Treating sand flea bites

Author: Christy White
Date Of Creation: 8 May 2021
Update Date: 14 May 2024
Anonim
How to Treat Sand Flea Bites - The Guardians Choice
Video: How to Treat Sand Flea Bites - The Guardians Choice

Content

Sand fleas are tiny, pesky crustaceans that are found on most beaches. When they bite, they leave behind saliva that causes itching and skin irritation. In some cases, the sand flea bites burrow into the skin to lay eggs. This can cause infections and more irritation. To treat sand flea bites, soften irritated skin. Get medical attention if symptoms get worse. You can try to prevent sand flea bites by going to the beach at the right times and covering your bare skin.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Soothe sand flea bites

  1. Do not scratch the bites. Many people want to scratch sand flea bites right away because they can cause itching and skin irritation. Do not scratch the bites as this can open them and make you more susceptible to infection.
  2. Apply calamine lotion. One way to soothe the itching and irritation of the bites is to apply calamine lotion. You can buy this lotion at the drugstore and it soothes the skin and itching.
    • To properly apply calamine lotion, read the directions on the package completely and then apply a small amount to the bites. Do not smear the lotion on the eyes, mouth and genitals.
    • Talk to your doctor before using calamine lotion on children under six months of age. Also consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  3. Try hydrocortisone cream. You can also soothe the itching by applying hydrocortisone cream to the area. That way you won't scratch the bites. Hydrocortisone cream can be obtained from the pharmacy.
    • To use the cream correctly, read the instructions on the packaging completely. Then gently spread the cream on the infected area. Wash your hands afterwards.
    • Talk to your doctor before using the cream if you are pregnant or taking any other medications.
    • Also, talk to your doctor before using the cream on children under 10 years old.
  4. Make a mixture of baking soda and water. A mixture of baking soda and water can help soothe itchy and irritated skin. To use baking soda and water to soothe sand flea bites, do the following:
    • Pour 300 grams of baking soda into a bathtub filled with cold water. Then sit in the water and soak your entire body in the mixture for about half an hour to an hour.
    • You can also mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Stir until a paste forms. Then spread the paste on your irritated skin. Let the paste sit on the skin for about 30 minutes and then rinse your skin with water.
  5. Take an oatmeal bath. You can also soothe skin irritation and itching by taking an oatmeal bath.Oatmeal contains antioxidants that have a soothing effect on the skin. To prepare an oatmeal bath, simply put 100 to 200 grams of oatmeal or oatmeal in a bathtub filled with warm water. Then sit in the bath for about an hour.
    • Do not use hot water as it can irritate your skin even more.
  6. Apply aloe vera to your skin. Aloe vera works great to soothe and heal various types of skin irritation. You can buy aloe vera gel at drugstores and health food stores. Gently spread the gel on the irritated area. This provides relief and softens the skin.
  7. Use essential oils. Certain essential oils such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and cedarwood oil can help reduce the skin irritation caused by sand flea bites. To do this, apply the essential oil to your irritated skin. Follow the directions on the package to determine the correct dose.
    • Always seek the advice of a doctor before using any essential oils for medicinal purposes, especially if you are pregnant.
    • If you are allergic or sensitive to anything, test the oil on a small area of ​​healthy skin first.
    • Most essential oils must be mixed with a carrier oil before they can be used on the skin to avoid irritation. Do not use undiluted essential oils on the skin unless directed by a professional.

Method 2 of 3: Get medical attention

  1. Check the bites for propagating sand fleas. Sand flea bites usually look like little red dots that look like mosquito bites. In some cases, however, a female flea can burrow into the skin to lay eggs. The eggs can cause severe irritation and infections. A bite with eggs in it looks like a swollen area with a small black dot in the center.
    • If you think a sand flea has burrowed into your skin, see your doctor to have it removed.
  2. See your doctor. Symptoms should resolve after applying hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. If this doesn't happen and the symptoms get worse, see your doctor right away. This could mean that the better infected or that you are allergic to sand flea saliva.
  3. Treat bites with an antihistamine cream. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine in the form of a cream to treat the bites. This cream soothes the irritation caused by an allergic reaction to the flea bites. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Method 3 of 3: Prevent sand flea bites

  1. Do not go to the beach at dawn and dusk. Sand fleas are most active in the early morning and evening when the temperature is slightly lower. To avoid sand flea bites, go to the beach in the middle of the day. You can still get bitten a few times, but less fleas will be active at this time.
    • Also, don't go to the beach when it rains. Sand fleas are most active in the cold and damp weather.
  2. Try an insect repellent. Insect repellent may help prevent sand fleas from biting you. Before going to the beach, spray insect repellent on your feet, ankles, and legs. Follow the directions on the package and look for an insect repellent specifically designed for sand fleas.
    • Also take it with you to the beach so you can reapply it after you swim.
  3. Cover your legs, feet and ankles. A good way to prevent sand flea bites is to cover your legs, feet, and ankles. Sand fleas can only jump 20 to 40 centimeters high, so you are unlikely to be bitten above your waist. Wear thin pants and sandals when walking on the beach. If you are laying on the beach, make sure to use a towel or blanket.

Tips

  • If the bites hurt, you can take painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol.