A 34-year-old member asked:
Do flea bites spread?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Beth Summersanswered
Pediatrics 20 years experience
Depends: Flea bites result in red spots surrounded by reddened haloes. They are extremely itchy and cause great discomfort. Fleas often target the legs and feet of human victims and may infest the entire bodies of domestic house pets.Treating flea bites merely addresses one symptom of an infestation. Extermination methods should be conducted in conjunction with bite treatment to keep from spreading.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
Hot Springs National Park, AR
A 21-year-old female asked:
Can flea bites spread when scratched?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 24 years experience
No....: If they are truly flea bites, then no, only a hungry flea will spread them. If it is folliculitis instead, which is more common, then possibly can spread. Should see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Aiken, SC
A female asked:
Fleas, bites what can I do?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
Over-the-counter med: For flea bites, people use oral Claritin, Zyrtec, or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to block histamine that causes itching. Hydrocortisone 1% cream 2-3 times a day on the bites for about 5 days will help them go away. For more itch relief, one can put an anti-itch gel such as "Itch-X" on bites. Itch-X has an anesthetic to numb the itch. If bites are growing or painful, a doctor can evaluate.
571 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Sep 25, 2017
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