Dealing with a flea infestation can be one thing but the itch of the flea bites are without doubt one of the most annoying parts of pet ownership! So how do you stop flea bites itching?
The reason they are constantly itching is not down to the actual bite but our body’s reaction to the various chemicals fleas use to make taking our blood easier. If stealing our blood was not rude enough, they leave and don’t clean up their mess, leaving the chemicals in and around the bites.
To counter these foreign chemicals our bodies releases histamines. For some people this leads to an allergic reaction but for most people it simply means we are left with an annoying itch while they do their job.
There are many remedies to address this, but broadly they fall into two camps – the ones that simply address the symptom (the itch) and those that address the cause (the histamines). Within these there are the remedies that are natural or made from things you can usually find around the house, and those made specifically to treat bites.
Anti-Histamines
Histamines are a naturally produced inflammatory that our bodies use as part of our immune response. Anti-histamines limit this response, reducing the itch that is associated with the inflammation.
Oral antihistamines
The itching of flea bites is caused by histamines that the body releases so taking an [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CGH2FTI” locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]over the counter antihistamine like Benadryl[/easyazon_link] is one solution that will help from the inside out. It will stop the body from releasing histamines and curb itching from the bitten areas.
Topical antihistamine sprays and creams
Anti-histamine creams and sprays are great for getting rid of itch associated with flea bites. They produce the same effect as the oral anti-histamines, but in the short term they also provide some soothing relief to the skin. We have found that [easyazon_link identifier=”B00B2MNH8M” locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]Fenistil Gel[/easyazon_link] is a very effective way to stop the itching associated with flea bites.
Itch Relief
Many people use [easyazon_link identifier=”B001PMM1LI” locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]cortisone creams such as E45[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link identifier=”B001E1973A” locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]calamine lotion[/easyazon_link]. These are very effective way to relieve itching for flea bites but these are some alternative remedies you might not have thought of to help in the relief of flea bites on children and adults.
Tea Bags
You can drink your tea and use the teabag too! After you have finished your tea, lay the tea bag gently on the affected area and it can help neutralize itching and promote healing. Black tea has healing properties and can be used effectively for stopping the itch of flea bites.
Baking Soda
You can use [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BFGV4E8″ locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]baking soda[/easyazon_link] for just about anything and it is safe and a cost effective remedy. Just mix a small bit of water with baking soda to form a paste and apply to the bites and within a few minutes you should feel the itching subside within just a few minutes.
Aloe Vera
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0017TPE7C” locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]Aloe Vera[/easyazon_link] is great for burns and other skin ailments however this is a great remedy to stop the itching and begin the healing of the flea bite. You can purchase bottles of it at the store and keep it on hand as [easyazon_link identifier=”B0017TPE7C” locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]it comes in gel form[/easyazon_link] or, if you have grown an aloe vera plant, just pick a leaf, peel it open and apply to the area and rub generously and within a few minutes the itching should subside.
Lemon juice
It may sound painful but after the sting the itch does go away and the astringent power of lemon juice also cleanses the area of the bite so this is a two-fold method of treating flea bites.
Lavender oil and basil
[easyazon_link keywords=”Lavender oil” locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]Lavender oil[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link keywords=”basil” locale=”UK” tag=”flea-bites-co-uk-21″]basil[/easyazon_link] can also be used in a combination for flea bit inflammation and basil to reduce the itchy area of the bite. These two are natural and wonderful smelling remedy that soothes the senses and eases the itching.
What Next?
There are many remedies one can use to solve the itching of flea bites, these remedies can even stop the spread of itch and keep the bites from becoming infected. Once you have got yourself treated you need to look at the root cause and treat your pets and your home to make sure the infestation is gone so you will not have to contend with any further itching and scratching!