Fleas
definition
Fleas, general too Siphonaptera are called parasites. They can reach a size of 1-7 mm and feed on the blood of various living things. There are different types of fleas that can affect humans. This includes the human flea (Pulex irritans), but in most cases other flea species such as the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) or dog flea (Ctenophalides canis) as well as the Rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) in humans. Because of their strong bounce, the fleas can easily move from pets to humans.
transmission
Flea infestations from humans are common Not on a lack of hygiene or cleanliness traced back. Mainly the person gets through Contact with pets (e.g. Cats or dogs) infested. Transfers are also through Birds or nearby bird nests possible. Fleas prefer dark and warm places, so they especially like to stay in the fur of the animals heated rooms, in Carpets, beds, Curtains, Upholstered furniture, dress or in Cuddly toys on. There they can multiply and small eggs lay down. There fleas photophobia affect humans primarily at night.
diagnosis
Flea bites can be clearly identified by this performing clinical picture detect. The one in one line or group occurring Bites mostly indicate a flea infestation with a high probability. The spots that appear at the bite sites appear bright red, can easily be mistaken for an allergic skin reaction. However, a collection of mosquito bites could also be confused with flea bites.
Another characteristic that those affected often present to the doctor with is a severe itching of the affected skin area. By scratching the skin unnoticed or consciously Redness and maybe resulting inflammationwhich occur when germs enter the scratched skin, possible diagnostic features. This itchy, red and inflamed area of skin is known in technical terms as eczema designated.
In addition, if the bite is already inflamed, a smear taken by the attending physician and examined for possible germs in order to initiate the best possible targeted therapy.
Frequency distribution
In the Summer months there is usually an increased infestation of fleas in humans, since fleas from Spring to autumn especially lay a lot of eggs and multiply.
People who close contact with animals / pets to have.
Whether a flea infestation also occurs more often due to a certain genetic predisposition with regard to specific odorous substances is currently being researched scientifically, whereby the assumption is obvious, since some people are more frequently infested by fleas than others. Other insect parasites such as mosquitoes or ticks also annoy some people more than others.
Symptoms
About 5 to 30 minutes after a flea bite one forms punctiform, reddened swelling (Papule). In addition, a fluid-filled bladder (Wheal) in the middle of the reddening, which quickly form a itching can cause. After about 12 to 24 hours mostly show up three adjacent, severely itchy papules. In addition, there are fluid-filled skin vesicles or purulent small pustules not uncommon at the puncture site of the flea.
Flea bites occur more frequently on the Legs, the Feet, in the Armpit as well as in the Squat, Elbow or in the Hip region on. They are usually harmless, but they are usually accompanied by an unpleasant, severe itching.
The itching often leads to scratching of the affected skin area. As a result, open areas of the skin develop, which can become inflamed by germs entering. As a rule, the germs are bacteria Streptococci and Staphylococci.
Pain Flea bites usually do not cause any or only very little, but it can happen in people who do allergic react to flea bites, come to them.
In Europe Complications from flea bites are one rarity.
However, in the Tropics and warmer regions of the world the possibility of disease transmission like the Rabbit plague (Tularemia), the Typhus or the pestwhich must be taken seriously and treated as quickly as possible.
therapy
As a therapeutic approach, it is recommended to first fight the fleas. A hot full bath provides the first measure Eradication of fleas that are still on the head or body. Bed linen, cuddly toys and clothes should then be at least 60 ° C, better still with 90 ° C, getting washed. Carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed as often as possible to remove the fleas and their eggs and larvae. Also one Steam cleaning is recommended. If the fleas don't go away this way, you may want to bring in one Exterminator Need to customize the apartment with special Pesticides can clean.
If pets could be affected, they should also be included as a precaution Flea remedies be treated.
Against the severe itching can initially cooling compresses or Cold packs help. In addition, creams / gels such as Fenistyle often relief.
A so-called anti-histamine can be administered to prevent allergic reactions that may have occurred reaction on the flea bite soothes and thus counteracts redness, swelling and itching. This Antihistamines can be prescribed by a doctor or obtained over the counter from the pharmacy.
If germs have penetrated by scratching the bite site and a wound infection has developed, one is usually given Antibiotic of necessity.
In order to prevent such wound infections from developing in the first place, it is very important to have a Avoid scratching.
prophylaxis
For prevention should Petswho also run around freely in nature, Flea collars as well as the sleeping or resting place of the animals if possible frequently and careful getting cleaned. In addition to the flea collars are so-called Spot-on fundswhich are applied behind the animal's ears or on the neck, through their antiparasitic effect the best prophylaxis to prevent the transmission of fleas from pets to humans.
forecast
As a rule, flea bites are harmless as well in temperate climates heal without scars within a few days.
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