Chiggers Bite: How do you stop the Harvest Mites Itch ?

Chigger Bite Itch: Harvest Mites That Dwells In Tall Grass

Chiggers usually infest the human body in moist and humid areas such as fields, parks or gardens. They most often bite around the ankles and waist band. Chigger bites tend to leave bumps on the skin that are itchy and red.

Chigger is the name given to the larva of the group of mites called the suborder prostigmata. These are also commonly known as scrub mites or harvest mites. Mites start out as eggs, then hatch to become larvae and then grow into nymphs before becoming full-grown adults. It is only the larvae that are parasitic, as the nymphs and adults tend to thrive on plants. The larvae take up positions on grass or tall leaves of plants and wait for a mammal to pass so that they can climb onto them. It then feeds on the mammal until it becomes a nymph. It is commonly believed that chiggers burrow and penetrate inside the skin, but this is not the case. They also do not feed on blood, but suck on the fluid present in the cells of the skin. In order to do this, they inject enzymes into the skin that rupture the cells. As a result the area surrounding the bite hardens, and this serves as a feeding straw through which they suck on the cell fluid. This process causes skin irritation and leaves a red bump on the skin. The discomfort can continue for many days.

Home Remedies For Chigger Bites

Chiggers inhabit wet and moist areas, so one must be careful when venturing into such areas. Also remember to wear clothing that is loose fitted as chiggers usually attach themselves on areas of skin under tight clothing. Take a bath once you reach home and check for any chiggers on your skin. If you do find a chigger on the skin, then you need to pull it out in such a manner that you do not squeeze its rear portion as this will cause it to purge out enzymes into the skin. Use a pair of tweezers and with a lifting motion; pull the chigger out with an upward action. It is commonly believed that applying nail polish on the bite will improve the condition. However, this only serves to seal off the area from air which temporarily stops the itching. Rubbing the area with a paste of baking soda and water helps to relieve the itching and swelling. Gently rubbing the bite with a moistened aspirin tablet is also known to be helpful. Applying vitamin E oil to the affected area is also effective in alleviating the itch.