It is generally accepted that fleas live exclusively on animals. It's a delusion. The flea is able to exist on humans. In addition to the fact that its bites are quite unpleasant, the situation is aggravated by the fact that this insect is a carrier of many serious diseases.
General information about the human flea
The human flea is a specific type of flea that is found all over the place. Despite its modest size up to 3.5 mm, the insect is capable of jumping up to 30 cm in height and up to 50 cm in length. Fleas vary in color from light brown to black. Its life span can reach 513 days.
The original homeland of the flea is considered to be South America, and the original owners are guinea pigs. The flea is a dangerous parasite that carries the plague pathogen and also causes pulicosis, tularemia, anthrax, pseudotuberculosis, brucellosis, melioidosis and pasteurellosis.
This blood-sucking insect parasitizes on humans, dogs, cats, rats and other animals. Sometimes the flea also becomes an intermediate host for some types of helminths, which aggravates the danger from its bites.
What do human fleas look like?
It is not difficult to recognize a flea. She has a smooth and narrow body, somewhat flattened at the sides. All over the body of the insect there are bristles and tiny spines. They are designed so that the flea can move around and not slip off its carrier.
The head and chest of the insect are covered with jagged ridges, which are also called ktendia. On the front of the parasite's head are "antennas". During the hunt, fleas use them to find the most unprotected place of the victim. In a calm state, the "antennas" hide in the antennae pits.
Symptoms and characteristic bite marks also help to recognize the insect. A flea bite is a small red speck, slightly swollen and compacted, which quickly disappears, leaving almost no traces. But the sensation of a bite is much more serious. First - a sharp injection, similar to a syringe injection, and then - itching and unbearable burning sensation. In addition, the flea bite is by no means isolated - the insect leaves a characteristic line of bites.
Flea-affected areas require mandatory treatment. First of all, they must be thoroughly washed with soap. After that, the bite site is treated with an antiseptic to prevent infection. Next, a cold compress is applied to the affected area, and best of all, ice. But the best option would be ointments that quickly relieve inflammation and eliminate itching. Sulfuric ointment and hydrocortisone-based products have proven themselves well. In the event that an allergic reaction occurs, doctors usually prescribe antihistamines.
