John salley
If you have actually been seeking some home remedies for chigger bites, you have actually certainly come to the ideal place . Chiggers are troublesome bloodsuckers that are invisible to the nude eye. Red in shade, chiggers quickly become yellow once they start preying on bodily liquids. What's even more, they are so little that you don't see them till the very first indicator of their bite shows up in a day or so. Following time you opt for a good trek or camping trip, take care of your surroundings. In this post, we look at the signs of chigger bites and a couple of all-natural components in your home that can take care of them conveniently. Scroll down to know more!
In This Article
What Are Chiggers?
Chiggers, also known as red bugs, are tiny larvae belonging to the arachnid family . Although these larvae are extremely small, their bites cause intense itching.
Chiggers can swiftly hop on your skin from blades of grass and greenery if you occur to comb up against their habitat. They are so small that you won't even see their existence until your skin starts to itch. They can also enter your home surreptitiously. However, these larvae end up being non-active at temperature levels listed below 16 ° C and pass away when the temperature levels drop below 6 ° C.
Quick TipChigger attacks are quickly puzzled with attacks from bed pests, jiggers, and scabies. Nonetheless, the appearance of the bite marks can assist distinguish one from the other.
How Do Chiggers Bite Humans?
As soon as chiggers connect themselves to the human body with the assistance of their claws, they connect their mouth to the skin and inject their saliva. The presence of an enzyme in the saliva of chiggers breaks the human cells into fluid form. The human body replies to this by hardening the skin cells around the saliva, hence producing a tube by means of which the chiggers suck on the body liquids. Chiggers usually prey on our body for 4 to 5 days before diminishing by themselves.
Aside from the consistent scratchy experience, you may observe various other signs after a chigger bite. Several of them are listed below.
Signs And Symptoms Of Chigger Bites
The common signs and symptoms that accompany chigger bites include:
- Reddish bumps on the skin with a bright red dot in the center
- Bumps that occur in groups and grow for up to a week
- Bumps that usually occur around the armpits, crotch, ankles, waist, or behind your knees
Though there are little significant wellness consequences of chigger attacks, one of the major troubles is the extreme itchiness that follows. As a matter of fact, you may also start to hemorrhage as a result of itching regularly. This can, subsequently, cause skin infections , aggravating the appearance of the attacks. Thus, it is best to treat the trouble. We have provided a few of the most effective all-natural solutions that can assist you in your mission against chiggers and their bites. Have a look.
How To Treat Chigger Bites Naturally
- Baking Soda
- Vicks Vapor Rub
- Bleach Bath
- Essential Oils
- Epsom Salt
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Nail Polish Remover
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Oatmeal Bath
- Coconut Oil
- Toothpaste
- Ice Pack
Home Remedies To Treat Chigger Bites
1. Baking Soda
You Will Need
- 1 cup of baking soda
- Bathwater
What You Have To Do
- Add a cup of baking soda to your bathwater and allow it to dissolve.
- Soak in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can also make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the chigger bites.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this once a day for 2 to 3 days or until the itching subsides.
Why This Works
Baking soda is one of the most widely used home remedies for treating inflammation ( 1 ). The alkaline nature of cooking soft drink can neutralize the affected areas, and this, in turn, can minimize the irritation brought on by chigger attacks to a wonderful degree . Baking soda can also prevent the existing rashes from spreading further ( 2 ).
2. Vicks Vapor Rub
You Will Need
- Vicks Vapor Rub (as required)
- Salt (as required)
What You Have To Do
- Add a pinch of salt to a little Vicks Vapor Rub and mix well.
- Apply this mixture to the chigger bites.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this once every night for 3 to 4 nights.
Why This Works
Vicks Vapor Rub contains menthol, which displays solid anti-inflammatory residential properties that can help reduce the swelling, inflammation, redness, and irritation caused by chigger bites ( 3 ), ( 4 ).
3. Bleach Bath
You Will Need
- 1/4 cup of standard household bleach
- Bathwater
What You Have To Do
- Add one-fourth cup of household bleach to a tub filled with warm water.
- Soak in the water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- You can also mix equal parts of bleach and water and apply it directly to the chigger bites.
How Often You Should Do This
You may take a bleach bath immediately after your encounter with chiggers.
Why This Works
The chlorine in the bleach makes the chigger bite dry faster, kills any type of leftover chiggers on your body, and lowers the itchiness caused to a great level ( 5 ).
4. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
- Apply a drop of tea tree oil to the affected areas.
- You can either apply it directly or with the help of a cotton pad.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily until you notice an improvement.
Why This Works
Tea tree oil is widely made use of to treat acne and bug bites due to its effective anti-inflammatory residential properties and can thus be made use of to deal with chigger attacks. It likewise possesses antimicrobial homes that can stop more infection of the damaged location ( 6 ) ( 7 ).
b. Lavender Oil
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
- Apply a drop of lavender essential oil to the affected area either directly or with a cotton pad.
- Leave it on and allow it to dry.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 2 to 3 times daily until the itching subsides.
Why This Works
Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help reduce the itchiness, pain, and inflammation in the affected area ( 8 ).
c. Thyme Oil
You Will Need
- Thyme oil (as required)
- Cotton pads (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Apply a few drops of thyme essential oil to the affected area either directly or with a cotton pad.
- Leave it on and let it dry.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this twice to thrice daily until the itching subsides.
Why This Works
Thyme necessary oil is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial buildings. These residential properties are attributed to the presence of beneficial compounds such as thymol and P-cymene in it ( 9 ). These properties may help reduce the itching and swelling in the affected area and prevent other infections.
Ann, a blog owner, shares her very own natural home remedy for chigger bites which includes a simple salt and butter mix. She declares that although the remedy was valuable, it got messy so she made a decision to use clove necessary oil to numb the itching. "As an included incentive, as several of the larger attacks started to blister and exude in later days, the clove essential oil provided a cleaning effect to maintain them from getting contaminated ( i ),” she added.
5. Epsom Salt
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
- Add a cup of Epsom salt to your bath water and wait for it to dissolve completely.
- Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this once daily, for a week.
Why This Works
Epsom salt contains magnesium, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation, itchiness, and swelling caused by chigger bites ( 10 ).
6. Rubbing Alcohol
You Will Need
- 2-3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
- Take two to three tablespoons of rubbing alcohol in a small bowl.
- Soak a cotton ball in it and apply it to the affected areas.
- Leave it on.
How Often You Should Do This
You can repeat this procedure as required.
Why This Works
Rubbing alcohol possesses anti-bacterial residential properties that can safeguard the affected area from additional infection. It can also assist in comforting the area by soothing the itchy sensation ( 11 ).
Caution
Individuals with sensitive skin ought to not utilize this treatment as it may cause peeling off and additional irritation of the skin.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
- Take a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Soak a cotton pad in it and apply it to the chigger bites.
- Allow it to dry.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2 times daily for a week.
Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar can assist reduce the effects of the afflicted area due to its acidic nature, thereby relieving itching. Its anti-inflammatory properties assist in decreasing the swelling, swelling, and discomfort, while its antimicrobial homes protect your skin from additional infection ( 12 ), ( 13 ).
8. Nail Polish Remover
You Will Need
- 1-2 tablespoons of acetone
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
- Take a little nail polish remover (acetone) on a cotton pad.
- Apply this to the affected areas.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2 times daily, for 2 to 4 days.
Why This Works
Making use of acetone or nail gloss remover on the chigger bites aids remove any kind of connected chiggers and also prevents further itchiness ( 14 ). This remedy is also popularly used for dislodging ticks.
Caution
Those with sensitive skin should not use acetone on their skin as it may lead to other complications.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
- Mix two tablespoons each of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Using a cotton pad, apply this solution to the affected areas.
- Allow it to dry.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2 times daily for a few days.
Why This Works
The disinfectant residential or commercial properties of hydrogen peroxide assistance in damaging the chigger enzymes that are accountable for making your skin itchy and swollen ( 15 ). It also helps soothe and cool the affected areas with its anti-inflammatory properties ( 16 ).
Related: Hydrogen Peroxide For Skin: Benefits And How To Use It
10. Oatmeal Bath
You Will Need
- 1 cup of ground oatmeal
- Bathwater
What You Have To Do
- Add a cup of ground oatmeal to your bathwater and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can also tie some oatmeal in a muslin cloth and replace your loofah with it.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this once daily for a week.
Why This Works
Oatmeal plays an important role in dermatology and is used for treating various inflammatory skin conditions like acne, pruritus i X An unpleasant, irritating sensation, often caused by dry skin, that makes you want to scratch. , and atopic dermatitis i X A long-term allergic, inflammatory skin disease that triggers itchy, red, swollen, and fractured skin. This is mostly because of its effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant buildings, which make it one of the very best choices to treat chigger attacks ( 17 ), ( 18 ).
Related: How To Make An Oatmeal Bath, Its Benefits, And How To Use It
11. Coconut Oil
You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Take a little coconut oil and apply it to the affected areas.
- Leave it on and allow your skin to absorb the oil.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily for a few days.
Why This Works
Coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid and capric acid. These fats possess solid anti-inflammatory and analgesic buildings that help in reducing the itching and inflammation associated with chigger bites ( 19 ). Additionally, coconut oil can also help in keeping your skin well-moisturized and nourished ( 20 ).
Related: Benefits Of Coconut Oil For The Skin
12. Toothpaste
You Will Need
Toothpaste (as required)
What You Have To Do
- Dab a little toothpaste gently on the chigger bites.
- Allow it to dry, after which you can wash it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily for a couple of days.
Why This Works
The minty nature of toothpaste can help relieve chigger bites and itching ( 21 ).
13. Ice Pack
You Will Need
An ice pack
What You Have To Do
- Take an ice pack and apply it to the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this at least twice daily for a few days.
Why This Works
Cold pack can help in reducing inflammation and offer discomfort relief as a result of their numbing and anti-inflammatory homes. They help in relieving the attacks and combating the inflammation and swelling ( 22 ), ( 23 ).
The effect of the solutions mentioned over can be observed practically instantaneously. In addition to these treatments, there are lots of herbal therapies. Unscientific evidence suggests that aloe vera, chamomile, witch hazel, honey, lemon juice, garlic, calendula, onion, turmeric extract, camphor, pepper mint oil, rosemary oil, mustard oil, clove oil, and neem oil may help in reducing swelling and discomfort associated with chigger bites. Nonetheless, minimal data is offered to confirm these claims. Here are a few pointers you can comply with to stay clear of such experiences in the future.
Quick TipYou can make a cold pack by wrapping some ice cubes in a soft, clean towel. Avoid utilizing ice directly on the skin.
Prevention Tips
- Be careful and steer clear of brushing against vegetation when you are in wooded areas.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and full pants tucked in socks while indulging in any outdoor activities.
- Shower after you are back from any outdoor activity like trekking.
- Wash your clothes in warm water as soon as you return from a trek or hike.
- Scrub the affected location with soap and water to remove the termites. Applying calamine cream can help in calming the burning feeling and itchiness. You can additionally take dental antihistamines i X A class of medicines that assists soothe signs of allergic reactions, treats cold and flu signs, and nausea. topical creams, medicines, or topical steroids if recommended by your skin doctor.
- You can also spray permethrin sprays on your garments 1 or 2 days beforehand to enable them to completely dry before wearing them in the wild.
Infographic: Possible Complications Of Chigger Bites
Most chigger attacks are harmless and deal with within a couple of weeks with appropriate care. Nonetheless, in many cases, problems related to the bites might emerge.
Look into the infographic to learn more about the possible problems of chigger attacks and what signs to watch out for.
Illustration:
Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.
Chiggers, or red bugs, as they are frequently called, are little larvae coming from the arachnid family members. Though these bugs are so small that they are not obvious on the surface of the skin, their bites can create extreme itchiness and discomfort. Other signs of chigger attacks consist of reddish bumps that have an intense red dot in their center and appear to maintain expanding for a week approximately. The home remedies for chigger bites discussed right here can aid you get rid of the chiggers and soothe the impulse and swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you scratch chigger bites?
Although chiggers don’t carry any diseases, scratching could cause skin irritation, inflammation, or infection.
How long do chigger bites last?
Chigger bites normally last anywhere from 2 to 5 days. The bite normally develops a welt within 10 to 16 hours and may remain to itch for a few days.
Where do chiggers live?
Chiggers usually reside in moist and verdant areas like fields, woodlands, or even your lawn. Nonetheless, they become non-active or die if the temperature falls below 16 ° C.
Should I pop my chigger bites?
No, popping your chigger bites may lead to infection and delay healing.
Do chiggers lay eggs in your skin?
No, chiggers do not burrow into the skin or lay eggs in it.
Can chiggers spread in bed?
No, chiggers cannot spread in bed. They need a warm body and cannot survive in a bed.
Does showering get rid of chiggers?
Yes, showering can help you get rid of any chiggers that are on your skin.
Does Listerine help chigger bites?
Yes, applying Listerine on chigger bites may help relieve the itching.
Key Takeaways
- Chiggers or red insects are tiny bugs that draw on body fluids and might cause red bumps on the skin or irritation.
- While chigger attacks are not dangerous, the extreme itching they cause may lead to bleeding and severe infections if damaged strongly.
- Some all-natural treatments might assist calm these bites like a baking soda or Epsom salt bathroom, Vicks Vaporub, scrubing alcohol, and apple cider vinegar.
- Constantly clean on your own and your clothes when coming back from outside activities to prevent chigger bites. Likewise, calamine lotion to soothe itchiness.
Image: Dall·E/
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