How to Treat Flea Bites in Humans?: While fleas do not usually feed on humans. But if your pet has brought them home, it is highly likely that you and your family members will be bitten at some point or another. Flea bites can be extremely itchy and cause a lot of discomfort. In rare cases, fleas that come from rodents can result in typhus, an infectious disease. Although this disease is treatable, it can be fatal, particularly when it occurs in young children or patients or the elderly with compromised immunity. Fortunately, there are home remedies that can treat flea bites in humans, soothe itching and prevent allergies and potential infections.
Natural Treatments for Flea Bites in Humans
Here is a look at some of the best natural remedies to treat flea bites in humans:
1. Ice Packs
When fleas bite you, it can not only cause severe itchiness but also swelling and inflammation. This is especially true of those who have sensitive skin. Thankfully, an ice pack can go a long way in relieving these discomforts (especially swelling) and numb the area bitten.
- Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected area.
- Leave it on for a few minutes and then remove it.
- Apply the pack again.
- Repeat until you get relief from the symptoms.
- You can also use a bag of frozen peas. Just make sure that you cover it with a towel or dishcloth.
Related: How to Get Rid of Chiggers? How to Treat Chigger Bites?
2. Aloe Vera
As you know, aloe vera is known for its magical healing powers, especially when it comes to problems that affect the skin. It has been used for centuries to treat everything from pimples and acne to conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Now, you know that you can also use aloe vera to treat flea bites in humans. It effectively helps in easing the redness and swelling that comes with these bites.
- Scoop out fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf.
- Apply the gel all over the affected area.
- Leave it on for a couple of hours.
- Wash off with water.
- Repeat 2 times a day for 2 to 3 days or until your condition improves.
Related: 10 Natural Home Remedies for Spider Bite Treatment
3. Rubbing Alcohol
When fleas bite, they leave red, itchy bumps that you often cannot resist scratching. This can cause an open wound to develop. Rubbing alcohol is a superb home remedy that you can use to dry the bites. This in turn can help in preventing an infection from developing. Rubbing alcohol can also relieve the itching and swelling that comes with flea bites.
- Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.
- Apply it all over the affected area and allow it to dry naturally.
- Repeat as often as necessary until the bites dry up.
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4. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is another useful and effective natural remedy for a wide range of skin conditions. It is also great to treat flea bites in humans as it can greatly alleviate itching and keep you from scratching the bites and creating an open wound, which can get infected later on. It can also help get rid of the bacteria that can cause infections. To ease itching and soothe your skin after being bitten by fleas, go for witch hazel.
- Soak a cotton ball with 1 or 2 teaspoons of witch hazel tincture.
- Apply it gently all over the affected area and allow it to sit for a couple of hours.
- Wash off with cool water and pat dry.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times a day.
- Continue until the bites are gone.
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5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an ingredient for home remedies that treat various skin conditions. It has natural properties that can help in relieving the symptoms of flea bites and also prevent infection. It is also extremely effective in relieving itching. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help with any infection caused by excessive scratching.
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
- Apply it on the affected area and let it sit for several hours.
- Wash it off with cool water.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times a day until the bites are gone.
Related: Follow These Soothing Home Remedies for Itchy Skin for a Fast Relief
6. Garlic and Honey
Garlic contains volatile oils like allicin, allinase, and allin and other sulphurous compounds – all of which give the herb its powerful curative properties. Crushed fresh garlic forms allicin, which is the key ingredient that speeds up the healing process. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Honey too is an excellent antibacterial and antimicrobial agent. Together, these two ingredients make a very effective remedy to treat flea bites in humans.
- Take 2 garlic pods and crush to make a soft paste.
- Add 2 teaspoons of pure, raw honey and mix well to form a thick paste.
- Apply it on the areas with flea bites and allow it to sit for a few hours.
- Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days or until you notice an improvement.
Related: How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy – 11 Home Remedies for Poison Ivy
7. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda is a mild alkaline that helps in nullifying the flea bite’s toxic effects and relieving itching. Vinegar, on the other hand, has been used for centuries as a home remedy for treating a wide range of skin inflictions and conditions like eczema. It has a soothing effect on flea bites and helps relieve the pain and itching. When combined, baking soda and vinegar are a great remedy for this condition.
- Sprinkle some water in 2 teaspoons of baking powder to form a thick paste.
- Take 1 teaspoon of vinegar and mix with a small amount of water.
- Add the vinegar mixture to the baking powder paste and mix well.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for a couple of hours.
- Repeat 2 times a day for 3 to 4 days.
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As mentioned earlier, flea bites are not serious unless you are allergic or have scratched them to the point of creating an open wound, which can let bacteria in and result in an infection. Simple and safe home remedies are effective in treating this problem providing relief from itching, swelling, redness, inflammation, and pain. If you have been bitten by fleas from your pet, treat them quickly with these natural remedies and take quick measures to eliminate these parasites from your furry friend as well. If you happen to know any other tried and tested home remedies that treat flea bites in humans, share them with us!