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Flea bite Overview
Fleas are bloodsucking insects that live on pets, livestock and humans. They are small 1–4 mm (1/16 to 1/8 in.) in length and blackish brown. Even though wingless, fleas are capable of taking a big leaps, jumping to a height of several meters. The adult fleas feed only on blood and are capable of going long periods without feeding.
Fleas that live on humans (Pulex irritans) are relatively not common. The species that humans are most likely to encounter is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) which also infests dogs. Humans may also encounter the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis) or the rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis). Cat, dog and rat fleas do not live on people but they will bite a human if they encounter one and are looking for a blood meal.
Fleas most often bite people around the legs and the ankles. Resulting red bump is an allergic reaction to flea saliva. The bites which are usually, but not always will felt immediately become increasingly irritated and may remain sore and/or itchy for as long as a week. Itching may be just at the site of the bites or more generalized in nature.
If you are suffering from flea bites you may be experiencing what you see on the images below. The flea bite pictures will help determine if you have been attacked by these little monsters. Please note that other issues like allergic reactions or bug bites, can also look like flea bites. If you’re not sure of the real cause, you should have your doctor check for symptoms. What flea bites look like? You will find the flea bite images below.
read more about Flea Bites: A red halo on a flea bite
A red halo on Flea bite pictures
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.
Signs and Symptoms
Flea bites are small, raised, red bumps that are firm to the touch. The redness disappears when pressure is applied. Flea bites can be extremely itchy and may show signs of bleeding. Flea bites usually occur around the ankles and lower legs. Other common locations for flea bites include the area around the waist, armpits, creases of the elbows, and behind the knees.
read more about Flea Bites: Symptoms, Pictures, Treatments and Prevention
Flea bites produce a variety of effects, ranging from a small, temporary red bump to long-term symptoms that may last for years depending on the sensitivity of the person bitten. The area of skin affected may increase over time, or the rash may spread to a different area. Flea bites can take a very long time to heal up and can sometimes evolve into “persistent bite reactions.” Itching and swelling may occur at the sites of older bites when the person is bitten again.
