Chiggers are the larva of a particular kind of mites that belong to the Trombiculidae family. They are found mainly in moist areas such as forests, fields, parks, gardens, lakes and so on. These larvae are so tiny, that are not visible to our naked eyes. Chigger mites tend to infest our skin through areas that contact vegetation such as the pant cuffs, collars, and shirt sleeves. They then move on to the skin mainly in search of a feeding area. Once they are on our skin, they puncture it with their feeding structures and inject enzymes that destroy the skin tissue. Once the tissue has been destroyed the skin surrounding it hardens resulting in the formation of a stylostome, which is nothing but a feeding tube. This larva then feed on the destroyed tissue. The chigger bite by itself is not noticeable. It is when it has injected its enzymes into the skin that the symptoms of a bite show up, namely severe itching and a reddening of the skin where the larva has bitten. The itching sensation is caused due to the presence of the feeding tube / stylostome, and it starts 1-2 days after one has been bitten.
There are several home remedies to help deal with chigger bites. Take a teaspoon of baking soda and add a few drops of water to it, so as to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it on for 15- 20 minutes. This should help alleviate the itching and pain if any. Wash the area with soap and warm water and then dab some castor oil on to it. This will help sooth the skin considerably. Take equal amounts of water and vinegar and mix the two together. Apply this solution on the itchy area to reduce irritation. Taking a warm shower is also known to give some relief from these bites. If you have any petroleum jelly handy, you could apply a little on the affected area. This will not only reduce any swelling but will also help appease the irritation. As an option you could apply bacon grease instead, it will work just as well.
Chigger bites by themselves don't cause any long-term problems. However, scratching the area too much and for too long, may turn it into a wound. This may then get infected with bacteria, leading to a more serious skin infection which may require medical attention.
answered by M W