Q&A for How to Detect Flea Bites

Most flea bites don’t require much treatment. Avoid scratching them, since this could irritate them or lead to an infection. Wash the bites with warm water and soap to help prevent an infection. You can also soothe any itching and inflammation with calamine lotion, antihistamine medications, or an ice pack. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned that your bites are becoming infected (e.g., if you notice a rash around the bites, they are increasingly red or painful, or you see a discharge such as pus or a yellow crust on the bites).

Fleas don’t usually “infest” humans, so you may only notice the bites on your ankles or other exposed areas. You might occasionally see a flea on your socks or hopping around on other parts of your body. You’re more likely to see fleas and flea dirt in your carpets, upholstery, or animal bedding.

You may feel a slight sting or a sudden itching sensation when the flea actually bites you. However, flea bites aren’t very painful, and it’s also possible that you won’t notice the bite until after the fact. Depending on how sensitive you are to flea bites, they may itch a lot, or you might hardly notice them at all.

Five or six days, but if you want to get rid of them faster, try using hydrogen peroxide to dry them out.

An antihistamine, like Benadryl, take orally and/or topically. Don't scratch because you could create an infection.

Yes. The dish soap is highly effective at destroying the outer layers of the fleas, so a bathtub full of water and dish soap should do the trick. Just be careful not to get the water in the dog's eyes.