Flea bites normally occur in lines or clusters. If you are particularly sensitive to flea bites, they can lead to a condition where a number of itchy red lumps form, these are called papular urticaria. Bullae (plural of bulla, a bulla being a blister more than 5 mm (about 3/16 inch) in diameter with thin walls that are full of fluid.) ... may also develop.
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Fleas from household pets such as cats or dogs will often bite below the knee, usually around the ankles. You may also find bites on the forearms if you have been stroking or holding your pet.
Infected bites
Sometimes, a flea bite can become infected. Symptoms of an infected flea bite include:
* pus in or around the bite
* swollen glands
* increasing redness, swelling and pain in and around the bite
Some bites are naturally red and swollen, but these symptoms may not be normal for other types of bites and could indicate that there is an infection.
If you think you may have a bite that has become infected, or if you are concerned about your
symptoms, see your GP
Sensitisation
If an insect bites you, you may become 'sensitive' to the saliva that the insect injects when it bites.
This means that the next time you are bitten by the same or a similar type of insect, it can provoke a local reaction. A reaction that is confined to the area of the bite is what is known as a local reaction.
For example, you may have:
* an itchy papule (lump)
* an itchy or an inflamed, fluid-filled area which is known as a weal.
These may last for several days.
The severity of the reaction will depend on a persons level of sensitivity. However, with continued exposure to the insect's saliva, you will eventually develop an immunity to the saliva and the reaction to it will become less severe over time an eventually there will be no reaction at all.
Allergic reactions
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Some people have a particularly sensitive reaction to certain insect bites and can react quite badly to them when they are bitten. If a person is very sensitive to an insect bite, they may experience anaphylaxis, otherwise known as anaphylactic shock This is when the immune system ie. the body’s natural defence system, reacts violently to the insect bite. However, anaphylaxis is rare after an insect bite. It is more likely that you have an allergic reaction from an insect sting rather than a bite.
Never the less it is important to know the symptoms when someone suffers a severe allergic reaction. If someone you know is bitten or stung by an insect and they show signs of a severe reaction, emergency medical treatment will be required.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:
* wheezing or difficulty breathing
* severe itching or a blotchy rash over many parts of the body
* severe swelling that may be visible in the lips or tongue
* dizziness
* nausea (feeling sick)
* chest pain
Call for an ambulance if you or someone you know has any of these symptoms after being bitten or stung by an insect.
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