You can put an ice pack on the skin for 10 minutes after you wash the skin if you’d like. This can prevent swelling or soothe any irritation you may be experiencing. [2] X Research source
Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid cream, while calamine lotion contains ferric oxide. Both of them will soothe your symptoms and speed up your healing time. Both are available over-the-counter (OTC) and are safe to use in quantities directed by the manufacturer.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Tripelennamine hydrochloride (PBZ). This one is no longer sold in the United States. Hydroxyzine (prescription only).
The flea bite should go away in 1-2 days in most cases, but it depends on how deep the bite was. At the latest, the bite should disappear after 1-2 weeks.
Wrap the ice pack in a cloth if you’re going to leave it on your skin for more than a few seconds.
If you’re going to make an oatmeal bath out of uncooked oats, they have to be unprocessed to work. That flavored packet stuff won’t cut it here. Simply grind up 1-2 cups (80-160 grams) of your oats in a food processor and add them directly to your bath. You can soak in the tub as long as you’d like.
If it’s super hot out, don’t worry about this. Don’t risk heat stroke just to keep fleas off of you. You can use insect repellents to keep fleas off of bare skin if you’re wearing short sleeves.
Permethrin isn’t the most effective flea repellent in the world. It’s safe on skin, but its main benefit is that you can douse your clothes in it. This makes permethrin the ideal choice if you want additional protection on your clothes all day. [13] X Research source You can even buy permethrin-treated clothing![14] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
Unless you’re under 3 years of age, all of these repellents are safe on skin or clothes. Always use them as directed, and keep the repellents away from your eyes, nose, or mouth.
This will likely only work to keep fleas out of an area for a short period of time. Do not apply this solution to your skin. Essential oil-based solutions are not effective for preventing flea bites on skin. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Pesticide Information Center Organization run by Oregon State University providing objective, science-based information about pests and pesticides Go to source You may also try solutions involving khaki weed, turmeric, thyme oil, geraniol, peppermint oil, cedar oil, or patchouli. These may temporarily drive fleas away, but they aren’t safe or sustainable options for topical prevention. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
