Do not delay in following a few remedies if you notice the identifiable symptoms of chigger bites, such as red, itchy welts in the bite area. Read on to find the effective remedies for the same.
Chiggers are not adult insects, but they are larvae of a specific mite genus. Belonging to the family Trombiculidae, these larvae prefer warm and moist environmental conditions. Most people who are into outdoor activities already know ‘what are chiggers’. These larvae are capable of biting humans and cause irritable skin conditions. Fortunately, there are chiggers remedies, which are effective for alleviation of the symptoms.
How to Recognize Chigger Bites
The disheartening part about chiggers is that they are minute-sized and cannot be viewed with our naked eyes. So, accidentally people step into the infested areas and get bitten by the larvae. As soon as chiggers get in contact with skin, they cut and destroy the skin tissues by injecting enzymes. Then, they feed on the destructed tissues. It is the enzymes that cause noticeable chiggers rash and skin symptoms.
Similar to any other insect bites, one of the most noticeable symptoms is intense itching at the bite area. Within one to two days, distinctive, red spots will develop in the itchy area. Shortly, you will notice itchy welts in the area, which are characteristics of chigger bites. In hypersensitive people, blisters and internal bleeding are manifested. For best results, chiggers remedies should be followed at the first signs of bites.
Effective Remedies for Chigger Bites
The chigger bites are seasonal and they are more frequent in warm weathers. These larvae are predominant in grasslands, parks, gardens, fields, and forest areas. Prompt action should be taken, immediately after being bitten by these larvae. Otherwise, there is always a risk of secondary infection. Discussed below are some of the remedies which you can follow at home:
Maintain Hygiene
The first and foremost step towards chigger bite treatment is keeping the bite area clean. If possible, take a whole body shower with warm water and use an antiseptic soap for bathing. Apply soap repeatedly to the itchy area to kill any live chiggers in the skin. Also, remember to wash the clothes immediately, or sun dry them.
Avoid Scratching
After touching the bites, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. No doubt, the bite area feels extremely itchy. But, chronic scratching will only worsen the rash and other symptoms. It increases the risk of secondary infection and in some cases, internal bleeding may occur at the scratched area.
Baking Soda Paste
Make a consistently thick paste out of baking soda and water. Apply this paste on the bites. Leave it as it is for 15 – 20 minutes. This will help in relieving itching and pain symptoms. Wash off the paste with lukewarm water and dry the area with a clean towel. Repeat the same two to three times daily.
Essential Oils
As we all know, many of the essential oils contain active ingredients that soothe insect bites and relieve discomfort signs. Castor oil is found to be an effective oil for soothing bite symptoms. Soak a clean cotton swab in pure castor oil and dab it over the affected skin areas several times a day.
Ointments and medications
Apply topical ointments that contain benzocaine or hydrocortisone in the itchy skin sites. This will give anesthetic effect and reduce itching. Administering over-the-counter antihistamine and anti-inflammatory drugs will help in reducing chigger bite symptoms. People with severe symptoms may require prescription medications that are specially formulated for chiggers cure.
Other Home Remedies
Other effectual remedies are taking a warm shower, applying dilute vinegar solution, and putting petroleum jelly on the affected skin. The skin conditions caused due to chigger bites may remain for a few days to a couple of weeks.
If the skin condition is not responsive to chiggers remedies, get it addressed by a trusted dermatologist. At any point of time, it is best to avoid chigger bites rather than treating the discomfort symptoms caused by these insect bites. You can gather information regarding various ways to get rid of chiggers from your local pest control services. Follow the tips, and keep your garden free of these nasty larvae in peak seasons.
