While flea bites effect everyone differently, itching, pain and inflammation are some of the most commonly reported symptoms. People who have Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) — a condition in which the autoimmune system attacks the flea bite area — tend to experience these symptoms to greater degree. Whether your flea bites cause minor or severe symptoms, however, the constant itching and dull pain is enough to drive anyone crazy.
Warning: Don’t Scratch Your Flea Bites!
I know this is easier said than done, but you must refrain from scratching your flea bites. Scratching may offer some temporary relief of the itching sensation, but it will only make things worse in the long run. The itching will soon come back in full force, stronger than ever, and to make matters worse, scratching can turn them into open infection-prone wounds.
Regardless of how bad they itch, do not attempt to scratch your flea bites. Scratching will only make them worse, as it destroys the barrier of skin protecting you from outside germs
Wash The Affected Area
If you’re suffering from itching, painful flea bites, you should first wash the affected area with warm water and soap. This will wash away any germs lingering on the surface of your skin, protecting you against infection.
Washing flea bites with warm water and soap will also soothe the itching and pain sensations they create. The warm water draws blood to the surface; thereby relieving the itching feeling associated with flea bites.
Apply Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid ointment that reduces hormones in the body which cause inflammation. From poison ivy to mosquito and flea bites, hydrocortisone cream is a versatile product that can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. The next time you notice a flea bite, apply a small amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream directly over the area and cover it with a bandage to prevent it from rubbing off. You should notice an improvement in the pain, itching and swelling within minutes. Reapply as needed according to the product’s instruction label.
Aloe
Many people have reported success using aloe vera or lotions/creams containing aloe vera when treating their flea bite symptoms. If you have access to an aloe vera plant, break off a leaf and apply the gel to the bite. The gel-like substance contains water, antioxidants and beneficial vitamins, all of which are believed to offer relief of flea bite symptoms.