What's Eating You? Sticktight Flea Revisited

The sticktight flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea) earns its name by embedding its head in the host's skin. It has been found in many species of birds and mammals, including humans. The sticktight flea is found worldwide in the tropics, subtropics, and temperate zones, and it is the only representative of this genus found in the United States. Bites from fleas cause irritation and itching for hosts including humans, typically resulting in clusters of firm, pruritic, erythematous papules. Treatment can be tricky, as the fleas can be difficult to remove, and any flea-infested environments should be properly treated to prevent further bites.