How to Get Rid of Chiggers on the Body

Chiggers are the larvae of a type of mite. Chiggers measure about 1/20 inch and appear bright red. They bite humans, causing an extremely itchy rash. Chiggers often live in tall grasses, berry patches and the edges of woods. They usually bite in the summer and fall, and often bite the ankles, waist, back of the knees or inside the elbow. Chiggers do not burrow into the skin. If you wash or rub chiggers off your skin soon after exposure, you can avoid getting bitten.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Towel
• Corticosteroid cream or antihistamine

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your entire body with soap and hot water as soon as possible after exposure. Soap and water washes away chiggers.

• 2

  Rub your skin with a towel to dislodge and remove chiggers if bathing is not possible.

• 3

  Wash any infested clothes in hot water before wearing them again. Chiggers may survive being washed in cool water.

• 4

  Apply a corticosteroid cream or an antihistamine to reduce itching if you get bitten. Avoid scratching the bites, which may cause a skin infection. See a doctor if over-the-counter ointments do not effectively reduce itching or if you suspect your bites are infected.