This page contains flea bite pictures that illustrate what bites can look like on different parts of the body. If you’re wondering what flea bites look like, then you have come to the right place. Feel free to send me a mail with comments to these pictures if you have anything to add, or if you want to submit your own photos. Your feedback can make this site even better and is always appreciated.
Flea bite pictures
If you are suffering from flea bites, you may be experiencing what you see on the images. These flea bite pictures will help determine if you have been attacked by these little monsters. Please note that other issues, like allergic reactions or other bug bites, can also look like flea bites. If you’re unsure of the cause, you should have your doctor look at it. So what do flea bites look like? Take a look at the pictures below.
Flea bites on humans
Fleas often attack the feet, ankles and legs as they are easy targets, being close to the ground. These photos show what flea bites on the feet can look like.
Don’t scratch the bites as they may get infected and look even worse. Avoid big scars once the wounds heal.
After the feet, naturally, the fleas will start moving up to your ankles. The itching and scratching continues.
Every case is different, depending on the extend of the bite area, so your bites may look slightly different.
So what do flea bites look like on the legs? These images show some unlucky people who have been bitten in this common area.
As you can see on the next couple of flea bite pictures, the fleas have reached the stomach area. Some people get bitten here without having bites on the feet or legs first. If you have a pet that sleeps in your bed, this is a common problem. Be sure to treat your pet every month to avoid this.
The next image shows what an arm can look like after a flea attack. Fleas can bite any part of the body.
Treating flea bites on humans
Flea bites can be very annoying to some people and others may have no symptoms at all. This is because some people are naturally immune to the bites. In others, the body produces histamine in reaction to the protein and enzymes in flea saliva. This causes itchiness, swelling, redness and other symptoms. Here are some steps you can take to treat flea bites and get relief from pain and inflammation:
- Wash the skin (bitten area) with cool or tepid water.
- Apply mild antibacterial soap.
- Pat the skin dry gently.
- Apply some Calendula ointment or lotion on the blisters.
- If nothing is available, you can also ice the skin. Wrap the ice cube in a thin, clean cloth and gently press it on the bitten area. Ice the region for at least 20 minutes. The cool sensation will reduce pain and prevent swelling.
- You can also apply soothing Aloe vera gel on the bites. Aloe vera is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This reduces pain and prevents secondary infections.
- For very severe bites, you can apply hydrocortisone cream that is available over-the-counter. This will reduce itchiness and redness. Do not use steroidal creams for more than 3 days as they get absorbed by the skin and could have adverse side effects.
- If you have been bitten all over the body, you can soak in a tub bath filled with warm water added with a cup of colloidal oatmeal. Oatmeal soothes the itch and inflammation. You can also use Aveeno colloidal oatmeal body wash to soothe the skin.
- As far as possible, do not scratch the bites. This could lead to secondary skin infections.
What do flea bites look like on dogs?
If you suspect your pet has been bitten, this next image illustrates what flea bites on dogs can look like.
This last photo shows how fleas usually get to you and inside your home. If you have found fleas, act now before the flea infestation gets out of hand. Here are 10 easy ways to get rid of them.
Treating flea bites on pets
Flea bite allergy is painful and irritating to pets. It causes severe itchiness and in some cases, hair loss. The good news is that you can prevent all these complications by treating your pet with a flea product such as flea drops. For existing bites and allergic reactions, use the following remedies:
- Bathe your pet with a mild shampoo containing soothing ingredients like Aloe vera, witch hazel, rosemary essential oil, lavender oil, or oatmeal.
- You can apply some Aloe gel directly on the lesions.
- Alternatively, dab on some Calendula or Calamine/Caladryl lotion on the bites.
- Witch hazel is also soothing and can calm the irritation and pain.
- Coconut oil can help reduce dry, flaky scabs.
- Feed your pet homeopathic supplements with Sulphur 30c potency. A few pellets can show results in a short time – simply place the pellets in your pet’s gums. You can administer the medicine 2-3 times a day safely.
- Some vets also recommend a multivitamin/multi-mineral supplement to dogs and cats. This makes them immune to flea bites. Discuss this with your vet first. In general, pills with Vitamin B1 can be beneficial. Vitamin C acts as a detoxifier and immune builder.
- Brewer’s yeast is also effective. It is rich in B-vitamins and makes pets more immune to flea bites.
- Pets prone to flea allergy dermatitis can also be given Evening primrose oil or Vitamin B5 supplements.
Herbs for flea control in pets
I am a big proponent of natural, herbal treatment and prevention when it comes to our pets health. Here are some effective natural solutions:
- Make a flea collar with eucalyptus oil. The strong scent of the oil is repulsive to fleas. Re-treat the collar with eucalyptus oil every 3 days.
- Juniper, cedarwood, Citronella, germanium, lavender and eucalyptus oils are great for flea control in dogs. For cats, only use lavender oil. All essential oils mentioned here should be diluted and are for external use only. Never use Pennyroyal oil on or near cats as it is toxic to felines.
I hope your question as to what flea bites look like has been answered. Read more about flea bite treatment.