How to quickly reduce swelling and relieve itching from a flea bite
Nov 10, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, if bitten by fleas, you can take measures such as cleaning the bite area, applying local cold compresses,涂抹 garlic juice or aloe vera gel, using medications, and improving the environment to reduce swelling and relieve itching. Flea bites may be related to the presence of fleas in the environment, so it is important to maintain cleanliness, and frequently wash clothes, bed sheets, and other items.
Generally, if bitten by fleas, you can reduce swelling and itching by cleaning the bite area, applying local cold compresses,涂抹 garlic juice or aloe vera gel, using medications, and improving the environment. Specific methods are as follows:
1. Clean the bite area: Wash the affected area with mild soap and cold or lukewarm water to help remove residual flea saliva and reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Wash gently and avoid scratching to prevent worsening itching and swelling.
2. Apply cold compresses: Use an ice pack, wet towel, or normal saline-soaked gauze to apply cold compresses to the affected area for 10-15 minutes each time, multiple times daily. Cold compresses can constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and relieve itching and swelling.
3. Apply garlic juice or aloe vera gel: Garlic has certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; its juice may help alleviate inflammation following flea bites. Aloe vera gel contains various bioactive components, such as aloe polysaccharides and aloin, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and moisturizing effects.
4. Use medications: As directed by a physician, topical applications of calamine lotion, compound menthol camphor ointment, or flumethason pivalate cream may be used. These medications have soothing and anti-itch properties that help relieve discomfort. If itching is severe, oral administration of loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride capsules, or amoxicillin capsules may be considered to reduce systemic allergic reactions and combat infection.
5. Improve the environment: Fleas easily breed in favorable environments; eliminating flea breeding grounds can prevent re-infestation. Fleas prefer warm, humid, and dark environments and commonly infest pets, carpets, bedding, and similar areas.
Flea bites may be related to the presence of fleas in the environment; therefore, maintaining cleanliness and regularly changing clothes and bed sheets is important. Pesticides can be used to eliminate fleas and reduce the likelihood of being bitten again.
