Flea Bites

Fleas often attack the feet, ankles and legs as they are easy targets, being close to the ground. These photos show what flea bites on the feet can look like.

What do Flea Bites Look Like – Flea Bite Pictures

This page contains flea bite pictures that illustrate what bites can look like on different parts of the body. If you’re wondering what flea bites look like, then you have come to the right place. Feel free to send me a mail with comments to these pictures if you have anything to add, or if you want to submit your own photos. Your feedback can make this site even better and is always appreciated.

Flea bite pictures

If you are suffering from flea bites, you may be experiencing what you see on the images. These flea bite pictures will help determine if you have been attacked by these little monsters. Please note that other issues, like allergic reactions or other bug bites, can also look like flea bites. If you’re unsure of the cause, you should have your doctor look at it. So what do flea bites look like? Take a look at the pictures below.

Flea bites on humans

Fleas often attack the feet, ankles and legs as they are easy targets, being close to the ground. These photos show what flea bites on the feet can look like.

Don’t scratch the bites as they may get infected and look even worse. Avoid big scars once the wounds heal.

After the feet, naturally, the fleas will start moving up to your ankles. The itching and scratching continues.

If your health insurer denies your claim or treatment, you have very little time to act. Appeals to Medicare must be filed within 90 days in the most lenient states, with even shorter deadlines in some states, and many insurers and healthcare providers will turn over unpaid medical bills to collection agencies after just 60 days, the AARP

Every case is different, depending on the extend of the bite area, so your bites may look slightly different.

So what do flea bites look like on the legs? These images show some unlucky people who have been bitten in this common area.

As you can see on the next couple of flea bite pictures, the fleas have reached the stomach area. Some people get bitten here without having bites on the feet or legs first. If you have a pet that sleeps in your bed, this is a common problem. Be sure to treat your pet every month to avoid this.

The next image shows what an arm can look like after a flea attack. Fleas can bite any part of the body.

Treating flea bites on humans

Flea bites can be very annoying to some people and others may have no symptoms at all. This is because some people are naturally immune to the bites. In others, the body produces histamine in reaction to the protein and enzymes in flea saliva. This causes itchiness, swelling, redness and other symptoms. Here are some steps you can take to treat flea bites and get relief from pain and inflammation:

RECOMMENDED: Here are 10 effective products that can help you get rid of fleas quickly.

• Wash the skin (bitten area) with cool or tepid water.
• Apply mild antibacterial soap.
• Pat the skin dry gently.
• Apply some Calendula ointment or lotion on the blisters.
• If nothing is available, you can also ice the skin. Wrap the ice cube in a thin, clean cloth and gently press it on the bitten area. Ice the region for at least 20 minutes. The cool sensation will reduce pain and prevent swelling.
• You can also apply soothing Aloe vera gel on the bites. Aloe vera is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This reduces pain and prevents secondary infections.
• For very severe bites, you can apply hydrocortisone cream that is available over-the-counter. This will reduce itchiness and redness. Do not use steroidal creams for more than 3 days as they get absorbed by the skin and could have adverse side effects.
• If you have been bitten all over the body, you can soak in a tub bath filled with warm water added with a cup of colloidal oatmeal. Oatmeal soothes the itch and inflammation. You can also use Aveeno colloidal oatmeal body wash to soothe the skin.
• As far as possible, do not scratch the bites. This could lead to secondary skin infections.

What do flea bites look like on dogs?

If you suspect your pet has been bitten, this next image illustrates what flea bites on dogs can look like.

This last photo shows how fleas usually get to you and inside your home. If you have found fleas, act now before the flea infestation gets out of hand. Here are 10 easy ways to get rid of them.

Treating flea bites on pets

Flea bite allergy is painful and irritating to pets. It causes severe itchiness and in some cases, hair loss. The good news is that you can prevent all these complications by treating your pet with a flea product such as flea drops. For existing bites and allergic reactions, use the following remedies:

• Bathe your pet with a mild shampoo containing soothing ingredients like Aloe vera, witch hazel, rosemary essential oil, lavender oil, or oatmeal.
• You can apply some Aloe gel directly on the lesions.
• Alternatively, dab on some Calendula or Calamine/Caladryl lotion on the bites.
• Witch hazel is also soothing and can calm the irritation and pain.
• Coconut oil can help reduce dry, flaky scabs.
• Feed your pet homeopathic supplements with Sulphur 30c potency. A few pellets can show results in a short time – simply place the pellets in your pet’s gums. You can administer the medicine 2-3 times a day safely.
• Some vets also recommend a multivitamin/multi-mineral supplement to dogs and cats. This makes them immune to flea bites. Discuss this with your vet first. In general, pills with Vitamin B1 can be beneficial. Vitamin C acts as a detoxifier and immune builder.
• Brewer’s yeast is also effective. It is rich in B-vitamins and makes pets more immune to flea bites.
• Pets prone to flea allergy dermatitis can also be given Evening primrose oil or Vitamin B5 supplements.

Herbs for flea control in pets

I am a big proponent of natural, herbal treatment and prevention when it comes to our pets health. Here are some effective natural solutions:

• Make a flea collar with eucalyptus oil. The strong scent of the oil is repulsive to fleas. Re-treat the collar with eucalyptus oil every 3 days.
• Juniper, cedarwood, Citronella, germanium, lavender and eucalyptus oils are great for flea control in dogs. For cats, only use lavender oil. All essential oils mentioned here should be diluted and are for external use only. Never use Pennyroyal oil on or near cats as it is toxic to felines.

I hope your question as to what flea bites look like has been answered. Read more about flea bite treatment.

Flea Bites

Flea bites are small, discolored bumps on your skin that come from fleas feeding on your blood. Fleas are small insects known as vectors (living things that carry diseases between animals and humans). Vectors often carry infections through blood.

• Appointments 216.444.5725
• Appointments & Locations
• Request an Appointment

Overview

Flea bites are small, discolored bumps on your skin caused by an insect feeding on your blood.

What are flea bites?

Flea bites are small, discolored bumps on your skin that come from a flea feeding on your blood.

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects. They are dark brown or black and have flat bodies. They have six legs, strong claws on the bottoms of their legs that allow them to hold onto a host and mouthparts that pierce your skin and feed on your blood. Their hind legs are longer and stronger than their legs in the middle and the front, allowing them to jump over 12 inches.

There are more than 2,500 flea species in the world and more than 300 species in the United States.

Flea bites rarely cause any lasting harm. They cause mild annoyance and irritation for a short period. However, flea bites can be dangerous because they may spread diseases that can be serious or even fatal.

Where are fleas found?

Fleas are most active when the weather is warm. Outside, fleas prefer cool, damp areas with a lot of shade. They live around trees, leaves, tall grass and shrubs. Fleas hop onto animals when they walk by these areas.

On dogs, cats and other animals, fleas live around the ears, neck, back and belly (abdomen). Once inside your home, fleas may jump off an infested animal and hide. They often hide in carpet, furniture, bedding and cracks in the floor.

Why do fleas bite?

Male and female fleas feed on blood. Female fleas lay eggs after feeding on blood. In some flea species, especially the species that commonly bother dogs and cats, baby fleas (larvae) feed on blood-rich adult flea poop (feces). Flea poop is also called flea dirt.

Do fleas bite humans?

Fleas bite humans. However, the flea species that commonly bother dogs and cats don’t live on humans. Dogs and cats have much more hair than humans. Fleas like animals with a lot of fur because fur allows them to hide easily.

What happens when a flea bites you?

Fleas have strong claws on the ends of their legs that they use to hold onto a host. Their mouthparts include a tiny needle (proboscis) that pierces your skin, sucks your blood and secretes saliva into your bloodstream.

Why do flea bites itch?

When a flea secretes saliva into your bloodstream, your body registers the saliva as an allergen. Your immune system then sends the chemical histamine to the area where the flea bit you to remove the allergen from your body. Histamine is what causes your flea bites to itch and swell. Most people have a flea bite allergy.

Who is at risk of being bitten by a flea?

Fleas prefer to bite animals. If there isn’t an animal in the area, fleas will bite anyone. The following factors attract fleas:

• Body heat.
• Breathing (carbon dioxide or CO2).
• Movement.
• Vibrations.

Symptoms and Causes

What do flea bites look like on humans?

After a flea bites you, a small, discolored bump forms. A discolored ring or halo may appear around the bite. Flea bites may appear in a straight line or a cluster of many bites.

Flea bites most commonly occur on your legs, especially your feet, calves and ankles. Flea bites rarely appear above your knee, unless you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.

What causes a flea bite?

Male and female fleas bite. They feed on your blood as part of their diet. Female fleas lay eggs after feeding on blood. In some flea species, flea babies feed on adult flea poop, which contains blood.

What are the symptoms of a flea bite?

The symptoms of a flea bite vary. If the flea has a disease or an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms may be more severe.

Common symptoms include:

• Itchy and irritated skin.
• A discolored ring around the bite.

More severe symptoms can include:

• An allergic reaction (hives, rash, shortness of breath and swelling).
• Infection of a disease carried by a flea (fever, headache, body aches, rashes, nausea, abdominal pain, weight loss, dizziness and weakness can accompany various diseases).

Diagnosis and Tests

How can you tell if it’s a flea bite?

Flea bites are slightly more unique than other common insect bites. After a flea bites you, a small, discolored bump typically forms. A discolored ring may form around the bite. Flea bites don’t swell to the size of mosquito bites.

Flea bites are also unique because of their bite pattern and location. Flea bites often appear in a straight line or a cluster. Fleas are more likely to bite you on your legs, especially your feet, calves and ankles.

It’s important to examine your pets. If your pets are scratching more than normal and restless, it’s a good idea to check them for fleas. If your pet has fleas and you have bites on your legs, you likely have flea bites.

Management and Treatment

How are flea bites treated?

Flea bites typically don’t need treatment. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams or ointments and antihistamines can relieve itchy skin and discomfort. However, see your healthcare provider if more severe symptoms develop after a bite (allergic reaction, fever, headache or body aches).

How do I stop flea bites from itching?

Don’t scratch your flea bites. You risk breaking your skin and exposing yourself to infection. If you accidentally break your skin, keep the area clean by washing it with soap and water and covering your flea bites with a bandage. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have an infected flea bite.

Flea bites only last a few days. However, there are many over-the-counter products or home remedies that can stop flea bites from itching.

Home remedies are safe for most people. However, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying some of the following options to get rid of your flea bites. You may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction on your skin.

• Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a popular flea bite treatment. Histamine is a chemical created by your immune system. Your body releases histamine after it encounters an allergen. Histamine is what makes flea bites itch. You can take an antihistamine as a pill, or you can apply it directly to your flea bite as a cream or ointment.
• Hydrocortisone: Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid combined with an anesthetic pain reliever. It relieves itching and swelling. You can apply it directly to your flea bite as a cream or ointment.
• Ice: Ice can slow down the amount of blood that flows to an area. It reduces inflammation, pain, swelling and itchiness. Apply an ice pack covered in a light towel over the area for at least 10 minutes for flea bite relief.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a succulent plant. The gel in its leaves contains salicylic acid, which relieves itching and pain. You can apply aloe gel directly to your flea bite.
• Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea contains dried chamomile flowers. The dried chamomile flowers contain terpenoids and flavonoids, which are natural chemicals that have antioxidant and antihistamine properties. To treat a flea bite, add a chamomile tea bag to water. Let the tea bag steep for at least 20 minutes until the water is a rich gold-brown color. Remove the tea bag from the water and squeeze the tea bag to remove excess water. Press the tea bag to your flea bites for at least 10 minutes, and then wipe your bites with a clean towel. Put the wet tea bag in a container in your refrigerator so that you can reuse it on your bites throughout the day.
• Honey: Honey has many properties that relieve itching and pain. Honey contains an enzyme called catalase, which provides relief for minor inflammation. Put on enough unprocessed honey to lightly cover your flea bites. To avoid accidentally creating a sticky mess, you can also put a bandage on top of your honey-covered flea bites.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal contains properties that can soothe itchy flea bites. The best way to use oatmeal to treat your flea bites is to grind it into a fine powder (colloidal oatmeal) in a blender or food processor. Mix the oatmeal powder with warm water until it becomes a thick, sticky paste. Apply enough of the oatmeal paste to completely cover your flea bites. After at least 10 minutes, wipe off the paste with a clean towel.

Prevention

How do I stop getting bitten by fleas?

To stop flea bites, you must get rid of the fleas. Fleas are more likely to bite your pet. Check your pet for fleas around their ears, neck, back, and belly. Part your pet’s fur and look around its skin. If you find fleas, here are some removal options:

• Flea comb: The tines on a flea comb are very close together. When you brush your pet’s fur, fleas get stuck in the tines. If you see fleas in the comb, dunk the comb in a bowl of soapy water.
• Flea shampoo: Soak your pet in warm water and thoroughly apply a flea shampoo. Avoid getting shampoo in your pet’s eyes and mouth.
• Medicine: Give your pet over-the-counter or prescription flea medicines. Some medicines are oral (taken by mouth). Other medicines are topical (put on the skin).
• Wash the bedding: Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water every few days. Wash your bedding in hot water, too, especially if your pet sleeps with you. Dry the bedding on the highest heat setting.
• Vacuum: Use a strong vacuum to thoroughly clean your carpets, rugs and fabric furniture. When you finish, immediately empty the vacuum’s contents into a bag, seal it and throw it away outside.

Bed bug bites vs. flea bites

Like fleas, bed bugs feed off your blood and secrete saliva into your bloodstream. Bed bug bites look similar to flea bites. However, bed bug bites often exhibit a distinct line or zigzag pattern. Bed bugs are active at night, and they’ll bite your exposed skin while you’re sleeping, including your face, hands, arms, feet and legs.

Flea bites vs. mosquito bites

Mosquitos are small, flying insects. They also feed off your blood and secrete saliva into your bloodstream. Mosquito bites look a little different than flea bites. After a mosquito bites you, a small, raised bump forms. The raised bump may change colors, and you can sometimes see a small, dark spot in the center. The dark spot is where the bite occurred.

Living With

How do fleas spread disease?

Fleas spread disease through their bites. Fleas are vectors (living things that carry diseases between animals and humans). Vectors often carry infections through blood. Many of the creatures classified as vectors are bloodsuckers. Other vectors include ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies.

In rare cases, fleas can spread tapeworms and other parasites to animals and people. Parasites can spread if a person or animal were to swallow an infected flea accidentally. In houses with a flea infestation, young children are more likely to get a parasite than adults. Young children spend more time on the floor, and fleas like to hide in carpets and cracks.

What types of diseases can be spread by flea bites?

Fleas sometimes carry diseases that can infect humans. Some of those diseases include:

Plague

Plague most commonly affects small rodents in Africa, Asia, North America and South America. Most human cases of plague in the United States occur in the western part of the country, especially in rural New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon and Nevada. Infected fleas can transmit plague to humans. Humans can also get plague after handling an infected animal. Symptoms of plague include:

• Flu-like symptoms like fever, aches and chills.
• Low blood pressure.
• Bleeding under the skin or other organs.
• Weakness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain in the chest and/or abdomen.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.

Endemic murine typhus

Endemic murine typhus commonly occurs in warm coastal areas in tropical and subtropical regions. Most cases in the United States occur in southern California and Texas. Infected fleas transmit endemic murine typhus to humans through flea poop. Infected flea poop enters your body through broken skin — typically from scratching a flea bite — or by inhaling it through your mouth or nose. Symptoms of endemic murine typhus include:

• General discomfort.
• Headache.
• Pain in your muscles and/or joints.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Fever and/or chills.
• Rash.
• Cough.

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD)

CSD commonly occurs throughout the world. In moderate climates, more cases occur during the fall and winter seasons. In tropical climates, cases occur throughout the year. Fleas pass on the bacteria _Bartonella _to cats. Fleas can sometimes pass the bacteria to dogs or other animals. Infected cats also pass the bacteria during fights with other cats. Cats — especially kittens — pass the infection to humans through a bite or scratch. Symptoms of CSD include:

• A small, discolored blister or pimple near the scratch or bite.
• Swollen, painful lymph nodes.
• General discomfort.
• Fever.
• Night sweats.
• Weight loss.

Parasites

Tapeworm larvae and the larvae of other parasites sometimes infect fleas. Infected fleas can spread parasites to animals and humans. Animals and humans must swallow an infected flea to acquire a parasite. Animals may swallow an infected flea while grooming. Humans rarely acquire parasites from infected fleas. Most cases involve children, who spend more time on the ground around places where fleas hide. Symptoms of parasites include:

• Nausea.
• Weakness.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal pain.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

You should see a healthcare provider if you experience an allergic reaction to flea bites or develop symptoms of a disease or parasite carried by fleas.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Flea bites are an itchy, annoying problem for you and your pets. In most cases, flea bites are ultimately harmless. But you shouldn’t scratch your flea bites. You can relieve your itch with many over-the-counter or home remedies. Contact your healthcare provider if your bite symptoms last longer than a few days or if you develop an allergic reaction or other symptoms.

Everything You Need to Know About Fleabites

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

How we vet brands and products

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

Was this helpful?

Flea bites are itchy bites that tend to appear in clusters. Scratching the bites can cause an infection, which may result in a rash or blisters.

Fleas are tiny bugs. They don’t grow much larger than the tip of a pen, and they range from light brown to almost black in color.

They don’t have wings, so they get around by jumping from place to place.

Their thin, flat bodies and hard shells mean you often need to squeeze them between fingernails or two hard surfaces to kill them. Even then, where there is one, many often follow.

Fleas reproduce quickly, especially if you have pets in the house. But even if you don’t have pets, your yard can potentially play host to fleas, and you may end up with a bunch of mysterious bites.

They’re almost impossible to get rid of without a pesticide treatment.

Fleabites have several common symptoms. They are very itchy, and the skin around each bite may become sore or painful. You may experience hives or develop a rash near the site of a bite.

Scratching a lot can further damage the skin and potentially cause a bacterial infection in the area of the bite.

Avoid scratching if you can. Monitor your bites for signs of an infection, including white-topped blisters or a rash.

Fleabites are pretty distinctive. They look like small, red bumps in clusters of three or four or a straight line. The bumps remain small, unlike mosquito bites.

You might notice a red “halo” around the bite center. The most common places to find these bites are around the legs or ankles. Fleabites are also common around the waist, armpits, breasts, groin, or in the folds of the elbows and knees.

For humans, the risk of contracting another disease from the flea is very small. Yet bacteria can get into your body through the bite and cause an infection, especially if you scratch it. An infected bite will turn red, warm, and it may release pus.

Fleabites can also cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to them. Symptoms can range from raised welts on the skin to difficulty breathing.

Fleabites can also cause complications in pets, such as allergic reactions and even anemia from blood loss. That’s why it’s important to take animals to a vet if they have fleas.

If you have a four-legged furry animal in your home, you’ll probably know exactly where you have fleas.

Fleas prefer to live on your dog or cat, but they can also take up residence on another animals, or on you. If the population grows, fleas can branch out and begin living in carpets, bedding, or your yard.

A bad flea infestation can be very obvious. Try walking on your carpet wearing white socks. Look at your socks afterward. If you see tiny black bugs, those are likely fleas.

Fleabites in dogs look a lot like they do on human skin. They form tiny red bumps, sometimes with a red circle around them.

It can be harder to spot these bites underneath your pet’s thick fur. One telltale sign that your dog has been bitten is a lot of scratching. You may also see missing areas of fur or redness on the animal’s skin.

A hunt through your dog’s fur with a flea comb will reveal these tiny critters. You’re most likely to find them on your pet’s neck, belly, lower back, and on the base of the tail.

If you don’t see the actual fleas, you may spot their droppings, or “dirt.” They look like tiny specks of black pepper on your dog’s skin.

Yes, fleas will bite pet-less humans, too. If you don’t have a pet, your fleabites could be coming from your yard or another person’s animal.

Fleas prefer tall grass and shaded areas near decks, woodpiles, or storage buildings.

Just as pet owners have to treat their homes if they become infested, getting rid of an outdoor flea infestation may require you to treat your yard.

If you find yourself battling tiny red bites after a day in your yard, consult a pest control expert.

Larger itchy bumps are a sign that you’ve been bitten by a mosquito, not fleas. You might see one bite, or a cluster of several bites.

Female mosquitoes leave these bumps behind when they feed on your blood. Usually, mosquito bites are harmless, but in people with a weakened immune system they can cause symptoms like a fever or headache.

To treat a mosquito bite, wash the area with warm water and soap. If the itch bothers you, hold an ice pack to the bites, take an antihistamine, or rub on an over-the-counter anti-itch medicine.

Mosquitoes can also transmit diseases such as West Nile virus. Using a few preventive measures around your house can help you avoid the itch of mosquito bites, and reduce your risk of getting a more serious infection.

Bedbugs are another tiny critter that feeds on human blood. Unlike fleas, bedbugs only come out at night. They hide in mattresses and carpets, and bite humans while they’re sleeping.

Unlike fleabites, which are most commonly found around the feet and ankles, bedbugs bite the upper body. You’ll see small dark red spots on areas like your face, neck, arms, and hands. Like fleabites, these spots often pop up in a cluster or line.

Bedbug bites should disappear on their own within a week or two. If they bother you, try using a steroid cream.

Not sure if you have a fleabite or a bedbug bite? See how to tell the difference.

Fleabites will go away without treatment. However, in order to stop being bitten you have to get rid of the fleas themselves.

To relieve the symptoms of fleabites, try over-the-counter anti-itch creams and antihistamines.

Avoid scratching the area. If you notice signs of an infection at the bite site, such as a white pocket or rash, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Any fleas in your home that bite you or your dog can also bite your baby. Fleabites aren’t dangerous in young children, but they are uncomfortable.

The bites will look like little red bumps on your infant’s skin. They may turn red, swell up, and blister.

Ask your pediatrician the best way to treat the bites based on your child’s age. Treatments may include:

• washing the area of the bites with water and a mild soap
• giving your child an antihistamine cream or liquid to stop the itch
• cutting your child’s nails to prevent them from scratching the bites

Call your pediatrician if your baby:

• runs a fever
• has bumps that swell up, feel warm to the touch, or leak fluid
• develops hives or shortness of breath — signs of an allergic reaction

Ridding your home of fleas is a two-step process:

• treat your pets
• treat your home

Check your pet to see if they are the source of your flea problem. Move back their fur to look for fleas or fleabites on the skin. If they have been scratching more frequently, this may be a sign they’ve got fleas.

Use an anti-flea shampoo and powder to get rid of the fleas your dog currently has. Then, consider using a flea collar to prevent fleas from moving in again.

Consult your veterinarian for advice on using topical or oral medications for your type of pet. Many treatments are available without prescription, while others must be prescribed by your vet.

Regarding your home, you’ll want to vacuum your carpets, which is where fleas like to hide. Throw out the bag or dump the vacuum’s contents outside.

Washing all bedding (yours and your pet’s) in hot water, and drying it on the highest heat setting, may help kill fleas.

Otherwise, to totally rid your home of fleas, you may need to use insecticides inside your home, which typically involves having to leave the house for a time until the spray has dried.

A pest control company can help you determine a best course of action when it comes to pesticides.