If you have fleas in your home, you are at risk of getting bitten by them anytime, anywhere. Not all people are bitten by fleas, but should you be so unlucky, then I have some advice for you on how to get rid of the flea bites. After the flea bite treatment when you have the itching under control, you should make sure to also stop the flea infestation from spreading. But first, it’s time to get rid of the flea bites and stop the itching and scratching for good.
How to get rid of flea bites
First you have to clean the area on and around the flea bite with warm antiseptic soapy water. Then put on an ice pack to minimize swelling. Anything cold goes really, so use ice cubes or whatever you have in stock. Remember to wrap the ice into something, like a dishcloth. This prevents the skin from getting ice burns. Leave it on for no more than 5 minutes, take a break and then repeat.
You can find products at the drugstore that ease the pain and stop the itching. Tell them about your problem at the store, they will know what to give to you. Most of these products are available without a doctor’s prescription and they are safe to use if taken in the described amounts.
Another way is to use antihistamines to get rid of the itching. You should talk to your doctor about which antihistamines to use, as there are different products available that all have their own properties and functions. If you prefer a more natural approach, like myself, see the alternative methods below.
The best and easiest flea bite treatment is to stop scratching your skin, as it can cause an infection. If this happens, then the itching will get worse and there is the risk of getting big, unappealing scars.
- Resist the urge to scratch the flea bites
- Clean the bites with antiseptic soap and water
- Wrap an ice pack or ice cubes in cloth
- Apply the ice to the affected area for around 5 minutes
- Take it off and reapply after a few minutes
- You can do this multiple times during the day
- Ask your doctor about antihistamine for intense itching
- Try some of the alternative methods mentioned below
Alternative flea bite treatment methods
Flea bites itch a lot and it can be difficult to avoid scratching them, even though you now know it only makes matters worse. Luckily, there are quite a few home remedies that can help soothe the skin or relieve itching, which makes it much easier for you to stop scratching the bites and thereby avoid infections.
Aloe vera
It is well known that aloe vera can treat small wounds and burns. What you probably didn’t know was that it also has a positive effect on flea bites. If you have a plant, then break off a small part of a leaf and rub it into the bites. You can also buy bottled versions of aloe vera gel.
Green tea
Green tea may also improve the situation. It is said to have potent skin healing properties if you wash the infected area with it. There are several teas you can try, but you have to experiment with them yourself, as the results haven’t been verified by researchers. Another tea trick that relieves inflammation is cooling used tea bags in the freezer and applying them to the bites afterwards.
Oatmeal
As incredible as it may sound, because this is something found in most households, people have also had success with baths of oatmeal. Remember that the temperature of the water should be low, as hot water dries your skin out.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel contains multiple healing properties that can help you get rid of flea bites. It can reduce irritation and inflammation of the skin by shrinking the pores and it combats infection, making your wounds heal faster. Apply it to the bitten area using a cotton ball.
Vinegar
I have talked about vinegar being effective for flea control, but it’s actually also quite effective for treating flea bites. It can reduce swelling and inflammation, thereby soothing the skin. Like witch hazel, vinegar also contains antiseptic properties that helps prevent infections. Use a soaked cotton ball or a towel to apply it or spray it on other exposed parts of your body to prevent getting bitten again.
Baking soda
It’s cheap and you probably already have it in your home, which makes it perfect for quick and easy itch relief. Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties and can also prevent infections. Mix it in a bowl with a little bit of water and apply the paste to the flea bites and the surrounding area.
Neem
With its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, neem is also effective for treating flea bites. You can get a ready-made solution of neem oil or make your own mixture in a pan of water with some neem leaves. Soak a cotton ball and hold it on the bites.
How to prevent flea bites
There are several ways you can protect yourself against flea bites and make sure you don’t get them in the first place. This eliminates flea bite treatment and saves you a lot of time and frustration.
One way is to eat lots of garlic. The fleas definitely don’t like the taste of it and it will stop them from biting you. If you enjoy garlic as much as I do, getting the required amounts won’t be a problem. Remember that everything you eat goes into your bloodline, and this is a big reason why only some people with certain food habits get bitten by fleas.
Now you’ve learned what fleas hate the taste of, but what they don’t like the smell of is lemon. So if you have something in your home that smells like lemon, then use that. Alternatively you can try rubbing some on your skin. Many smells, particularly the strong ones, can help you in your fight against fleas.
If you don’t have any lemon at home, you can try using essential oils instead. Lavender, cedar wood and eucalyptus oil should do a great job fending them off. Learn more about how you can prevent flea bites.
Now you know how to get rid of flea bites, safely and effectively, and how to prevent bites in the future.
