Flea Medication for Humans

Humans need flea medication as much as animals do. These wingless parasites can hop on people as well. This means that if you’re working in a farm or anywhere else closely to animals then chances are you might have experienced a flea infestation one time or another. Take note that fleas deliver more than just itchy red spots on your skin when they get a chance to bite you. They can transmit several infectious diseases known to man.

Communicable Diseases

Since fleas aren’t picky with their meal, they can prey on dogs, cats, wild animals, and human beings as well. Some of the communicable diseases that these parasitic critters can transmit include the bubonic plague, tapeworm, and typhus. The most common complaint that patients report are the itchy reddened spots on their skin. Take note that these flea bites can get infected. This further adds to the need for flea medication for people as well for animals.

Typical Target Areas

Remember that human fleas usually have specific areas on the human body that they love to bite. Those who have fallen prey to these blood sucking parasitic animals are usually bitten on their feet and ankles. Other common areas of the body include the elbows, armpits, and even behind the knees.

Seeking Medical Help

Patients do not always need to rush to their doctor whenever they are bitten by human fleas. If one only experiences the regular itch out of human flea bites then over the counter medications will do just fine. Those who develop an allergic reaction to flea bites can take antihistamines while those who just want to get relief from the itch can apply anti-itch creams.

There are certain conditions that one has to watch out for before calling on the doctor. One symptom that requires medical aid is when the bite area develops pus, which is a clear indication of an infection. You have to call your doctor when you experience this symptom as it may be a sign of an even more serious condition.

Other symptoms that require your doctor’s attention include tiredness, fever, joint pain, flat rashes, and muscular pain. These are symptoms of a more serious condition such as an endemic typhus.

Immediate Treatment

Immediate treatment and flea medication for bites on humans includes thorough washing of the bitten area. This will help prevent the occurrence of an infection. To get rid of the swelling, a patient may apply an ice pack to the swelling bitten area of the skin. Remember that you should never scratch the bitten area as this may lead to secondary infections and open wounds.

Some of the common medications that people use include anesthetic creams and calamine lotion. Other flea medications that people usually use include Lanacane, Bengay, and other anesthetic creams. Antihistamines such as Benadryl are often used to reduce the itching and swelling. Other people use ibuprofen gels, Xylocaine, and Hydrocortizone to treat the itch and inflammation. Your doctor can prescribe appropriate medication for more serious cases.

Fleas in House