Definition
Fleas, which are generally also called Siphonaptera, are among the parasites. They can reach a size of 1-7 mm and feed on the blood of various living creatures. There are different types of fleas that can infect humans. These include the human flea (Pulex irritans), but in most cases other flea species such as the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) or dog flea (Ctenophalides canis) and the rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) nest in humans. Due to their strong bounce, the fleas can easily move from pets to humans.
Transmission
Flea infestations of humans are usually not due to a lack of hygiene or cleanliness. Humans are mainly infested through contact with pets (e.g. cats or dogs). Transmission through birds or nearby bird nests is also possible.
Fleas prefer dark and warm places, therefore they like to stay in the fur of the animals, in heated rooms, in carpets, beds, curtains, upholstered furniture, clothes or even in cuddly toys. There they can reproduce and lay small eggs. Since fleas are light-shy, they infest humans mainly at night.
Diagnosis
Flea bites can be identified quite clearly by the clinical picture that is presented. The bite marks occurring in a row or group usually indicate flea infestation with high probability. The spots appear bright red, but can easily be mistaken for an allergic skin reaction.
However, an accumulation of mosquito bites could also be confused with flea bites. A further characteristic feature with which those affected often go to the doctor is severe itching of the affected skin area. An unnoticed or even deliberate scratching of the skin may cause redness and possibly inflammation, which is caused by germs entering the scratched skin, are possible diagnostic features. This itchy, reddened and inflamed area of skin is referred to as eczema in medical terminology. In addition, if the bite site is already inflamed, a smear can be taken by the treating physician and examined for possible germs in order to initiate the best possible targeted therapy.
