Flea bite

Flea Bite

A flea bite is the act of a flea piercing the skin of a host to consume blood. Fleas are small, flightless insects that survive as external parasites. They live by consuming the blood of their hosts, which include birds and mammals.

Characteristics

Flea bites are usually identified by small, red bumps that are often surrounded by a red halo. They are extremely itchy and the skin around each bite can be sore or painful. You might also notice hives or a rash near the site of a flea bite.

Causes

Flea bites are caused by the feeding activity of the adult female flea. She can consume up to 15 times her body weight in blood daily. This feeding is facilitated by adaptations that maximize blood flow to the bite site, including a specially adapted mouthpart and the injection of a saliva that contains anticoagulant compounds.

Effects

While flea bites are usually just a minor annoyance, they can lead to serious conditions in some cases. Some people may experience allergic reactions to flea bites, resulting in severe itching or a rash. In rare cases, fleas can also transmit diseases such as plague and typhus.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of flea bites primarily involves eliminating the source of the fleas. This can be achieved through regular cleaning and the use of insecticides. Treatment for flea bites typically involves the use of over-the-counter anti-itch creams or lotions, antihistamines, or in some cases, corticosteroids.

See Also

• Flea
• Insect bite
• Plague
• Typhus