Did you know that a single flea can bite into a host hundreds of times per day? And it’s not just dogs and cats that fleas to which fleas attracted; these blood-sucking parasites will gladly lay their fangs into a human host.
Being bitten by a flea isn’t a pleasant experience to say the least. Depending on how your body reacts to the flea’s saliva, you may notice swelling, inflammation, pain, redness, and intense itching. These symptoms are the result of your body’s immune system attacking the area of the bite in an attempt to rid it of the flea’s saliva. While most of these symptoms will usually subside within a few hours, flea bites can still leave you in severe discomfort. So, what’s the fastest way to effectively treat a flea bite?
Ice It Down
Ice works surprisingly well when used to treat flea bites. It reduces pain and inflammation while drawing blood away from the bite. With less blood pumping to the area, the flea bite won’t swell as much.
Try placing an ice pack directly on the flea bite, holding it for 10 minutes and removing it for 10 minutes (repeat). If you do not have an ice pack, wrap a couple ice cubes in a washcloth and hold it to the affected area.
Calamine Lotion
Another fast-acting flea remedy is calamine lotion. This bubble gum pink colored medicine contains ferric oxide which acts to relieve itching caused by the bite. Simply pour a small amount of calamine lotion on a cotton ball or tissue and rub it over the affected area. Use caution not to touch it until it’s had time to dry (usually dries in 5-8 minutes). By the time it has finished drying, you should notice a positive improvement in the itching and pain caused by the bite.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream contains steroids that counteract the effects of a flea bite. Squeeze a small amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream directly on your flea bite and allow it to soak in. The itching, pain and inflammation will quickly subside.
Aloe Vera
Have an aloe vera plant in your home? Break off a small stem and squeeze the gel onto your skin. Aloe vera contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals, some of which act as antibacterial and antiseptic agents. Applying it to your flea bite should offer relief within minutes — assuming it stays on and you don’t accidentally rub it off.
What’s your preferred method for treating flea bites? Let us know in the comments section below!