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This article was medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.
There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Beach days are supposed to be fun and relaxing. But when you come home with itchy, red bites all over your feet, ankles, and legs, your fun beach day can turn into an uncomfortable experience. The tiny creatures that cause these bites are commonly called “sand fleas,” but they’re actually small crustaceans, not insects.[1] When they bite, they leave behind saliva that causes itchiness and irritates the skin. Fortunately, by using home remedies and self-care methods, you can relieve your itchiness and promote healing to treat sand flea bites fast. And if home care doesn’t work, we’ll also tell you when it’s time to seek medical attention.
Things You Should Know
- Use OTC products, like hydrocortisone cream, aloe vera gel, and calamine lotion to relieve itching.
- Soak in a baking soda bath or an oatmeal bath for quick relief.
- Avoid scratching the bites as much as possible. Scratching can lead to open wounds, leaving you at-risk for infection.
- Visit your doctor if your symptoms worsen, since you may need antibiotics.
Steps
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![Step 1 Apply calamine lotion...]()
Apply calamine lotion to the bites. Calamine lotion soothes itching and helps calm irritated skin. Pick up a bottle of calamine lotion, then read all the instructions and apply a small amount to your bites. Keep using the lotion once a day until your bites heal.[2] -
![Step 2 Try hydrocortisone cream...]()
Try hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. Hydrocortisone cream is another OTC medication that helps soothe irritated skin. Read the instructions on the package, then spread the cream over your flea bites. Keep using hydrocortisone cream once a day until your bites aren't itchy anymore.[5]- If you are pregnant or taking any other medications, speak with your doctor before using hydrocortisone cream.[6]
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![Step 3 Put aloe on the bites.]()
Put aloe on the bites. Aloe vera and aloe vera gel are great for soothing and promoting healing. Either buy aloe gel and spread it onto your bites, or use aloe from an aloe plant. Spread it over the irritated area 2 to 3 times per day to give yourself some relief.[7] -
![Step 4 Soak in baking soda and water to soothe your skin.]()
Soak in baking soda and water to soothe your skin. Fill a bathtub with cool water, then add ¼ cup (68 g) of baking soda.[8] Soak your entire body in the water for 10 minutes at a time. Use a baking soda bath 1 to 3 times per day until your bites stop itching.- Don’t want to soak in a bath? Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Stir together until a paste is formed. Then, rub the paste onto the irritated skin. Leave the paste on your skin for about 30 minutes, and then wash it off with water.[9]
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![Step 5 Take an oatmeal...]()
Take an oatmeal bath to relieve itching. Oatmeal contains antioxidants, which have soothing effects on the skin. In order to create an oatmeal bath, simply add 1 to 2 cups (250 g to 500 g) of uncooked oats to a tub of warm water. Soak in the tub for about 1 hour, or until your skin feels better.[10]- Don’t use hot water, as this can actually make your skin feel more irritated.
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![Step 6 Try not to scratch at the bites.]()
Try not to scratch at the bites. Sand flea bites are itchy, and it’s going to be very tempting to scratch them to get some relief. However, scratching too much can open up the bites, making you more susceptible to infection. Do your best to use home remedies to soothe the itching instead of scratching.[11]- When the itching gets intense, try tapping your skin gently with your fingernails. Tapping the skin may help relieve the itchiness without scratching.
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![Step 1 See your doctor if you spot breeding fleas under the skin.]()
See your doctor if you spot breeding fleas under the skin. If you visited a beach in Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the West Indies, or Africa, you may have been bitten by the Tunga penetrans, also known as a chigoe flea. These insects are true sand fleas, unlike the tiny crustaceans (Talitrus saltator) that cause minor bites on beaches throughout the world. Female Tunga penetrans can burrow into the skin to hatch eggs, which can lead to infection called tungiasis. The bite will look like a swollen area with a small black spot in the center. Fortunately, a doctor can remove the burrowed flea quickly.[12]- To remove a burrowed flea, your doctor will likely numb the area and then use sterile forceps to get the flea out of your skin.
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![Step 2 Visit your doctor if your symptoms worsen.]()
Visit your doctor if your symptoms worsen. After using home remedies, the itching and irritation should lessen. If this does not happen or if the symptoms worsen, visit your doctor immediately. This could mean that the bites have become infected or that you are allergic to flea saliva.[13] -
![Step 3 Treat bites with an antihistamine cream if your doctor prescribes it.]()
Treat bites with an antihistamine cream if your doctor prescribes it. If it turns out you are allergic to flea saliva, your doctor may give you a prescription cream. This will help soothe irritation and reduce your itching, as well as heal your bites.[14]- You may be allergic to sand flea bites if the bites get itchier and more irritated as days pass.
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![Step 1 Avoid the beach at dawn and dusk.]()
Avoid the beach at dawn and dusk. Sand fleas are most active at night when the temperature is cooler.[15] To prevent sand flea bites, head to the beach in the middle of the day before the sun starts setting. You may still get a few bites, but there will not be as many fleas out during this time.- Avoid the beach when it is raining. Sand fleas are most active in cool and moist temperatures.
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![Step 2 Apply insect repellent....]()
Apply insect repellent. Insect repellent deters most insects, including sand fleas. If you’re heading to the beach, spray insect repellent on your feet, ankles, and legs to keep fleas away.[16]- Or, make natural insect repellent with essential oils. Just keep in mind that it may not be as effective as repellent you buy from the store.
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![Step 3 Cover your legs, feet, and ankles.]()
Cover your legs, feet, and ankles. Sand fleas can only jump 20 to 40 cm (8-16 inches), so it’s unlikely that you will get bitten anywhere above the waist. While walking along the beach, wear light pants and close-toed sandals. If you are lying down on the sand, make sure to sit on a towel or blanket.[17]- Combining coverage with insect repellent is the best way to prevent sand flea bites.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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If the bites are causing you pain, try taking a pain relief medication, such as Advil or Tylenol.[18]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/animal/sand-flea
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24458-sand-flea-bites
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/calamine-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20062463
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/cons/calamine-lotion-topical.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24458-sand-flea-bites
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/cdi/hydrocortisone-cream.html
- ↑ https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=aloe-19-Aloe
- ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/bathing/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-itchy-skin
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21718-flea-bites
- ↑ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tungiasis
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21718-flea-bites
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/symptoms/
- ↑ https://www.nobanis.org/marine-identification-key/small-crustaceans/introduction-to-amphipods/platorchestia-platensis/
- ↑ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tungiasis
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24162-tungiasis
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To treat sand flea bites, try your best to avoid scratching them so they don’t get infected. Applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can help with the itching. You can also try aloe vera or baking soda mixed with water. Soaking in a bath with 1-2 cups (90-280 g) of oatmeal will also reduce itching. Sand flea bites are usually harmless besides the itchy red spots they leave behind, but visit a doctor if you notice swelling with black spots in the center since it could be a sign of burrowed sand flea eggs. You should also visit a doctor if the bites get worse or begin to look infected. To avoid future sand flea bites, avoid walking on beaches that have sand fleas at dawn or dusk since that’s when they’re more active. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants on the beach when possible, and always apply insect repellant to your legs and feet. For tips on how to prevent sand flea bites, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"Gave me a few ideas on how to treat massive sand flea bites. Having a wonderful time at the beach until attacked by a horde of these flying itch machines. Husband has hundreds of bites; it's been days and the itching is not getting any better for either of us. "..." more
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