5 Ways To Treat Flea Bites

Fleas are tiny, irritating insects that mostly attack pets. But, if you have pets or live in an area where fleas are common, chances are high that you may also suffer from flea bites. Flea bites are itchy as well as painful. The bites may appear as small, red bumps, typically in groups of three or four or in a straight line. They are most often seen around the ankles or legs, however, bites can also be noticed around the waist, armpits or in the folds of the elbows and knees.

# Cold Compresses

- Clean the site of the bite and the area around it with warm, soapy water.

- Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin washcloth.

- Put the ice pack on the affected area for no more than 2 to 3 minutes.

- Take a break, then reapply the pack.

- Continue doing this for 10 to 15 minutes, a few times a day.

# Baking Soda

- Simply mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a little water and apply the thin paste on the flea bite. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Use this remedy 1 or 2 times a day only.

- Alternatively, add 1 cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with cool water. Stir it well. Soak yourself in this soothing water for 10 minutes, then pat yourself dry with a soft towel. Do this once daily.

- Both cats and dogs can be treated with a paste made from 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a little water to prevent itching and scratching. Use a cotton ball to apply this mixture on the affected area. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. In case your pet is itching all over, give your pet a bath with ½ to 1 cup of baking soda mixed in its bath water.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

- Dip a cotton ball in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and place it on the affected area. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then remove the cotton ball. Try this effective remedy a few times a day until you get relief. If it causes irritation, try diluting the apple cider vinegar with water before applying it.

- For pets, mix equal parts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the affected areas on your pet’s body. Be careful to avoid spraying it in your pet’s eyes, ears and nose. Repeat a few times daily.

# Aloe Vera

- Cut open a small part of an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel.

- Rub the gel on your skin and areas where fleas have bitten your pet.

- Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

- Use this remedy 2 or 3 times daily.

# Witch Hazel

- Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and place it on the affected area for 10 minutes. Repeat as needed.

- For pets, store witch hazel in a spray bottle and quickly spray it on the inflamed skin when your dog or cat starts to scratch it. Repeat as needed.