{{More citations needed|date=June 2016}} {{Infobox medical condition (new) | name = Pulicosis | synonyms = Flea bites | image = Fleabite.JPG | alt = | caption = Flea bites on the back of a human | pronounce = | field = | geneReviewsID = | symptoms = Swelling, soreness | complications = Flea allergy dermatitis, plague, murine typhus | onset = | duration = | types = | causes = Fleas | risks = | diagnosis = | differential = | prevention = | treatment = | medication = | prognosis = | frequency = | deaths = }} '''Pulicosis''' is a skin condition caused by several species of fleas, including the cat flea (''Ctenocephalides felis'') and dog flea (''Ctenocephalides canis''). This condition can range from mild irritation to severe irritation. In some cases, 48 to 72 hours after being bitten, a more severe rash-like irritation may begin to spread across the body. Symptoms include swelling of the bitten area, erythema, ulcers of the mouth and throat, restlessness, and soreness of the areolae.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fleas: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia|url=https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001329.htm|access-date=2020-11-16|website=medlineplus.gov|language=en}}</ref> In extreme cases, within 1 week after being bitten, the condition may spread through the lymph nodes and begin affecting the central nervous system. Permanent nerve damage can occur.<ref name="Andrews">{{cite book |author1=James, William D. |author2=Berger, Timothy G. |title=Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology |publisher=Saunders Elsevier |year=2006 |isbn=0-7216-2921-0 |display-authors=etal}}</ref>{{rp|450}}
If they receive an excessive number of bites, pets can also develop flea allergy dermatitis, which can potentially be fatal if no actions are taken.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}} However, dogs and cats are not the only ones that are at risk. Humans can suffer from flea bites and, depending on a variety of factors, the bites can cause much pain and discomfort.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
== See also == * Dermatitis
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Medical resources | DiseasesDB = | ICD10 = W57 | ICD9 = {{ICD9|919.4}} | ICDO = | OMIM = | MedlinePlus = | eMedicineSubj = | eMedicineTopic = | MeshID = | GeneReviewsName = }} {{Animal bites and stings}}
Category:Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin Category:Insect bites and stings