Urgent - child’s skin irritated/bleeding from flea bites

[Cocacolathanks]

Hey everyone,

Hope everyone is enjoying Christmas! Just a quick question for anyone with pets or experience with flea bites on kid’s skin.

My nephew (I just found out today) has been badly bitten on his bum/back by the cat’s fleas. The cat has been given to a shelter (the family was not really in a state to care for it properly so thankfully they agreed to rehome it, much better for the cat too) but the house has not been professionally treated.

My nephew’s skin is badly irritated. Scabs, open bleeding scabs, itchiness and dry patches. I’ve advised them to contact a GP immediately of course.

However, does anyone have any experience that could help? I was going to suggest camomile for the itchiness but don’t want to risk further issues.

Also, the house definitely needs pest control, doesn’t it?

Hoping someone can offer some advice! I’ve also rung up the local pharmacy, just waiting for them to ring back.

Thank you and merry Christmas

And now he misses 3 weeks of school (pre Covid I assume) another red flag in my opinion.

They can spend all the money they like but if they aren’t meeting basic needs.
Medical attention
Schooling
Space of his own.
Healthy limits. (Screens and food)
Modelling and ensuring acceptable behaviour.
Having a safe and healthy home environment.
Just because they aren’t beating him up doesn’t mean SS wouldn’t be interested.
And the mother cried? Well yes. Because she was tired. Not because she felt awful for the child. Sounds dreadful.

You said you don't even like these people but stay around because you are concerned about their child? That's what happens in situations like this, other people fill the gaps which enables the situation to continue. Would you be confident they would have done the right thing if you hadn't stepped in? If no, then this is neglect. Social services absolutely are there for chaotic families where a child's needs are not being met. Stepping in now is how they can avoid worse tragedies happening.

It's unlikely but an infected bite could become infected. Do you think these parents would get immediate medical attention for septicaemia? Try playing the tape forward.

OP you have noticed a problem and are trying to help. Don't blame yourself.