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Home remedies for Chigger Bites
What can be put on them to dry them up?
(28 Sep 2007)
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Chigger bites are a common occurrence in most parts of the world. They are caused by chiggers, which are actually larvae (younglings) of harvest mites, and can be found in almost any area with greenery, including lawns, parks, gardens, and forests. These larvae prefer a moist, humid environment, so they are usually found on smaller plants that are close to the ground or near lakes and ponds.
Chiggers are extremely tiny (less than half a millimeter) and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not suck your blood; they actually inject an enzyme into your skin that destroys skin tissue, and then feed on this tissue. A typical chigger will feast for 3-4 hours without you noticing. The first indication you will have that you have been bit by a chigger is when you develop an itch, along with minor swelling and redness. This is actually your skin’s reaction to the chigger’s enzymes. Luckily, North American chiggers are not known to transmit any disease to human beings, though some Asian species can carry serious diseases. The chigger bite itself is fairly harmless, and you will notice that the itching and swelling will disappear within two weeks.
The main risk associated with chigger bites is that of infection, since your skin’s surface is broken and bacteria may enter. The first thing you should do is cleanse the area with mild soap and water, and avoid scratching it. You can also apply an antibacterial salve or cream. Over-the-counter lotions such as calamine can reduce the irritation and soothe the area. If you prefer a natural remedy, then aloe vera can help you thanks to its soothing and antibacterial properties. Simply apply some aloe vera gel over the bites and allow it to sit for some time. Aloe vera is also helpful in speeding up the natural healing of the skin’s surface. You can even try applying a paste of baking soda and water that will help to cover the irritated area and reduce the swelling. In case the swelling does not reduce after a couple of weeks, you could have a secondary infection or an allergic reaction. You will need to visit your doctor, who may prescribe creams with antihistamine or corticosteroids. However, your best defense against chiggers is to regularly wash after any outdoor activity, since chiggers get detached from your skin very easily. You may even want to keep your outdoor clothes separate and wash them at the earliest.
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answered by G M on 15 Apr 2010, 6:08:30
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Home remedies for Chigger Bites
Chigger is the colloquial name for two parasites — the chigoe flea, which is tropical flea, and larvae of harvest mites, which are usually found in North America. Based on your brief question and the fact that people are usually talking about harvest mites, when they say “chiggers”, it seems that you have been bitten by the latter.
Harvest mites do not actually bite, nor do they suck blood, contrary to what some people may tell you. Another common misconception is that harvest mites burrow into the skin. In fact however, harvest mite larvae are microscopic (the lack of visibility has led to the misconception that they have burrowed under the skin) and feed on skin cells. They usually get onto your skin from grass or leaves in moist, green areas, and then inject a digestive enzyme into the skin. This enzyme helps them feed on the skin cells and simultaneously causes irritation and inflammation.
These parasites only rarely carry disease, but if you experience fever, fatigue, and dizziness, you should visit your doctor. If not, you can treat the bites yourself. The first course of action is to take a hot bath as soon as you get. Pay particular attention to your feet, legs, arms, and chest. This will wash away larvae that have not yet bitten or attached themselves to your skin. The warm water will also ease the irritation from bites that you have already received. You can also apply some clear nail polish to the bites, or petroleum jelly. This will seal the bites and prevent infection, as well as soothing the irritation. Do not use alcohol or scratch your skin.
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answered by G M on 19 Feb 2008, 12:01:06
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