Chiggers are the parasitic larval stage of certain mites, which are nearly invisible to the naked eye and thrive in tall grasses and wooded areas. When they attach to a human host, they leave behind an intensely itchy, irritating skin reaction. The discomfort from these bites can persist for days, making it important to understand how they affect the skin and what steps offer immediate relief. This article provides advice on treating the symptoms of chigger bites and avoiding future exposure.
Understanding the Chigger Bite
The common query about how to get chiggers out of the skin stems from a persistent misconception that these mites burrow beneath the surface. In reality, the tiny six-legged larvae do not tunnel into the skin or feed on blood. Instead, they use their small mouthparts to inject digestive enzymes into the host’s skin cells. This enzyme breaks down the tissue, and the chigger then feeds on the liquefied material, often creating a hardened feeding tube called a stylostome. Once they have finished feeding, which can take a few days if undisturbed, the larvae drop off naturally. The intense itching and the formation of red welts are the body’s localized response to the injected digestive enzymes. The swelling can sometimes surround the bite site, which is likely where the burrowing myth originated.
Treating the Itch and Soothing the Skin
Upon realizing you have been exposed to chiggers, take a hot, soapy shower or bath immediately. Vigorously scrubbing the skin with a washcloth helps dislodge any larvae that may still be attached or crawling on the body, which prevents further bites. Clothes worn during exposure should be washed in hot, soapy water to ensure any remaining mites are killed.
After cleaning the area, treatment focuses on symptom management, since the chiggers that caused the reaction are usually already gone. Over-the-counter topical anti-itch treatments are effective for providing localized relief.
Topical Treatments
Products containing hydrocortisone, a mild corticosteroid, can help reduce the inflammation and itching at the bite site. Calamine lotion works by drying out the lesions and providing a cooling sensation that temporarily alleviates the urge to scratch. Some topical creams also contain ingredients like camphor, menthol, or pramoxine, which offer soothing and numbing effects.
Systemic Relief
To address widespread itching, an oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, can be taken to reduce the body’s overall allergic response. Cool compresses or an ice pack applied directly to the most affected areas can also numb the skin and provide temporary relief. Taking a bath with colloidal oatmeal can further help soothe irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Trimming fingernails helps prevent accidentally breaking the skin, which can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
If the bites become significantly worse, medical attention may be necessary. Consult a doctor if you experience a fever, signs of a severe allergic reaction, or a secondary bacterial skin infection. Indications of an infection include increased redness spreading outward from the bite, warmth, or pus formation.
Preventing Future Exposure
Avoiding chigger bites requires a combination of physical barriers, chemical repellents, and environmental awareness. Chiggers are found primarily in areas with dense vegetation, such as tall grasses, weeds, and wooded edges, especially where moisture is present. Sticking to the center of trails and avoiding brushing against overgrown plants can reduce the chance of picking up the mites.
Wearing the right clothing creates a physical defense against chigger attachment.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabric should be worn when venturing into chigger habitats.
- Tucking pant legs into socks or boots is a simple, yet highly effective, strategy to prevent the mites from crawling up the legs.
Chemical repellents add an important layer of protection against the mites. Repellents containing DEET can be applied directly to exposed skin and clothing to deter chiggers. For clothing and gear, an insecticide containing permethrin can be used, which is designed to kill chiggers and other pests on contact. Permethrin should be applied to clothing several hours or days before use to allow it to dry fully, and it should never be applied directly to the skin.
Around the home, managing the landscape can significantly reduce chigger populations. Keeping the lawn mowed short and reducing areas of dense, overgrown weeds and brush makes the environment less hospitable to the mites. This environmental control, combined with personal protective measures, provides the best defense against future chigger exposure.