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Treating Chigger Bites
How to treat chiggers
( 9 Nov 2010)
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Chiggers can be described as minute, microscopic mites, which cling to the fur and skin of animals as well as humans. When the chiggers get under the skin of a person, they could bite the skin, causing severe itchiness and redness. While chigger bites are not really dangerous, they can lead to a lot of pain, burning and itchiness.
Hence, it is normal for people to adopt various chigger bite treatment options, so that they can relieve the itchiness and the skin irritation sooner.
Chigger Bite Treatment
There are several over the counter medicines and topical creams and lotions that contain antihistamines or hydrocortisone, which are excellent in reducing the chigger bite symptoms. Apart from the creams, there are several chigger bite remedies that can be made using simple ingredients found around the house. Given below are some of the most effective tips on how to treat chigger bites naturally:
- Wash the area of skin that appears to be infected by the chiggers, using warm water and a mild soap. This exercise should be repeated several times a day for effective chigger bites treatment. The area should never be scratched severely with long or sharp nails, as the chiggers can get pushed deeper into the skin.
- One of the most effective chigger bite treatment options is oatmeal, since it can help reduce the itchiness. Two cups of plain oatmeal should be added to half a bath of warm water and you could soak in the tub for at least 20 minutes before rinsing the skin off. This should relieve the discomfort instantly. Some people also make a thick paste using oatmeal and water and apply it on to the skin at regular intervals during the day.
- Keep the skin moist and well hydrated, by applying petroleum jelly of a good brand on the affected area.
- A homemade paste, made out of baking soda and water should be applied on the skin and left on for around 20 minutes or until it thickens and dries up. Then, with some warm water the paste should be rinsed off, before castor oil is dabbed on to the area for soothing the skin.
However, it is important to realize that chigger bite treatment only helps reduce the discomfort caused by the bites; it does not get rid of the chiggers from the body. In order to treat chiggers causes, it is important to try out methods for remove chiggers from the body. Some people apply an anti-lice shampoo directly on to the affected areas of the skin, which should then be left on all night long. However, the best way to remove chiggers is by pulling them out of the skin, using a pair of pliers.
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answered by G M on 9 Nov 2010, 1:39:44
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