Allergy to flea bites in a child

Flea allergy and its types

There are many varieties of fleas in the world. Most often, a person suffers from allergies to the bites of such types of parasites as:

• Sand flea (also known as earth flea). Mainly found in tropical latitudes - the Caribbean, Australia, India, Africa. The danger of such bites lies in the fact that if males bite through human skin and suck blood, then females penetrate under the upper layer of the epidermis. A flea bite is unpleasant in itself, but in some cases it can cause allergies. In this case, the bitten person experiences severe itching, leakage of fluid (sometimes purulent) from the wound, swelling, and impaired keratinization of skin cells.
• Human flea. The main victim of this insect is humans, but in some cases animals can also suffer from its bites. Unlike most of its relatives, the human flea is relatively large in size: its body length is about 3 mm. In one jump, such a flea can move a distance of up to 0.5 m in length and up to 0.3 m in height.
• Rat fleas. The bites of these insects pose the greatest danger to human health and life. We are not even talking about an allergy to flea bites, although it occurs quite often. The fact is that fleas that parasitize rats can be carriers of serious diseases - typhoid, anthrax, encephalitis, plague. By the way, it was rat fleas that caused the massive plague pandemics (the so-called “Black Death”) that swept Europe in the Middle Ages. Today, allergies to flea bites that parasitize rats are a relatively rare occurrence. It occurs mainly in rural areas, as well as among residents of the ground, basement, first and upper floors (if non-residential premises in houses are infested with rats).
• Cat and dog fleas. Considering that dogs and cats are the most common domestic animals with which people come into close contact, their parasites often “migrate” to their owners. To avoid a possible allergy to flea bites in humans, it is necessary to wear anti-flea collars on pets and from time to time bathe cats and dogs using special shampoos.

Diagnostics

First, the veterinarian performs a visual examination of the pet. Then the doctor is interested in the living conditions, nutrition, care features, walking areas and diseases in the animal’s history.

Allergies can be triggered not only by fleas, but also by other factors and diseases. Therefore, it is important to conduct a differential diagnosis that excludes the presence of pyoderma, lichen, food intolerance, and atopic eczema.

To detect the presence of allergic reactions to flea saliva in dogs, a test is performed using white wet paper.

After examination, if dermatitis is present, red spots and black dots appear on the leaf, indicating the activity of parasites.

It is also possible to conduct a test using antiparasitic agents. If diagnosis is difficult, then an analysis is done for immunoglobulins E, the presence of which indicates an allergic reaction.

Allergy to flea bites: symptoms

In people who have slight sensitivity to fleas, contact with insect saliva does not cause any serious disruption to the functioning of body systems. Usually the bite is accompanied by a sharp stabbing pain, which then turns into itching. Under normal conditions, the burning and swelling of the papules formed during bites goes away within a couple of days.

However, sometimes the immune system reacts abnormally to such a bite. In such cases, there is a high probability of developing a flea allergy. Its symptoms are as follows:

• hyperemia of abscess-like papules with a small red dot-wound in the center;
• formation of blisters, the center of the blister is usually crowned with a vesicle;
• redness of significant areas around the bites;
• severe itching of the skin;
• increased body temperature;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• swelling of the skin (up to the appearance of Quincke's edema).

In some particularly severe cases, an allergy to a flea bite may be accompanied by difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness, and indigestion. If a bitten person has breathing problems, clouded consciousness and pressure surges, he must be taken to the hospital as soon as possible. These phenomena may be symptoms of anaphylactic shock.

How is flea allergy dermatitis diagnosed?

Veterinary clinics conduct various tests that make it possible to exclude atopic dermatitis, food allergies, demodicosis and pyodermatitis. In general, there are many types of allergies in dogs. The veterinarian must take into account the peculiarities of keeping the pet, its diet, places of walking, that is, collect the entire medical history and only then make the correct diagnosis. A clinical test with an antiparasitic drug is used (that is, when parasites have already been detected, they are aggressively destroyed and they are looked at how the animal’s skin reacts to their disappearance). A test for the presence of various antibodies may be carried out if the situation is very complex.

Veterinarians prescribe treatment based on the symptoms and general condition of the animal. If he has anemia, there is a suspicion that he is infected with a virus carried by fleas, then treatment will be more complicated.

The localization of allergies and dermatitis must be taken into account. If there are rashes on the ears, then it is necessary to avoid infection of the mucous membranes (eyes and nose) and the development of otitis media. If the rash is localized on the paws, then it is necessary to check the functioning of all internal organs. If the rash is localized on the face, then it is necessary to protect the esophagus. And if there are already rashes and scabs on the body, then you need to treat the skin as carefully as possible. Although most often allergic dermatitis is localized on the back, tail, hind legs, stomach, sides and groin area.

Allergy to a flea bite in a child

Flea bites on children are especially dangerous. Due to the fact that children have thinner and more delicate skin, parasites bite children more often and more intensely than adults. In addition, a child's immune system may not always react normally to a bite, which leads to flea allergies.

First aid for acute allergies

Most people don't know what to do if they have a flea bite allergy. Meanwhile, if you notice spots from flea bites, you should provide immediate assistance:

1. Treat the affected area of ​​skin with a disinfectant solution.
2. Apply ice to the bite site. It will help relieve swelling and stop the development of the inflammatory process.
3. Treat the bite site with a weak soda solution. This will help relieve the itching.
4. Apply healing ointment to damaged skin.

Attention! After providing first aid, you should consult a doctor. Remember - self-medication can lead to the development of serious complications.

How to treat allergies to flea bites?

Treatment should be prescribed by a dermatologist or allergist. Depending on the symptoms, he will select the optimal therapy. It usually involves taking oral antihistamines and using topical medications to relieve itching and inflammation. It is very important to refrain from scratching the papules, since violating their integrity can lead to infection.

If at the moment you do not have the opportunity to visit a specialist, you can use the following tips:

• after a bite, wash the skin with water and soap (ideally antibacterial);
• apply ice to the bitten area;
• take an antihistamine;
• consult a doctor.

Allergy treatment

Treatment methods are selected depending on the severity of the symptomatic picture. But the first thing the owner needs to do is rid the animal of parasites using special shampoos and drops. In addition to cleaning the dog's skin and fur from fleas, it is recommended to disinfect all furniture in the house, carpets and bedding that may contain them.

A diet is required. When feeding a dog with ready-made commercial diets, it must be switched to hypoallergenic food. If the pet is on a natural diet, the veterinarian selects the menu for her.

Drug therapy

When treating flea dermatitis, antihistamines are necessarily prescribed to inhibit the effect of the hormone histamine and relieve the signs of pathology. The following drugs are used in therapy:

1. Diphenhydramine. The drug eliminates inflammation and relieves allergic reactions.
2. Cyprodine. This is an oral medicine. Cyprodine eliminates fever and relieves severe itching.
3. Diprazine. Release form: tablets and solution for intramuscular administration.
4. Astemizole. The medicine should not be given to pregnant dogs.

If the allergy is advanced and antihistamines do not give a positive result, the animal is prescribed glucocorticosteroids. To restore the body depleted by allergies, vitamin complexes, immunomodulators and supporting drugs that contain iron are used.

Folk methods of struggle

Along with taking medications, traditional methods of therapy can be used in the treatment of flea dermatitis. To speed up the healing process of the skin and relieve itching, it is recommended to treat the affected areas of the skin with decoctions based on medicinal herbs: chamomile, calendula, coltsfoot, comfrey and sage.

All decoctions are prepared according to the same recipe:

1. 1 tbsp. l. the selected herb is poured with a glass of boiling water.
2. The liquid is infused until it cools completely, after which it is filtered.
3. A cotton pad is moistened with the decoction. They treat the skin carefully, without pressing too hard.

Aloe heals skin well. It is recommended to grind the cut leaf of the plant into a paste and apply it to the skin for 30 minutes. Since aloe has a pronounced laxative effect, it can be used in areas where the dog cannot reach with its tongue.

Aloe juice purchased at a pharmacy can be added a few drops to your pet’s food. This will help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system so that the body can independently resist allergens, thereby reducing the intensity of symptoms of the disease.

Echinacea is another effective remedy for treating flea dermatitis in dogs. Gauze, folded several times, should be moistened in it and applied to the damaged area. Keep the compress for up to 30 minutes.

It is important to remember that traditional methods cannot be used as the only method of treating flea allergies in dogs. Such treatment is only an addition to the main drug therapy.

How to speed up the skin healing process?

Since an allergy to a flea bite causes severe itching, it is important to choose the right remedy to combat it. Restoring cream "La-Cri" effectively copes not only with itching and burning of the skin, but also helps eliminate its redness and inflammation. The cream contains natural ingredients: string, walnut and violet extracts, as well as panthenol, bisabolol and avocado oil. They have an antipruritic, antimicrobial, softening and regenerating effect, as a result of which the skin quickly returns to its normal state.

Which breeds are more susceptible

Flea dermatitis can occur in any dog, without exception, regardless of gender, age, or breed. The severity of the disease depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the rate of progression and the severity of the allergic reaction.

Dermatitis caused by flea bites is most often diagnosed in representatives of short-haired breeds - dachshunds, Labradors, bulldogs, boxers, Rottweilers, German shepherds.

Clinical researches

Based on the results of numerous clinical studies, La-Cri products, including cream for sensitive skin, are recommended by the St. Petersburg branch of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia.

The effectiveness, safety and tolerability of the products have been proven by a clinical study. The cream is also suitable for daily skin care of children with mild to moderate forms of atopic dermatitis and during remission, accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life of patients. As a result of therapy, a decrease in the activity of the inflammatory process, a decrease in dryness, itching and flaking was noted.

It has been clinically proven that La-Cri cream for sensitive skin:

• reduces itching and irritation;
• relieves skin redness;
• moisturizes and gently cares for the skin.

Consumer Reviews

Nadezhda (vseotzyvy.ru)

"Good day! I want to share my experience with you, my baby was recently vaccinated with DTP, I think that many people know about this vaccination. The nurse immediately told us that the place where the vaccine might swell should be anointed with a soothing cream, but she didn’t tell us what kind. After the hospital we stopped at the pharmacy. I explained the situation to the pharmacist, she recommended LA-KRI cream, which contains only natural herbal ingredients. Upon arriving home, I began to read the instructions for use, it turns out that the cream can be used for various inflammations and after mosquito bites, and the cream also helps with diaper rash. Of course, the next day after the vaccination, the child’s temperature rose, the leg did not swell much, but I anointed it anyway. By evening there was no redness and the temperature subsided. Now I use the cream not only for inflammation, but also after mosquito bites, it actually helps.”

Almara (ladiesproject.ru)

“...I don’t use the cream often, but I periodically return to it when pimples and allergic reactions appear. In my opinion, the product really helps. The redness goes away and the allergy goes away. Local inflammation goes away much faster, or at least does not increase during the day, as if I were using a regular cream or, especially, foundation/bb/powder.

I applied it a couple of times to the effects of mosquito bites. They are often accompanied by an allergic reaction, even without scratching, a large pink lesion appears. With this cream, the bites are almost like those of normal people, without pink bumps, and they don’t itch too much.

The manufacturer writes that the product combats flaking and chapping. Perhaps, I also agree, at least for peeling caused not by ordinary dry skin and lack of hydration, but by specific external causes - the sun, chapping, in my case - acids/retinoids used in emergency cases help.

So the cream has firmly settled in with me. I use it quite rarely, but, as they say, it’s accurate. Enough for a long time. I believe that for teenagers and generally up to the age of 25, it can be used constantly; in my 30s, there is frankly not enough hydration, so I use it as urgently necessary. But in principle, I recommend it."

Sources:

1. Kovyazina N.A., Fedosimova N.A., Illek Ya. Yu. Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in young children, Vyatka Medical Bulletin, 2007 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/diagnostika-atopicheskogo-dermatita-u- children-early-vozrasta
2. Smirnova G.I. Managing the course of the disease: atopic dermatitis in children, Russian pediatric journal, 2014 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/upravlenie-techeniem-bolezni-atopicheskiy-dermatit-u-detey
3. N.L. Rybkina, Modern approaches to newborn skin care: pediatrician tactics, Journal of Modern Clinical Medicine, 2014 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/sovremennye-podhody-k-uhodu-za-kozhey-novorozhdennogo-taktika-pediatra
4. I.I. Ryumina, V.V. Zubkov, Skin care for a newborn, Healthy Child magazine, 2017 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/uhod-za-kozhey-novorozhdennogo-1

Specific signs

The saliva released when a flea bites prevents blood clotting. The secretion contains about 15 toxic enzymes that cause irritation or allergies.

The signs of flea dermatitis are quite varied. The most common unpleasant manifestations occur in the area of ​​the hind legs, back, tail and croup. Occasionally, abdominal pain appears, and hair falls out in the genital area and peritoneum.

A characteristic symptom of flea dermatitis is itching, which can last up to 2 days. Due to active scratching, growths, scabs, and nodules can form on the skin.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to fleas in dogs:

• seborrhea,
• digestive system dysfunction,
• dryness and redness of the skin,
• weakness,
• skin rash,
• poor appetite
• swelling of the mucous membrane.