Pulicosis: Difference between revisions

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== Pulicosis ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
[[File:Fleabite.JPG|thumb|right|Fleabite on human skin]]
| name            = Pulicosis
 
| image          = [[File:Fleabite.JPG|left|thumb|Flea bites on human skin]]
| caption        = Flea bites on human skin
| field          = [[Dermatology]]
| symptoms        = [[Pruritus]], [[erythema]], [[papules]], [[urticaria]]
| complications  = [[Secondary infection]]
| onset          = Immediate after bite
| duration        = Several days to weeks
| causes          = [[Flea]] bites
| risks          = Exposure to [[infested animals]] or environments
| diagnosis      = Clinical examination
| differential    = [[Bedbug bites]], [[mosquito bites]], [[scabies]]
| prevention      = Avoidance of flea-infested areas, [[flea control]] on pets
| treatment      = [[Antihistamines]], [[topical corticosteroids]], [[antibiotics]] for secondary infection
| frequency      = Common in areas with high flea populations
}}
'''Pulicosis''' is a skin condition caused by the bites of [[fleas]], which are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Fleas are known for their ability to jump long distances and are often found on domestic animals such as [[cats]] and [[dogs]].
'''Pulicosis''' is a skin condition caused by the bites of [[fleas]], which are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Fleas are known for their ability to jump long distances and are often found on domestic animals such as [[cats]] and [[dogs]].
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The primary symptom of pulicosis is the appearance of small, red, itchy bumps on the skin. These bumps are the result of an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva. In some cases, the bites may develop into blisters or cause a more severe allergic reaction known as [[urticaria]].
The primary symptom of pulicosis is the appearance of small, red, itchy bumps on the skin. These bumps are the result of an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva. In some cases, the bites may develop into blisters or cause a more severe allergic reaction known as [[urticaria]].
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of pulicosis is typically based on the appearance of the skin lesions and a history of exposure to fleas. A healthcare provider may also look for signs of flea infestation on pets or in the home environment.
Diagnosis of pulicosis is typically based on the appearance of the skin lesions and a history of exposure to fleas. A healthcare provider may also look for signs of flea infestation on pets or in the home environment.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for pulicosis involves relieving the symptoms and eliminating the source of the flea infestation. Topical [[antihistamines]] or [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce itching and inflammation. In severe cases, oral antihistamines or corticosteroids may be prescribed.
Treatment for pulicosis involves relieving the symptoms and eliminating the source of the flea infestation. Topical [[antihistamines]] or [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce itching and inflammation. In severe cases, oral antihistamines or corticosteroids may be prescribed.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
Preventing pulicosis involves controlling flea populations in the home and on pets. Regular use of flea control products on pets, frequent vacuuming, and washing of pet bedding can help reduce the risk of flea infestations.
Preventing pulicosis involves controlling flea populations in the home and on pets. Regular use of flea control products on pets, frequent vacuuming, and washing of pet bedding can help reduce the risk of flea infestations.
 
== See also ==
== Related pages ==
 
* [[Flea]]
* [[Flea]]
* [[Allergic reaction]]
* [[Allergic reaction]]
* [[Dermatitis]]
* [[Dermatitis]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin]]
[[Category:Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin]]

Latest revision as of 15:56, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Pulicosis
Flea bites on human skin
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Pruritus, erythema, papules, urticaria
Complications Secondary infection
Onset Immediate after bite
Duration Several days to weeks
Types N/A
Causes Flea bites
Risks Exposure to infested animals or environments
Diagnosis Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis Bedbug bites, mosquito bites, scabies
Prevention Avoidance of flea-infested areas, flea control on pets
Treatment Antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, antibiotics for secondary infection
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common in areas with high flea populations
Deaths N/A


Pulicosis is a skin condition caused by the bites of fleas, which are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Fleas are known for their ability to jump long distances and are often found on domestic animals such as cats and dogs.

Symptoms[edit]

The primary symptom of pulicosis is the appearance of small, red, itchy bumps on the skin. These bumps are the result of an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva. In some cases, the bites may develop into blisters or cause a more severe allergic reaction known as urticaria.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of pulicosis is typically based on the appearance of the skin lesions and a history of exposure to fleas. A healthcare provider may also look for signs of flea infestation on pets or in the home environment.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for pulicosis involves relieving the symptoms and eliminating the source of the flea infestation. Topical antihistamines or corticosteroids may be used to reduce itching and inflammation. In severe cases, oral antihistamines or corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Prevention[edit]

Preventing pulicosis involves controlling flea populations in the home and on pets. Regular use of flea control products on pets, frequent vacuuming, and washing of pet bedding can help reduce the risk of flea infestations.

See also[edit]