There is a common misconception that fleas are only for dogs and cats.
However, insects brought into the house by domestic animals can cause quite serious problems, especially for children.
And so we will understand than flea bites are dangerous for children.
Why is the danger of flea bites for children more than for adults?
- The skin of the child is thinner and more vulnerable. - therefore, a flea bite is perceived as particularly painful, combed and does not pass for a long time.
- Children are prone to allergies.because they have a weaker immune system than an adult.
- Flea - peddler of infections and the eggs of most worms.
How to recognize flea bites in children?
Flea bites can be completely confused with the bites of other blood-sucking insects, but some features still exist. Let's carefully examine the bite site.
- flea bites are very painful and cause severe itching;
- "bumps" with a small subcutaneous hemorrhage are formed in the lesions, and seals and red spots do not pass for quite a long time;
- bites are not single - tracks from several wounds are immediately visible;
- most often affected places are not protected by clothes: for example, loin, ankles. As a rule, the flea is not able to penetrate under the clothes or bite through it.
As already mentioned, the tendency of children to an allergic reaction is very high. And often even a single flea bite leads to a rash on the skin. This is an alarm signal - it's time to take action.
Next you will see a photo of flea bites in a child:
Where to begin?
- Do not panic! Wash the bite site with any existing antiseptic.: It can be hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, or even just water and laundry soap.
- Take action to relieve itching. You can attach a cotton pad with soda solution, or an ice cube wrapped in a clean cloth to the affected area. A good folk remedy is to rub the wound with apple cider vinegar diluted in water.
- When a heavy rash appears give your child an antihistamine.
Why is this so important?
As a rule, the allergen itself is eliminated from the body in two or three days. But! A rash may be the beginning of a more serious allergic reaction. The main symptoms are:
- swollen lymph nodes;
- temperature rise to 38-39 °;
- swelling, nasal congestion;
- diarrhea.
Severe itching leads to anxiety of the baby, he begins to comb bites, increasing the risk of infection.
If flea bites cause severe allergies, you should not take it lightly, leave the situation out of control or self-medicate. Only an immunologist will prescribe a proper treatment. and pick up drugs individually for your baby.
We told you how to recognize flea bites in children and how to eliminate unpleasant consequences. But, of course, the best prevention will be the absence of insects in your house!
How do fleas even appear in a home?
- they are brought "on their skin" by pets;
- harmful insects can move into your house from the street, from the basement and other apartments.
Their food is dirt and garbage, so remember - order and cleanliness guarantee a healthy climate in your home.
If fleas have started in the house, it will not be so easy to get them out.
Where to begin?
Start with a general cleaning!
- Vacuum thoroughly the entire apartment.to eliminate flea-laid eggs. And in any case, do not throw the contents of the bag in the trash.
- Wash and clean all surfaces to the maximum.. If your house has fleecy surfaces, treat them with special care - such places are ideal for pests.
- Be sure to scrape clothes and bedding.. Hot water is what insects do not tolerate.
- All pillows and blankets should be ventilated and properly “fried” in the sun - fleas are afraid of high temperatures.
- Treat your dogs and cats regularly (if you have pets) with special flea products.
- If fleas regularly appear in your home, consult a professional.. Disinsectors will help you get rid of this problem in the shortest possible time. It is better to pay for cleaning the house than to spend money on medicines.
reference! To defeat the enemy, you need to know more about him. What else besides high temperatures are fleas afraid of?
- Strong pungent odors. The insect repellent, pine sawdust and wormwood, is successfully used by the people. Sawdust can fill the "bed" for the dog, and place the twigs of wormwood in different places in your home: at the same time, it will help with moth. If you live in a private house, scatter coniferous shavings at the porch.
- Cold and fresh air. Ventilate the room often, hang blankets, pillows, mattresses, blankets, etc. on the air.
A little enemy is a big trouble - the proverb says. But you can easily cope with flea troubles by putting into practice those simple recommendations that we tried to collect for you in this material.
