What Are Chiggers?
Chiggers are tiny larvae from a type of mite in the Trombiculidae family. These little critters can be found in grassy fields, forests, and areas with lots of plants. You might run into them when playing outside or exploring nature.
How Do Chigger Bites Happen?
When a chigger attaches to your skin, it injects digestive enzymes that break down your skin cells. This creates a feeding tube called a stylostome, through which the chigger feeds on your liquefied skin cells.
What Do Chigger Bites Feel Like?
Your body reacts to the chigger’s saliva and the damage from the stylostome, causing itching and redness. You might see small bumps, blisters, or even pustules at the bite site. If you’ve been bitten by chiggers before, you might have a stronger reaction the next time.
Symptoms of Chigger Bites
- Intense itching
- Red bumps or blisters
- Swelling
- Skin irritation
First Aid for Chigger Bites
- Wash the Area: Use soap and water to clean the bite area and remove any remaining chiggers.
- Relieve Itching: Apply an anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone or an analgesic like diphenhydramine (e.g., The Itch Eraser, After-Bite).
- Cold Compress: Place a cold cloth on the bite to reduce swelling and itching.
- Oral Antihistamines: Take an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine or cetirizine if the itching is severe.
- Avoid Scratching: Scratching can cause infections. Try not to scratch the bites.
- Hydrocortisone Cream: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and itching.
Preventing Chigger Bites
- Use Insect Repellents: Apply insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to your skin.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, boots, and hats can help. Tuck your pants into your socks to keep chiggers out.
- Treat Clothes with Permethrin: Spray your clothes with permethrin to repel and kill chiggers.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Stay away from tall grass and dense vegetation where chiggers live.
- Post-Exposure Measures: After being outside, shower and wash your clothes in hot water to remove any chiggers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You See Chiggers?
No, chiggers are extremely small, usually less than 0.3 mm in length. They are not visible to the naked eye. You would need a magnifying glass or microscope to see them.
Do Chiggers Live on Your Skin?
No, chiggers do not live on your skin. They attach to your skin to feed but usually fall off after a few hours. They do not burrow into your skin or stay there for long periods.
When to See Dr. Lofley
If you have a severe reaction or if the bites become infected, it’s important to see Dr. Lofley. He might prescribe stronger medications to help manage the symptoms. You can book an appointment online.
Conclusion
Chigger bites can be very itchy and uncomfortable, but they can be managed with proper care and preventive measures. If you follow these tips, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying too much about chiggers.
Stay safe and enjoy your time outside!
References
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/1215/p841.html
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(97)70289-5/abstract
