocortisone ointment, which works well against flea and other insect bites. It should be applied to the bite site as soon as the insect bites.

Diagnostics flea bites

Diagnostics are carried out in order to determine the exact cause of the bites, or rather the insect that inflicted them. The tactics of further treatment depend on this.

Bites of various insects can cause various changes in the body. Thus, it is known that fleas are carriers of many dangerous infectious diseases, so it is necessary to conduct a number of additional studies in order to exclude the possibility of infection. In case of single bites, it is permissible not to conduct diagnostics, but in case of multiple bites, it is necessary to consult a doctor. A blood test is required to exclude the penetration of infectious agents into the blood.

[ 24 ], [ 25 ]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics is based on the need to clearly differentiate the bites of one insect from another. Further treatment depends on this. Often flea bites are confused with the irritating effect of some plant, or with a symptom of some skin disease.

Flea or bedbug bites

First of all, flea bites are painful at the moment of the bite. A person always feels when a flea bites him, because it is quite painful. A person feels a sharp puncture of the skin, a burning sensation, and later itching appears. This is due to the fact that the flea does not inject an anesthetic substance into the victim's body, which would reduce the pain.

Bedbugs, unlike fleas, bite painlessly. A person does not feel anything, since a dose of anesthetic substance enters his body when bitten. Despite the fact that a bedbug is much larger and more insatiable than a flea, its bites are almost imperceptible. You can notice a bedbug bite only some time after the bite itself. Redness and burning will appear. Itching often occurs when a flea bites.

Flea or tick bites

Tick bites, unlike flea bites, are painless and unnoticeable. A flea bites painfully. After it has sucked blood, it jumps away. It is a small insect that jumps very quickly and far. It is almost impossible to catch, much less crush it.

A tick, unlike a flea, does not jump. Having sucked blood, it increases in size and simply falls off from the bite site. A red mark remains in place.

Treatment flea bites

Despite the fact that flea bites can be painful, cause itching, thereby causing inconvenience, discomfort to a person, they do not require specific treatment. Usually, after some time, they pass on their own. This is especially true for single bites. It takes 1-2 days for the swelling to completely disappear, and 3-4 days for the redness and other marks to disappear.

Multiple bites may require local treatment. Also, treatment may be required if an allergic reaction or some other pathological reaction occurs. Most often in children, less often in women, local irritation occurs, which then turns into severe redness, itching. In severe cases, even a skin disease may occur that requires treatment. Also, specific treatment is required if the flea provoked the development of a viral or infectious disease. Usually, treatment is required if the symptoms do not go away within 3-4 days. Also in the case if the symptoms are severe and cause severe pain, burning.

To help the victim, it is necessary to treat the bite site with plain water and antiseptic soap, then apply cold. It is best to apply ice, or if there is none, any product that is in the freezer in the refrigerator.

After this, the skin is treated with sulfur ointment, which very quickly eliminates itching, a solution of baking soda, or calamine solution. Any solution of ethyl alcohol can be used. Brilliant green, simple iodine, vodka will do. This is usually enough to eliminate the pathological process.

What to apply to flea bites?

First, the bite sites should be wiped with warm water and antiseptic soap. After that, the bite site is lubricated with an aqueous solution of vinegar or citric acid. Then, some antiseptic solution is applied. Calamine solution has proven itself well. In case of severe itching, it is advisable to treat the skin with hydrocortisone.

Medicines

When taking medications for insect bites, it is better to take precautions. It is better to consult a doctor first. Incorrect use of any drug can cause harm and cause numerous side effects. It is important to differentiate the disease correctly: the bite could not have been a flea, but another insect. If, for example, a tick has bitten, then it must be pulled out immediately. Medicines are taken both internally and externally, depending on the symptoms and their severity.

The traditional remedy is hydrocortisone ointment. It is applied to the bite and redness in a thin layer. This remedy is quite strong, quickly eliminates swelling and inflammation. But it can cause an allergic reaction with prolonged use. The ointment is not recommended for use in kidney and liver diseases, since it penetrates the blood and has a toxic effect on these organs.

Fenistil gel is also intended for local use. It is better to choose the one that states that it acts against insects. It is also applied to the affected areas of the skin in a thin layer, be sure to rub it in until completely absorbed. Before use, the skin must be washed and dried.

If an allergic reaction develops, with severe itching and redness, it is advisable to take antiallergic drugs. Suprastin has proven itself well. Take 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Loratadine will also help eliminate an allergic reaction. This is a prolonged-action antihistamine, so it is taken 1 tablet once a day. Its period of action is 24 hours.

Folk remedies

To remove redness and itching, it is recommended to lubricate the bite site with garlic juice and cranberry juice. It is recommended to lubricate the affected area every 1.5-2 hours. In this case, the solutions are alternated. In the morning, it is better to start lubrication with garlic juice, and in the evening, finish with cranberry juice. The course is 3 days. If necessary, it can be extended, but should not be less than three days.

To eliminate itching, use an ointment made from cabbage juice and honey. Add cabbage juice to honey, stirring thoroughly, bring to a homogeneous mass, then let it sit for 30 minutes. Then apply a thin layer to the affected areas as the symptoms intensify.

Mustard juice or ground mustard seeds are applied to the skin where redness appears. It quickly eliminates swelling, inflammation, and eliminates itching.

[ 26 ], [ 27 ], [ 28 ]

Herbal treatment

A decoction of clove seeds can be used for wiping and compresses when visible spots and signs of allergy appear after an insect bite. To prepare the decoction, take a teaspoon of seeds per glass of boiling water.

Juniper also effectively eliminates allergic reactions. It is used in powder form. The leaves must be dried, ground into powder and sprinkled on the affected areas.

Sorrel helps reduce itching and inflammation. It must be grated or cut into small pieces. Then the resulting gruel is applied to the affected area, tied with gauze on top and left for an hour.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies can be very useful in treating any insect bites, especially flea bites. But you should always remember about precautions: before starting treatment, you should consult a doctor. In addition, it is important to make sure that you were really bitten by fleas and not by other insects. If used incorrectly, side effects may occur. Most often, these are allergic or skin reactions.

A mixture is used to eliminate itching. Turpentine is mixed with anise oil in a ratio of 1:10, after which it is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas.

Also, "peresol" or salt-vinegar poultice has been used for a long time. To prepare it, you need 40 grams of salt. It is dissolved in a glass of wine vinegar, add a tablespoon of alcohol. The result is an orange-colored liquid, which is applied to the affected areas of the skin under a gauze bandage.

A mixture of the roots of angelica sylvestris and white hellebore is also used for lotions. The roots are cut into small pieces, poured with boiling water for 2-3 hours, after which gauze is soaked in the decoction and applied to the affected areas for 30-40 minutes.

Fish oil has proven itself as a remedy for removing spots and itching. Apply a thin layer to the skin. You can add about 2-3 drops of essential oil to it. It is recommended to use fir oil or anise oil.

Prevention

The main means of prevention is removing fleas from the living space, as well as avoiding contact with them. If a person is in a room where fleas live, it will be almost impossible to prevent a bite. It is important to treat pets from fleas, carefully treat potential places for flea accumulation. For this, various insecticides and shampoos are used. The room should be vacuumed as often as possible, subjected to a thorough general cleaning.

Particular attention should be paid to treating corners, cracks, areas under torn wallpaper. These are the places where the maximum number of fleas accumulate. It is also important to treat the car, carriers, and any other means by which the animals were transported.

It is advisable to use pharmaceutical products designed to remove insects and protect against them. Disinfection is carried out periodically. For prevention purposes, you can spread wormwood around the house, which repels insects, including fleas. It is best to place it under carpets and baseboards. You can periodically spray the room with tansy tincture, it also has an antiparasitic effect.

When going for a walk or visiting abandoned places, old houses, it is better to wear socks and closed shoes. It is also recommended to wear clothes that will cover the shin. It is recommended to use special protective sprays. They should contain a large amount of DEET, which is the main flea repellent.

Pets are recommended to be treated with flea control products and flea collars. After each walk, shoes should be thoroughly wiped and the animal's paws washed. General cleaning with special antiseptics should be done at least once a month. It is also important to combat rodents, which are carriers of fleas. The premises must be kept clean and dry.

[ 29 ]

Forecast

In case of single or uncomplicated bites, the prognosis is favorable. Often flea bites cause redness and severe itching, which go away even without treatment. If the recovery process is delayed, treatment should be started. The prognosis may be unfavorable or uncertain only if the flea has infected with some serious infectious disease.