How to Recognize and Treat Chigger Bites

Chiggers are very tiny mite larvae. Chiggers live in almost anywhere you would find grass, trees and other vegetation. Chiggers will attach themselves to people when they walk through those types of areas, but unlike ticks, they do not burrow into the skin. Chiggers remain on the surface of the skin and then puncture the skin and feed. Chiggers bites are intensely itchy.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for red patches of skin that itch. Chiggers can leave small red bumps or tiny blisters after biting a person. Any area of the body can be affected, but oftentimes bites are found on ankles, behind your knees, armpits, the inside of your elbow and in your groin area.

• 2

  Prevent chigger bites by wearing closed shoes, long pants and long sleeved shirts. As soon as you get home from a day spent outside in an area that may be infested with chiggers remove and wash your clothing in hot water and shower. Use bug repellants when you plan on being outside. The same bug repellants that are effective against mosquitoes are effective against chiggers.

• 3

  Treat your chigger bites with antihistamines such as Benadryl. Take an oatmeal bath to relieve the itching and take an over the counter pain reliever to reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack to the affected areas to provide some comfort and relief. The itching can last several days. There are several over the counter creams made specifically for the treatment of chigger bites.

• 4

  See your doctor if the itching does not subside or if the chigger bite areas look infected. A doctor can prescribe a stronger medication to stop the intense itching and an antibiotic if there is an infection.