Why Do Flea Bites Turn Into Blisters?

Flea bites can bring a world of pain and discomfort to the unlucky host. After a couple of minutes, you may notice slight redness and itching originating from the bite. And in the hours to follow, the pain and itching will become more intense as the area becomes inflamed. However, it’s not uncommon for some people to experience blisters as a result of being bitten by fleas. So, why do flea bites turn into blisters in some people and not others?

If your flea bites turn into blisters, you most likely have a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). As the name suggests, this is an allergic reaction to flea bites. When a flea bites into a host, such as yourself, it injects a small amount saliva while simultaneously drawing blood. The host’s immune system views the proteins in the flea’s saliva as a foreign invader, at which point it responds by triggering an allergic reaction. Symptoms vary in length and intensity, but most cases of FAD will go away within 7 days.

Another possible reason why a flea bite may turn into a blister is because it’s infected. Anytime an insect breaks the skin, there’s an inherit risk of infection. Bacteria and/or viruses can enter the body through the bite, where infection sets in. Blisters are usually indicative of an infection growing underneath the skin. Unless the infection is stopped, it will continue to grow, and it could even spread to other parts of the body. The bottom line is that you must take immediate action to control the infection at the first sign of a symptom.

So, what’s the best treatment option for flea bite blisters? It really depends on whether the condition was caused by FAD or an infection. If the blisters were caused by FAD, you should treat the area with a topical hydrocortisone and an oral antihistamine. If it was caused by an infection, you should focus on keeping the area clean and apply a triple antibiotic ointment. Depending on the severity of the blister, you may want to seek professional medical attention. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, assuming the blister was caused by bacteria and not a virus.

Do your flea bites turn into blisters? Let us know in the comments section below!

Jan 20, 2015 @ 5:02