Chigger Insects Mite Bites And Itch: Remedies For Chigger Bites?

Chigger Insects Mite Bites And Itch

Chiggers are the larvae of the trombiculidae family of mites. Chigger insects are found all over the world and usually inhabit forests, parks, grassy areas, gardens and in the areas surrounding rivers and lakes. Chiggers can only thrive in very humid conditions and as such the larvae are usually found living on plants that grow close to the soil. Chiggers are very tiny and can be clearly detected only when they are found in groups on the human skin. They are red in color and the larvae have six legs, while the adult chiggers have eight legs. The chiggers generally infest the skin and look for feeding areas. The chigger mites penetrate the skin with their feeding structures and inject enzymes that serve to destroy the body tissue. The skin surrounding the area of the bite starts to harden, thereby forming a stylostome or a feeding tube. The larvae feed on the damaged tissue through the stylostome. If uninterrupted the chiggers could continue feeding for some days. But this is not likely to happen since they cause a great deal of itching.

Remedies Chigger Bites

The feeding structures of the chiggers are quite delicate and as such they penetrate the areas of skin that are thin such as the folds and wrinkles. Chigger bites usually take place at the ankles, groin, under the arms and the insides of the knees. The chigger bite may not be noticed, and the symptoms only begin after one to three hours after the bite when the chigger begins to inject the enzymes into the body. Symptoms include intense itching and redness or the blistering of the area of the bite. The itching can persist for many days and the lesions on the skin heal after a couple of weeks.
Here are some easy remedies to get relief from the discomfort caused by chigger bites. These help to soothe the bitten area and reduce irritation. The area of the bite must firstly be kept very clean using soap and water. Then make a paste of water and baking soda and apply it to the affected area. It is also a good idea to keep the area elevated as this will help to decrease swelling. Rubbing some castor oil on the bitten areas will also help to ease the itching. Baby oil can also be dabbed onto the affected area after gently scrubbing the area clean. An ice pack can also be placed on the bite to relieve the swelling and reduce the inflammation.