Most flea bites tend to heal on their own within 7 days, leaving behind no permanent scarring or marks. However, some people may experience flea bits that last significantly longer than this length of time. It’s downright frustrating when a full month has passes and you’re still suffering from the same itchy flea bite. If you’re struggling with one or more flea bites that won’t seem to go away, there are some measures you can take to encourage them to heal faster.
Why Flea Bites Won’t Go Away
The reason why some flea bites don’t heal within the normal 7-day period is because the host (you) responds with a more severe autoimmune attack. Each time a flea bites into a host, it released a protein-filled saliva. Certain hosts — people, dogs, cats, etc. — view this protein as a foreign invader, at which point it responds with inflammation, itching and other symptoms.
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the medical term for the allergic reactions caused by flea bites. FAD can range from mild to severe based on the host’s chemistry. People who experience severe FAD are more likely to experience flea bites that linger for 14 days, 21 days or even a full month. If you can’t seem to get rid of a flea bite, there’s a good chance you fall under this category.
Flea bites that won’t go away.
Common Flea Bite Symptoms:
- Clusters (usually in 3’s) of small red bumps
- Itching
- Swelling
- Flea bites typically turn white when pressed
- Ankles, legs and knees are ‘hot spots’ for flea bites
Don’t Scratch Your Flea Bites!
No matter how much it itches (and trust me, flea bites itch!), you should never scratch your flea bite. Doing so will only disturb the skin, causing the wound to grow deeper while leaving it vulnerable to infection.
If a flea bite is causing severe itching, try placing an ice cube directly over it for a couple of seconds. The cool sensation should numb the area to the point where it no longer itches. You can also apply a small amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream to help control the itching.
Treating Flea Bites That’ Won’t Go Away
Unfortunately, there’s no product or medicine that’s going to miraculously cure your flea bites. You must wait for your body to repair the damaged area, which takes both time and patience. In the meantime, don’t scratch your bites and use a hydrocortisone cream to control the itching.