Flea bites cause small raised reddish spots with a puncture mark in the center, often appearing around ankles and legs. Fleas feed on blood, causing a rash-like appearance and itchiness. Pets may show symptoms such as bald patches and frequent scratching.
One of the most significant symptoms of a flea bite is the appearance of a small raised reddish spot on the skin with a small puncture mark in the center. The bite might itch, and bleeding can result from constant scratching. If an individual is allergic to flea bites, hives can develop in the surrounding area. Flea bites usually appear in multiples and often occur around the ankles, legs, and along other body joints. While the symptoms are similar between humans and animals, pets can show many other signs, such as bald patches of fur.
Fleas feed mainly on blood and eat by biting the skin and sucking. The pressure causes the skin to lift, creating a small bump. The puncture wound is usually large enough to be seen with the naked eye and is typically identified as a small red-black scab in the center of the bump. The red discoloration of a flea bite is due to both damage to the skin and irritation caused by the flea’s saliva. Fleas usually feed on multiple areas of the body, causing a rash-like appearance on bites.
Flea saliva can be a powerful irritant and is usually the cause of the most painful symptoms of a flea bite. The bites can be very itchy, and scratching the tender skin can cause more damage. It is not uncommon for wounds to crack on scratched bites; depending on the individual, this can eventually result in scarring. People who are allergic to flea saliva may also develop hives, which show up as red spots on the skin. The hives themselves can be inflamed and cause additional itching.
Flea bite symptoms usually appear in the lower parts of the human body, as these are the areas most accessible to fleas carried by pets. Depending on the number and activity level of the fleas, bites can travel the entire length of the leg. It is also possible for fleas to find their way to higher areas of the body, particularly if an individual likes to carry their pet.
It is often more difficult to spot flea bites on a pet, as the bites tend to be covered in fur. Telltale symptoms include frequent scratching, small amounts of blood on the pet’s fur, and bald spots where the scratching is most vigorous. The skin around a flea bite may be more sensitive, causing animals to jerk when touched in the bitten areas.
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