Chiggers are tiny hairy and belong to the spider family. These are red in color and are parasites that live on the blood of both animal and human beings. Chiggers are commonly found in woody areas, long grasses and weed patches. Where there is thick vegetation, there is chance that chiggers may be found.
They usually target furry animals and humans. Common areas where are found in the body are the armpits, ankles, groin, waist and behind the knees. When you are bitten by chiggers, you suffer from irritation and itching. Usually these bites are harmless. They are not life threatening, but can cause severe itching and irritation. There are many home remedies that can help in treating chigger bites.
Home Remedies for Chigger Bites:
Baby oil:
Baby oil can give you relief from the irritation and inflammation caused due to chigger bites. All you have to do is to wash the affected area and apply some baby oil on the affected area.
Cornstarch:
Put some cornstarch in your bath water. Soak in this water for some time. This can reduce the soreness felt. You may also use Epsom salt instead of cornstarch and soak in it.
Castor oil for better relief:
Castor oil has lots of benefits. It can reduce the itchiness and cure the inflammation and irritation caused by insect bites. Chigger bite can also be healed with castor oil.
Lavender or tea tree essential oil:
Essential oils like tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil or thyme essential oil can be applied to get relief from the symptoms of chigger bites.
Make use of baking soda:
Baking soda is found in most of the kitchens. This is very effective for treating chigger bites. All you have to do is to mix baking soda with some water to get a thick paste. Apply this paste on the areas bitten by chiggers. You will get relief soon.
Mouthwash as disinfectant:
A good mouthwash like Listerine can help in providing you relief from the inflammation and itchiness caused by chigger bites. First you have to wash the area you have been bitten by chiggers, with soap and warm water. Now take a cotton ball and soak it in Listerine mouthwash. Apply this directly on the affected areas.
Nail polish application:
Chigger bite can cause a lot of itchiness and irritation on your skin. If you go on scratching your skin, the bite can become sore and red. The itchiness also increases with scratching. So, a good remedy is to coat the affected area with nail polish. This can prevent you from scratching there. Another easy way to prevent scratching is to apply Elmer’s glue on the affected area.
Olive oil:
Take some olive oil and mix it with some tea tree oil. Apply this mixture on the areas bitten by chiggers. This is a natural remedy and very effective.
Reduce itchiness with ace bandage:
Chigger bites can cause excessive itchiness and this can be very uncomfortable. Wrapping an ace bandage on the affected area can provide you relief. This is because it interrupts the air supply and thereby reduces the itchiness.
Soothing effect of calamine:
Calamine has a soothing effect on inflamed skin. So, apply calamine on the areas affected by chigger bites. This provides you immediate relief from the inflammation and itching. It reduces the itchiness and also mellows the red rash.
Salt and Vicks mix:
You can also mix Vicks VapoRub and salt, and apply this mixture over the affected areas. This helps in giving instant relief to the severe itching and inflammation that you experience as a result of chigger bites. Apply this on the bitten sites at night before you go to bed. Again in the morning you can apply it. This helps in reducing the rashes, itchiness and the swelling that you have.
Take hot water bath:
Immediately after you are bitten by this mite, go and take a hot water bath. This helps in reducing the intensity of the bite. Just wash your body with hot water and mild soap. This can control the onset of symptoms such as itchiness, red rash and bumps or blisters.
Use ice pack:
Using ice pack is an effective and quick way to get relief from chigger bites. You can use the special ice bag that you get for the purpose. You may also put some ice cubes in a cotton cloth warp it using plastic wrap. Put this pack on the affected areas. Using this will provide you instant relief from the itching sensation that you feel. You may also use topical creams. But it is better that you consult your doctor as some of these creams can cause allergies and other side effects.
Use your blow dryer:
This is regarded as one of the traditional remedies for chigger bites. Many people still use this remedy to get relief form chigger bites. For this you have to take your hair dryer and hold it about 5 cm away from the chigger bite. Blow the dryer facing the bite for 2 minutes. This can reduce the itching that you feel as a result of chigger bite.
If you do not treat chigger bites immediately, it can cause severe irritation. Any of the remedies mentioned above is good for curing the symptoms that you experience as a result of chigger bite. So, try them and get rid of the itching and pain.
