How to Treat Flea Bites
Wash the area of the flea bite with warm soapy water., Try calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream., Ask your doctor or pharmacist about antihistamines for severe itching., Avoid scratching in and around the affected area.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Wash the area of the flea bite with warm soapy water.
Apply an antiseptic and an ice pack to reduce the swelling.
If you don't have an icepack, just wrap some ice in an elastic bandage or place it in a plastic bag.
You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables.
Put the ice on for 10 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes.
Repeat this cycle twice over the course of an hour..
Make sure that the water is not too hot as this can actually aggravate the inflamed areas on your skin. -
Step 2: Try calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
Either of these ointments, which you can get at your local drugstore, may ease the itching of your flea bite.
Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid cream, while calamine lotion uses ferric oxide to treat mild itchiness.
Both are available over-the-counter (OTC) and are safe to use in quantities directed by the manufacturer. , Sometimes, flea bites itch so severely that you need to take an oral antihistamine.
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide suggestions for OTC or prescription solutions.
Some antihistamines that you might consider include:
Diphenhydramine.
Diphenhydramine is OTC and provides quick relief for most itching, but often makes users drowsy.
Look for the non-drowsy version.
Tripelennamin hydrochloride is another OTC drug, and similar to Diphenhydramine.
Tripelennamin hydrochloride is taken orally.
Hydroxyzine is prescription only.
If your itching becomes severe and you need relief that OTC antihistamines can't give you, ask your doctor about Hydroxyzine, which works by reducing the natural histamines in the body. , It can damage the skin and allow infection to occur.
Use an over the counter itch relief product like Calamine lotion or one containing hydrocortisone to relieve the itching instead. -
Step 3: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about antihistamines for severe itching.
-
Step 4: Avoid scratching in and around the affected area.
Detailed Guide
Apply an antiseptic and an ice pack to reduce the swelling.
If you don't have an icepack, just wrap some ice in an elastic bandage or place it in a plastic bag.
You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables.
Put the ice on for 10 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes.
Repeat this cycle twice over the course of an hour..
Make sure that the water is not too hot as this can actually aggravate the inflamed areas on your skin.
Either of these ointments, which you can get at your local drugstore, may ease the itching of your flea bite.
Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid cream, while calamine lotion uses ferric oxide to treat mild itchiness.
Both are available over-the-counter (OTC) and are safe to use in quantities directed by the manufacturer. , Sometimes, flea bites itch so severely that you need to take an oral antihistamine.
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide suggestions for OTC or prescription solutions.
Some antihistamines that you might consider include:
Diphenhydramine.
Diphenhydramine is OTC and provides quick relief for most itching, but often makes users drowsy.
Look for the non-drowsy version.
Tripelennamin hydrochloride is another OTC drug, and similar to Diphenhydramine.
Tripelennamin hydrochloride is taken orally.
Hydroxyzine is prescription only.
If your itching becomes severe and you need relief that OTC antihistamines can't give you, ask your doctor about Hydroxyzine, which works by reducing the natural histamines in the body. , It can damage the skin and allow infection to occur.
Use an over the counter itch relief product like Calamine lotion or one containing hydrocortisone to relieve the itching instead.
About the Author
Noah Cooper
A seasoned expert in technology and innovation, Noah Cooper combines 2 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Noah's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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