Buzz
Sand fleas are tiny crustaceans that are uncomfortable to encounter, commonly found on most beaches. When they bite, they leave saliva that causes itching and skin irritation. In some cases, sand fleas may burrow into the skin to lay eggs, leading to potential infections and more severe irritation. To treat sand flea bites, you should soothe the affected skin. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention. Prevention can also be done by visiting beaches during optimal times and covering exposed skin areas.
Steps
Soothing Sand Flea Bites
Don't scratch the bite. Many people instinctively scratch when bitten by sand fleas because the bite tends to irritate the skin and cause itching. However, you should avoid scratching the bite, as it can tear the skin and increase the risk of infection.
Apply Calamine Lotion. Applying calamine lotion to the affected skin is an effective way to relieve itching caused by a sand flea bite. This lotion is available at pharmacies and helps soothe the skin and reduce itching.
- When applying calamine lotion, be sure to read all the instructions on the label and gently apply a small amount to the affected area. Avoid applying the lotion to your eyes, mouth, or genital area.
- Consult a doctor before using calamine lotion on children under 6 months old. It's also advisable to speak with a healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Try Hydrocortisone Cream. You can also ease the itching by applying hydrocortisone cream to the bite area. This treatment can help you resist scratching the bite. Hydrocortisone cream is available at pharmacies.
- Read the instructions carefully before applying the cream and gently apply it to the sand flea bite area. Wash your hands thoroughly after use.
- If you are pregnant or taking other medications, consult a doctor before using hydrocortisone cream.
- Consult a doctor before using this cream for children under 10 years old.
Make a Baking Soda and Water Mixture. Baking soda and water can help relieve itching and soothe the irritated skin. Here's how to use it for sand flea bites:
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda into a bathtub filled with cool water, and soak your entire body for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Alternatively, you can mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area, leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then rinse off with water.
Soak in an Oatmeal Bath. You can also ease itching and skin irritation by soaking in an oatmeal bath. The antioxidants in oatmeal help to soothe the skin. To prepare the oatmeal bath, add 1-2 cups of oatmeal powder to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in the bath for about 1 hour.
- Avoid using hot water, as it may worsen skin irritation.
Apply Aloe Vera to the Skin. Aloe vera is very effective in soothing and healing certain types of skin irritation. You can buy aloe vera gel at pharmacies. Gently apply aloe vera gel to the affected area, and you will feel relief as the skin is soothed.
Use essential oils. Certain essential oils, such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and cedarwood oil, can help reduce skin irritation caused by sand flea bites. Apply the essential oil directly to the skin and follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure proper dosage.
- Always consult your doctor before using essential oils for medical purposes, especially during pregnancy.
- If you have allergies or sensitivities, it's recommended to first test a small area of unaffected skin.
- Most essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to prevent irritation. Avoid using concentrated essential oils directly on the skin unless specifically directed by a specialist.
Seek medical attention
Examine the bite to check for flea reproduction. In most cases, sand flea bites appear as small red spots, similar to mosquito bites. However, in some instances, female fleas burrow into the skin to lay eggs. This can lead to severe irritation and infection. The bite will appear as a swollen area with a small black dot in the center.
- If you suspect that the flea has burrowed into your skin, it's important to visit a doctor to have it removed.
Visit a doctor for a check-up. Symptoms should improve after applying hydrocortisone or calamine lotion. If the symptoms do not subside or worsen, you should promptly see a doctor. This could indicate an infection from the bite or an allergic reaction to the sand flea's saliva.
Treat the bite with antihistamine cream. A doctor may recommend treating the bite with a prescription antihistamine cream. This cream helps alleviate irritation caused by the allergic reaction to the sand flea bite. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.
Preventing Sand Fleas
Avoid the beach during dawn or dusk. Sand fleas are most active early in the morning and at dusk when the temperature is slightly cooler. To avoid being bitten by sand fleas, try to visit the beach during midday. You may still get a few bites, but the fleas won't be as active during this time.
- Also, avoid going to the beach when it rains. Sand fleas are more active in humid and cooler weather conditions.
Consider using insect repellent products. Insect repellent can help protect you from sand flea bites. Before heading to the beach, apply the repellent to your feet, ankles, and legs. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and look for products specifically labeled for sand fleas.
- Be sure to bring insect repellent with you to the beach so you can reapply it after swimming!
Cover your legs, feet, and ankles. A very effective way to prevent sand flea bites is to cover your legs, feet, and ankles. Sand fleas can only jump up to 20-40 cm, so it is unlikely you'll be bitten above the waist. When walking along the beach, wear lightweight long pants and sandals. When lying on the beach, remember to lay down a towel or blanket for extra protection.
Tips
If the bite causes pain, you may want to consider taking pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol.
