Sea flea: appearance, habitat, feeding and reproduction characteristics, photo

Dangerous sea flea. Where do sea fleas live and what do they look like? The benefits of parasites for the environment. How dangerous are sea flea bites for humans? What actions should be taken after a flea attack. How to protect yourself from bites while on vacation.

If you are planning a vacation by the sea, then you think through everything down to the smallest detail so that everything is perfect and nothing can ruin the wonderful days. But unfortunately, there are circumstances that are absolutely independent of a person, it is impossible to foresee them, but they can significantly spoil the impressions of your vacation.

This applies to parasites that are inhabitants of beaches - the sea flea. To prevent it from ruining your vacation, you need to know a few important points and follow the recommendations that will protect you from attacks by these small parasites.

Description

Few people have heard of sand fleas.
We all sincerely believe that such parasites, swarming in the sand and biting people, are found somewhere abroad, in southern countries. And here we are not mistaken - in the middle latitudes you can rarely find an unpleasant resident in the sand near a lake, but in the south they are often found. Since people began to travel around the world and prefer to vacation somewhere on the shores of the Andmaman Sea to the Black Sea, the risk of meeting a sand flea is growing every year. So residents of middle latitudes are not immune from the bite of the parasite. These are the so-called sand fleas, or amphipods. They belong to the Talitridae family. These fleas are otherwise called beach fleas. Local residents have known about them for a long time, tourists only recently learned about them.

They are very small in size. Their length is only 1-2 mm, but they can jump up to 40 mm. Fleas are dark brown in color and look like shrimp - their body consists of separate segments. They are believed to belong to the same family as cat fleas. Insects do not have wings, but they have long legs.

Few people have heard of sand fleas.

Insect activity occurs in the evening and morning hours - at dawn or sunset. It is at this time that they bite more often.

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Interesting facts about sea fleas

1. In total, more than two thousand species of fleas have been described.
2. Entomologist Charles Rothschild collected a collection of fleas. It is kept in a museum in Britain.
3. When a flea hatches from an egg, it immediately begins to look for a host to live on. Usually this is one of the mammals.
4. Fleas have the ability to transmit infectious diseases from one to another.
5. Gammarus goes through 4 stages in life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
6. Flea saliva contains substances that can cause severe allergic reactions.
7. The eggs mature in about 7 days.
8. The lifestyle of Gammarus is semi-terrestrial. They spend time in the area near the shore and in the deep sea. At the same time, they always try to get out onto land.
9. Wash your feet after walking on the beach.

Who are they

Few can distinguish an ordinary flea, which feeds mainly on the blood of warm-blooded animals, from other crustaceans that are similar in appearance and structure. Therefore, the question often arises - who are sea fleas?

After all, it is generally accepted that these blood-sucking insects live mainly in basements and entrances of residential buildings.

It is because of these creatures that most tourists who come to relax on the sea coast remain dissatisfied with their vacation, and many even decide not to return to the resort area.

Local residents of the middle zone have long been accustomed to this type of insects; they practically do not pay attention to gammarus; they know that the sand under their feet and the algae thrown ashore are infested with parasites; they try to avoid these places.

For vacationers, finding themselves in a situation where their legs are simply covered with bloodsuckers becomes simply catastrophic.

Daphnia (water fleas), unlike sea fleas:

• feed exclusively on plankton, waste organic matter, bacteria, and unicellular algae;
• at the same time, they pass water currents through themselves. They do not feed on human blood, and are the so-called “cleaners” of the water depths;
• their body is covered with a leathery bivalve shell ending in two hooks of the original horny appearance;
• Having one eye, consisting of many small eyes, daphnia are very well oriented in water, since the visual organ is highly mobile;
• Water fleas spend most of their lives in the aquatic environment, rarely moving onto land.

The habitat of daphnia is puddles, ponds, reservoirs, small lakes, etc. They inhabit several continents at once. The exception is equatorial territories. The largest populations are seen in subtropical climates.

Recently, water fleas can be seen in the sea, in vast areas that are unusual for their usual habitat. This is due to human activity and the exploration of new territories of the globe.

Why are they dangerous?

Both males and females bite humans. Males drink blood, leaving behind only the bite site and itching. A female's bite is fraught with more than just irritation. Females use humans as a source of blood necessary for reproduction.

The sea sand flea burrows into the skin and attaches itself to a blood vessel, feeding on the blood it needs to mature its eggs. At the same time, it increases and reaches the size of a pea. As soon as the eggs are ripe, she shoots them out of the wound and dies.

The remains of the female remain in the microscopic wound, which causes suppuration and severe pain. The disease caused by sand fleas in this way is called sarcopsillosis, or tungiasis.

Both males and females bite humans

AMOEBIASE: THE MYSTERY OF FRESH RESERVOIR (Türkiye)

Despite restrictions on the sale of tours to Turkey, many of our fellow citizens seek to relax in this country. Unfortunately, this region confidently holds the lead in the number of amebiasis diseases. Fresh water reservoirs pose a danger. They only seem clean at first glance, but in fact, parasites live there - amoebas, which cause intestinal damage. Sometimes parasites penetrate other organs, most often the liver. Poor food or drinking water can also be the culprit of infection. In addition to Turkey, tourists need to be careful in Egypt, Tunisia, India and other southern countries.

What to do: You should not swim or wash clothes in tropical rivers and lakes, or wade through them. You need to be careful with greens and fruits, drink only bottled water, and do not drink drinks with ice.

Photo: Getty Images

Benefits from insects

We are familiar with fleas as parasites that cause great trouble for both animals and people. But the sea flea brings quite a lot of benefits to the ecology of beaches. As you know, a large number of microorganisms live on the beach and in coastal waters, some of which are very dangerous to humans. The sea flea in this case is simply irreplaceable and brings great benefits, since it cleanses beach areas of harmful microorganisms. They are natural orderlies who clean and prevent the growth of dangerous microorganisms.

Natural habitat

The largest populations of the parasite are observed in countries with warm climates. Optimal conditions for the development of sand fleas are in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Africa. Rare individuals can be found on European territory. The insect population grows very quickly on neglected beaches, landfills, quarries and other places where there is sand and water.

sand flea

Another place where a high concentration of the parasite has been observed is in Cuba. There, ideal conditions have been created for her: countless beaches, an abundance of sand, water and an optimal climate. A flea can choose almost any warm-blooded animal, including humans, as a carrier.

Danger to humans

Despite the enormous benefits for the environment, these parasites, like other fleas, can attack humans in order to satisfy hunger. They do not disdain human blood and therefore often attack vacationers. Both female and male individuals can attack, but the bites differ from each other.

For example, when a male bites, it requires a small amount of blood to saturate, the bite occurs quickly, it is comparable to a mosquito. After a bite, the area is swollen and accompanied by itching. In the case of a female bite, it is compared to a tick attack.

The female needs much more time to saturate; just like a tick, she strongly attaches to the blood vessel and penetrates under the skin. The female needs food to reproduce. In addition, the symptoms are also different; the affected area in the female specimen swells greatly; in the center you can see a black dot, which is the parasite itself. A white abscess also appears and the affected area begins to hurt.

The female continues to suck blood until her offspring mature, and as she satiates, she increases significantly in size. When the eggs mature, she shoots them out over fairly large distances. After the eggs are laid, the female dies without leaving the human body. This leads to serious consequences, since insect remains provoke inflammation and suppuration, which in turn leads to the development of tungiasis and sarcopsillosis. Medical care and proper treatment are necessary, without which gangrene and blood poisoning may develop, which, as is known, lead to the death of a person. Most often, fleas attack the areas of the feet, legs, buttocks and groin.

LAMPIRE: RIVER VAMPIRES (UK)

British authorities are sounding the alarm: the number of lampreys in local rivers has increased this year. Outwardly, these aquatic inhabitants resemble eels: a serpentine body, gill openings on the sides of the head, and a powerful sucker in front. Clinging to their prey with their round, toothed mouth, they suck out not only the blood, but also all the other liquid, thereby killing it. These underwater inhabitants are native to the Atlantic, but they are also able to live in fresh water. Being hungry, these monsters are capable of attacking humans. The wounds inflicted are not safe: the secretions of the lamprey’s cheek glands entering the wound prevent blood clotting, cause the destruction of red blood cells and tissue breakdown.

What to do: You need to carefully examine yourself after each entry into the river. Even minor bites should see a doctor.

Photo: Getty Images

Actions when bitten

If you find a sea flea bite, remember not to scratch the skin, as this leads to infection. You should take some steps and use products that will improve the condition of the affected skin area and relieve symptoms.

These include:

• Shower. The very first thing to do is take a shower. But it is very important to shower without a bathing suit. The fact is that there may be larvae on it, which already at this stage of development need nutrition and cause painful bites. After the attack of the larvae, a rash and irritation appear. It is also necessary to wash your swimsuit/swimming trunks and towels. Before washing, they are wiped with alcohol or vinegar, and then washed using detergent.
• Vinegar, alcohol. These remedies help get rid of unbearable itching. To do this, you need to soak cotton wool in vinegar and apply it to the affected area, then let the product dry on the skin. You can also dilute alcohol with water and apply it to the bite, in this case it helps get rid of toxins.
• Cold compress. You can use ice, which is wrapped in a cloth or towel and applied to the sore spot. Allows you to relieve swelling and get rid of severe pain.
• Calamine lotion. This remedy perfectly relieves itching. This drug is not recommended for use in children under 6 months of age, as well as in pregnant women and during breastfeeding. Hydrocortisone ointment has a similar effect, but for children under 10 years of age it can only be used after consultation with a doctor.
• Soda. This remedy will help get rid of itching and relieve inflammation. You can use soda as a compress; for this, take 3 tablespoons of soda and dilute with 1 spoon of water. A thick paste is applied to the affected area for half an hour. You can also take a bath with baking soda; for this you need to use 1 glass of powder per bath of water. You need to stay in such a bath for at least half an hour. Instead of baking soda, you can add 2 cups of oatmeal to the bath, which has a similar effect. Remember that the water should not be hot, as this can make the situation worse.
• Aloe vera. Preparations with aloe vera have an excellent effect on the skin, relieve inflammation, and reduce irritation.
• Essential oils. Cedarwood, lavender, and tea tree oils are used, which relieve irritation well.
• Anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal drugs. They help relieve pain and inflammation, these include aspirin, ibuprofen and others.

If you detect a bite from a female, be sure to consult a doctor, since it is necessary to remove the parasite in order to prevent complications. In addition, when the symptoms do not go away, and the site of the lesion is disturbing, medical attention will also be required, since this indicates an infection or a possible allergy to the saliva of the parasite, which requires treatment.

Unfortunately, there are cases where, after a bite from this small parasite, sepsis developed, which led to amputation of the fingers. An attack by these fleas cannot be ignored as the consequences can be quite serious and life-threatening. Sometimes symptoms manifest themselves as headaches, nausea, weakness, fever, which in turn, without proper treatment, leads to serious consequences.

Prevention

We've looked at how to get rid of sea flea rash so far, but what about preventing it from happening?

While you can't completely rule out the possibility of encountering marine parasites, it's certainly possible that you won't get in the water and miss out on the fun, but there are a few steps you can take to help minimize the risk.

Swim naked

Weird way to prevent sea flea rash? But very effective. Namatocysts of foxglove larvae shoot out when the swimsuit compresses them on the body's body. Since the maggots do not enter your body as such, it follows that swimming naked, if possible, will help avoid these bites.

Remove your swimsuit immediately

As soon as you finish diving or swimming, remove your swimming equipment to avoid exposure to any larvae that may become lodged in it. Consider washing your swimsuit with detergent before using it next time, in case any critters are trapped.

Apply a thick layer of Vaseline to your skin

Vaseline and other waterproof, moisturizing ointments help prevent bites by creating a protective barrier on your skin. Zinc oxide is also touted as effective.

Wear suitable swimwear

A tight-fitting wetsuit is a great way to dive into an ocean filled with so-called “sea fleas.” If you cannot wear a wet suit, look for a suitable alternative. T-shirts and other loose clothing are definitely not suitable for this. For women, 2-piece swimsuits are recommended; One-piece swimsuits increase the risk.

Use repellent

To protect against sea lice when diving or swimming in waters filled with them, many anti-jellyfish lotions and creams have been developed. Of these, the most popular is the dermatologically tested protective marine lotion. It not only protects against jellyfish, but also against other stinging creatures such as sea nettles and stinging coral.

The best way to protect yourself from stinging stallion fish and other dangerous ocean creatures is to pay attention to warning signs and flags, and do not enter ocean water during flea peaks. You now know how to get rid of a rash if this happens.

Stacy Marshall

Treatment of sea flea bites

To alleviate the condition after a sea flea bite, you can use the following remedies:

1. Do not scratch the bite site, as this can lead to skin infection.
2. Take a shower. After discovering that you have been stung by sea fleas, you must first remove your swimsuit. Then take a shower. Some people make the mistake of showering in their bathing suit. The larvae still remain on it and continue to sting the person. To prevent rashes, the swimsuit is wiped with alcohol or vinegar, then washed with detergent and dried.
3. Using vinegar and alcohol. These products are often used to relieve sea itch. It is necessary to moisten a cotton ball in vinegar and apply it to the sore spot. Do not wash off; skin must air dry. Taking a vinegar bath will also help. Alcohol diluted with water will help neutralize toxins.
4. Using cold compresses. Several ice cubes are wrapped in a towel and applied to the affected areas. This procedure is performed until the symptoms subside. It is also possible to wet a washcloth in cold water and apply it to sore spots.
5. Apply calamine lotion. It will help reduce itching sensations. A small amount of lotion is applied to the affected area with gentle movements. It is necessary to consult a doctor before applying this lotion if it is planned to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as for children under six months. It is also possible to use hydrocortisone ointment to relieve itching. It is used with caution in children under 10 years of age.
6. Taking a bath. To relieve redness and reduce itching, you can take a bath with baking soda. To do this, pour one glass of soda into a bath of warm water and spend in it from half an hour to one hour. You can mix 3 parts baking soda with one part water and stir them to form a thick paste. It is applied to the affected area and left on it for 30 minutes. Then the soda is washed off. It is also possible to take an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal contains antioxidants that will soothe your skin. To prepare such a bath, you will need to pour two glasses of oatmeal into a bath of warm water. In order not to aggravate the situation, you should not make the water in the bath hot.
7. Application of preparations with aloe vera. Aloe is used to treat many skin diseases. It will soften the skin and reduce irritation and itching.
8. Use of essential oil. Oils such as tea tree, cedar oil, and lavender oil will relieve irritation. The oil is applied directly to the skin. To prevent irritation from the oil, it is mixed with a carrier oil.
9. Use of non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, ibuprofen, aspirin. They will relieve inflammation and discomfort.

It is necessary to seek medical help if the bite site looks like a small mound with a dark center. The doctor must remove the parasite that has penetrated the skin. You should also consult a doctor if your condition worsens after applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone ointment. Perhaps there is an infection in the wound or there is an allergy to the flea saliva. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine ointment. She will calm down the irritation.

Fire worms

Despite the creepy name, they look quite cute: a bright orange caterpillar with fluffy white bristles. The size can reach 40 cm, but usually it is about 10 cm. Some wildlife lovers find it difficult to restrain themselves from grabbing the handsome man in their hands. This should not be done under any circumstances: the worm instantly parts with its bristles, they scatter in the water and stick straight into your hands. The spines contain capsules containing poison containing a neurotoxin. The skin turns red, swells, dizziness and nausea begin.

Where do they meet?

: Mediterranean Sea, Adriatic coast.

Security measures

: Do not swim on wild beaches - fireworms accumulate right in the shallow water between the rocks. They themselves are timid and non-aggressive; they will not attack unless disturbed. If you are diving on an unequipped beach, wear rubber slippers - they will protect your feet.

If you are injured by a fireworm, you need to remove the poison capsules. Use tweezers if you see spines, or regular tape if the bristles are not visually visible. After this, the wound should be wiped with alcohol. And don’t forget to see a doctor - if the affected area is large, you will be prescribed antibiotics.

Possible consequences of a bite

If you do not take any measures after being bitten by crustacean parasites and constantly scratch the bite site, the consequences can become very unpleasant. There are cases when, after being bitten by a sea flea, the victim developed sepsis and his toes were amputated. It is important to know that you should not settle on the sea next to sand where there are algae. Algae are the favorite habitat of sea fleas.

In addition to itching and discomfort after a sea flea bite, the following symptoms may be present in particularly severe cases: fever, chills, nausea, headaches, red eyes.

Symptoms

The bite from an adult thimble jellyfish is usually painful, and you will not immediately notice the attack of their larvae. Only after some time will you feel a tingling sensation in areas of the body covered or subject to friction from swimming or diving equipment. For example, the armpits, groin, chest, inner thighs, neck.

Find out more What flea bites look like on a person, why they are dangerous, how to treat

A rash will then appear within 24 hours. Sea flea rash is usually very itchy and accompanied by raised, red patches of skin with bumps or blisters of varying sizes. They can in some cases form a dense mass on the skin, similar to sand flea bites.

In addition to itching and blisters, the rash may be accompanied by the following symptoms, especially in more severe cases:

• Fever;
• Chills;
• Nausea;
• Headache;
• Fatigue, especially in children;
• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra);
• Redness of the eyes.

Symptoms vary from one person to another depending on the body's response to the sting. People who develop the rash earlier are more likely to develop symptoms.

“People with allergic reactions who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of developing severe rashes,” says Mebane, MD, medical director of the Divers Alert Network (DAN). Sea flea rashes last from a couple of days to a week. In severe cases, it may take several weeks to heal completely.

How to prevent parasite bites

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely exclude the possibility that you will be bitten by a sea flea, but it is quite possible to reduce the chances to a minimum.

To do this you need:

• Remember that insects are most active in the morning and when the sun sets, so at this time walks on the beach should be carried out only in shoes, do not sit down or lie down on the sand with your naked body.
• Avoid areas on the beach where there are algae, such areas are the habitat of parasites and there they are most concentrated.
• When you sunbathe you need to use a sun lounger.
• On the beach, wear only beach shoes.
• Use special insect repellent sprays.
• Visit only beaches that are intended for vacationers.
• Check your body regularly.

Stingrays

The animals spend most of their time motionless, so they may not be noticed in the sand. But if you disturb the stingray, it will be forced to sting. You will feel pain, dizziness, weakness. You should be concerned if the stingray wounded you in the chest or stomach. If the stingray stings the leg or arm, then there is no danger to life. The main thing is to properly treat the wound.

Where do they meet?

: Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean.

Precautionary measures: do not walk on wild beaches barefoot, wear rubber slippers. If you are stung by a stingray, first wash the wound with sea water.

Treat with hydrogen peroxide, place the limb in warm water and keep for at least 30 minutes. Take an antihistamine. After this, the pain should subside. Over the next few days, clean the wound with soap and water. If signs of suppuration appear, consult a doctor.

How to get rid of a rash quickly - effective remedies

Although sea flea bites are harmless and heal within a week in most cases, the rash and itching are very uncomfortable.

The home remedies for sea rash listed below will help relieve you from the discomfort of itching and other symptoms, speeding up the healing process.

Do not rub or scratch the skin

This is not the way to get rid of a rash, no doubt. Scratching or rubbing the affected area will only make the condition worse.

The urge to scratch itchy areas can be overwhelming, but restrain yourself from doing so. If you use a towel to dry yourself after a shower, gently pat your skin rather than rubbing it across the surface.

Take a shower

Doctors recommend removing your swimsuit or wetsuit as soon as you realize you have been stung by sea lice before showering with fresh water and soap.

Taking a shower will help relieve skin irritation. One mistake people often make is washing while still wearing a soiled swimsuit. This causes the larvae to become trapped in the fabric of your suit and sting.

To prevent recurrence of the rash and other symptoms, wipe down swimming or diving suits with vinegar or rubbing alcohol, then wash them with detergent, then dry them. Air drying is often not sufficient to kill digitalis jellyfish larvae and other parasites. In cases of severe rash, it is best to change your swimsuit.

Apply oatmeal

Oatmeal has soothing properties, making it one of the most effective home remedies for water flea rash.

Getting rid of rashes with oatmeal is quite simple:

• In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons oatmeal with ¼ cup water.
• Heat the mixture for 5-10 minutes to soften the oats.

• Gently apply the prepared oatmeal to the affected areas of the skin.

• Repeat this home treatment several times a day to speed up healing.

Bathing with a colloidal oatmeal product such as Aveeno Soothing Bath is also beneficial.

Rub in calamine lotion

Calamine lotion helps stop itching and reduce rashes. Available without a prescription at most pharmacies, Calamine Lotion is especially recommended for children, according to the Department of Health.

Use vinegar or wipe with alcohol

Vinegar and rubbing alcohol have long been used to relieve sea rashes. This not only helps kill the maggots that cling to the skin, but also soothes the itching.

• For vinegar, apply a cotton ball that has been soaked in diluted white vinegar to the stung areas of the skin. Do not rinse; Allow the leather to air dry.
• Bathing in a vinegar bath also helps.
• As for rubbing alcohol, it helps neutralize toxins remaining on the skin. Apply it diluted with a cotton ball.

Use the porridge

According to Sarah Buchanan, a writer for the Daily Star, applying cooked porridge to affected areas of the skin helps soothe it and relieve rashes and itching.

Take antihistamines

Antihistamines help get rid of the rash. They block the action of histamine and stop the urge to scratch the affected area. Among the most common antihistamines are:

• diphenhydramine;
• chlorpheniramine;
• loratadine (Claritin).

However, antihistamines should not be used in children without a doctor's approval.

Hydrocortisone cream

Application of 1% hydrocortisone cream on the affected areas of the skin, 2-3 times a day, 1 - 2 weeks, helps get rid of the rash. This reduces itching and the discomfort associated with it.

However, hydrocortisone creams should not be used on the vaginal or rectal areas for children under 12 years of age. Should not be used at all on children under 2 years of age.

Ice packs, cold compresses

Ice helps relieve pain associated with sea rash.

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean towel, then apply it to the problem areas. Repeat the procedure regularly until the rash and other symptoms disappear.
• You can also soak a washcloth in cold water and squeeze out the excess water. Then, apply it to the affected area several times a day to relieve symptoms.

Apply special gel

There is a product called Tender Jellyfish Sting Relief Gel. With ammonia as the active ingredient, this product is designed to relieve the pain and itching associated with sea flea rashes.

According to the manufacturer, this sting gel is suitable for treating irritation caused by poisonous plants such as poison ivy.

Take your medicine

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For example, ibuprofen and aspirin are useful for relieving inflammation (swelling) and discomfort.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age to avoid putting them at risk of a rare condition known as Rice syndrome.

You should consult a dermatologist if none of the methods help relieve symptoms. You may be developing a secondary bacterial infection or a very severe allergy.

Treatment for head lice may include the use of prescription corticosteroid creams along with other medications such as antihistamines, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, and others.

Pharmaceutical preparations to relieve itching and swelling

Among the wide variety of pharmaceutical ointments that eliminate itching and swelling after insect bites, you can choose a drug for both adults and children. Before applying the product, you should carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations. Ignoring them may make the problem worse. The table provides a description of some of the most effective antipruritic and decongestant drugs in ointment or gel form:

Drug name	Active substance	Contraindications		Minimum age at which the use of ointment (gel) is permitted, months	Features of application
		Are common	Private
Advantan	Methylprednisolone aceponate	Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug	Tuberculous, viral or syphilitic processes, rosacea, perioral dermatitis in the area of ​​application	4	Apply once a day in a thin layer. You cannot apply it daily for 3 months in a row for adults and 1 month for children.
Fenistil-gel	Dimetindene maleate		Angle-closure glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia	1	Apply 2–4 times daily. In case of severe itching, treat the affected area, then take the drug in the form of drops.
Levomekol	Chloramphenicol, methyluracil		Not found	12	Cover the wound with a sterile gauze pad soaked in the product.
Hydrocortisone ointment	Hydrocortisone		Rosacea, skin rashes, acne, open wounds, neoplasms, tuberculous, viral or syphilitic processes in the area of ​​application	24	Apply ointment 2–4 times a day for 6–14 days.
Sulfuric ointment	Sulfur		Not specified	Apply ointment 2-3 times a day.

Homemade products according to folk recipes

If these blood-sucking insects have bitten you at home, it is possible to cope with the consequences of their bites with the help of folk remedies. Their only drawback is the need for self-preparation, which is why most people prefer to use pharmaceutical preparations. To treat itching and swelling, medicinal plants and ingredients that can be found in any kitchen are commonly used. Information on how to prepare the most effective folk remedies and how to treat them correctly is presented in the table:

Ingredients	Preparation	Application
Soda	1 tsp. Dissolve a spoonful of soda in 200 ml of warm water.	Apply a piece of gauze soaked in the solution to the itchy skin. The procedure time is 10–15 minutes. You can apply the compress 2-3 times a day until the itching and swelling disappear.
Sagebrush	Prepare a highly concentrated wormwood decoction.	Wipe the bitten area several times a day with a cotton pad moistened with a decoction.
Aloe	Wash the fleshy leaf of the plant thoroughly. Lightly mash it and cut lengthwise.	Apply the plant to itchy and swollen skin for 10–15 minutes, securing it with a bandage or adhesive tape. This procedure can be carried out several times a day.
Plantain	Rinse the plant well under running water and mash to release the juice.
Dandelion
Citric acid, vinegar	Mix 0.5 tsp. citric acid, 100 ml vinegar and 200 ml cool water.	Treat the affected area several times a day with a cotton pad moistened with medicinal liquid.
Lemon	Squeeze the juice out of the fruit.
Garlic	Chop a few cloves of garlic.	Make a compress by applying the paste to the sore spot and securing it with a bandage. After 2 hours, remove the garlic mass and wash the wound. If during the procedure the bitten person experiences a strong burning sensation, remove the paste and rinse the skin with cold water.

JELLYFISH: SHOOTING WITH POISON (ABKHAZIA)

In the Black Sea there live cornerota jellyfish, meeting which does not bode well for vacationers. These sea inhabitants hide stinging cells in their jelly-like bodies that produce poison. If you touch a jellyfish, a dangerous substance will get on your skin. Most often, the most sensitive areas are affected: the face, neck, backs of the hands and feet, thighs, and groin. Cornerot cannot kill a person, unlike its tropical counterparts, but it can inflict a painful burn. The diameter of the affected area sometimes reaches half a meter! It takes several years for such a burn to disappear from the skin. Often, the affected person later develops a persistent allergy to seafood.

Tropical waters are home to even more poisonous relatives of the cornerota, such as the “Portuguese man-of-war” and the “sea wasp”. Their burn causes excruciating pain and respiratory paralysis.

What to do: You need to quickly get out of the water onto the shore, thoroughly clean the burned skin without touching it with your bare hands. To do this, you can use available tools: the dull side of a knife, a nail file, a comb, a towel, and damp sand. After this, the burn site must be washed. If there is no drinking water, any liquid will do: sea water, ammonia, lemon or tomato juice. It is a good idea to apply ice to the affected area. Itching will be reduced by medications that help after insect bites.

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Treatment for flea bites

Treatment of flea bites is aimed at alleviating the condition of the victim. To relieve itching and swelling, you need to anoint the affected skin with antipruritic and decongestant ointment. For this purpose, you can use ready-made or self-prepared products. If an allergy-prone person who has been attacked by fleas does not show signs of an allergic reaction, he should in any case be given an antihistamine. Suprastin, Zodak, Claritin and other similar products will help prevent the development of allergies and prevent the worsening of its symptoms.

When did they appear

Amphipods appeared during the Stone Age of the Paleozone, about 400 million years ago. The first mention of this species dates back to the 19th century. To this day, ancient representatives of crustaceans have been preserved thanks to amber. Many millions of years ago, amphipods fell into a drop of molten amber, and thus today scientists can study this species, preserved in excellent condition.

Larvae: Subcutaneous Migrants (INDIA)

In Slavic mythology, a larva is an evil spirit that can inhabit a woman’s body, after which she becomes dissolute. The parasite larva living in the sand received the corresponding name. Larva carriers are animals that relieve themselves on the beach. The larvae enter the human body through the skin, most often through bare feet. Then the parasite eggs are carried through the blood vessels throughout the body and settle in the lungs, heart, and intestines, where they develop into adult worms.

What to do: It is recommended to walk on the beach only in shoes, lie in a sun lounger or on a mat.

Photo: Getty Images

Appearance

The size of fleas does not exceed 0.5 cm, despite the large number of their species. The body is oblong, round, flattened on the sides, covered with a chitinous layer. There are 3 pairs of limbs on the body: two pairs are directed towards the head, the third pair is directed back. The hind legs are more powerful than the front legs and perform a pushing function during a jump.

Flea

There are bristles on the body, due to which the insect gets caught in the fur, and this makes it difficult to comb out. The head is tilted down, the mouthparts are of a piercing-sucking type. On the head there are two eyes and a pair of antennae, immersed in antennal pits and combs. The antennae are used to secure the female during mating, and the combs help keep the insect on the surface of the host's body. Color can vary from light brown to black.

ZIKA FEVER: BABY KILLER (LATIN AMERICA)

The WHO estimates that the Zika virus will begin spreading across Europe this summer. The likelihood of the disease is highest in regions where populations of tiger mosquitoes are observed. According to the organization's experts, this year the virus is located on the island of Madeira (Portugal), as well as on the Black Sea coast of Russia and Georgia. Doctors emphasize: there is no cure for the Zika virus! It is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it provokes a significant reduction in the size of the skull and other malformations of the brain in the fetus.

What to do: Use repellent, mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves. Some experts advise avoiding blue clothing to avoid attracting the attention of insects. But it is best to relax in more prosperous areas.

Photo: Getty Images

The many faces of sandfly

It’s worth changing the sand flea a little to sandfly - and the solution will come closer.

In non-American English, sandfly is translated as "mosquito" (family Phlebotomidae

).
Mosquitoes should not be confused with the mosquitoes that pester us in the forest (family Culicidae
);
Few people have seen mosquitoes, like fleas; they live in arid regions, for example in Central Asia (and therefore the name sandfly in relation to them is quite justified). If someone still wants to get acquainted with mosquitoes in person, then I can recommend Turkey as a resort area, where they are present, albeit only a little, on the vast sand dunes around the ruins of ancient Side. To a non-specialist, mosquitoes look like ordinary blood-sucking mosquitoes, only clearly small. However, during the day they sit in shelters, most often in rodent burrows, and fly to bite at night. That's why it wasn't mosquitoes that bit my friend on the beach on Koh Chang.

In American English sandfly means or horsefly (Tabanidae

), or the smallest mosquitoes from the family
Ceratopogonidae
, which in Russian are called “mokretsy”. (I can’t even imagine why horseflies and biting midges are called “sand flies”: horseflies have nothing to do with sand; midges are not only not sand flies, but not even flies, but mosquitoes. For clarification, please contact the Americans.) Horseflies in Thailand there are, but even cows and horses, when they are bitten by a horsefly, notice it well and react adequately. It was clearly not them who offended my friend. But biting midges are the correct answer. These small (usually 1.0–1.5 mm) creatures (Fig. 4) have earned their own word in the Russian language for a reason.

EBOLA: AN UNPUNISHED KILLER

Fraternizing and hugging with local residents anywhere in West African countries is highly discouraged - you can get an infection. The most terrible disease that is easily transmitted from person to person through close contact is Ebola fever. In most cases, the infected person will die within 2 weeks. Once in the human body, the Ebola virus attacks the cells of the immune system, leading to the development of a strong inflammatory reaction, as a result of which the blood coagulation system is completely disrupted (at the same time bleeding occurs and blood clots form).

What to do: To date, there is no specific treatment. What gives us hope is that a vaccine against Ebola has already been created and is now being tested in laboratories.

Photo: Getty Images

Reproduction

Unusual sexual behavior of adults depends on the special structure of their organs

reproduction. These organs are the most complex in the entire animal kingdom. The female, climbing onto the male, pulls his genitals into herself. The male reproductive system consists of one pair of testes, vas deferens, two pairs of accessory glands and the copulatory apparatus. The size of the genital organ in an inactive state is equal to a third of the length of the body. It has a beard and spines. The female reproductive system consists of paired ovaries flowing into paired oviducts. They merge into a single oviduct, which passes into the ectodermal vagina, which opens outward into the vulva.

The entire penetration process takes more than ten minutes, and the duration of sexual intercourse is almost ten hours.

Females lay eggs that are less than a millimeter long. Their development lasts about two weeks.

Reproduction

The process of insect copulation can last several hours. Females have a uterus and ovaries. Males have a sexual organ called the sex claw. During mating, the female is on the back of the male and draws the sperm into herself. It takes about 15-20 minutes for the genetic makeup to reach the uterus.

The only condition for successful conception is access to food. For this reason, on the eve of intercourse, the female feeds on the blood of the owner so that she has enough strength to mate. Immediately after the process, the individual also eats; food gives it energy and accelerates the process of egg maturation. If conditions are favorable, a flea can lay several groups of larvae per day. More often it is removed from the wound before birth.