If you find yourself strolling through a hot summer's day in a field or the woods, you may become bitten by chiggers. Thus, this is the appropriate location if you're looking for information on how to treat chigger bites. Be well-versed in chigger prevention and treatment.
What Are Chiggers Exactly?
The larvae of mites in the prostigmata suborder are known as chiggers. These hairy, red-colored mites may require a magnifying glass to see them because they are so tiny.
Chiggers typically bite the areas of your body with the thinnest skin, such as your ankles, backs of knees, armpits, groin, and waist. The bite marks are not visible at first, but like most bug bites, they begin to itch and turn red after a few days.
Thus, how do chigger bites appear? As previously stated, chigger bites are painful, red pimple-like bumps that can resemble small hives, blisters, or zits. To see how chigger bites appear on your skin, you can look through a variety of photos of them online.
Cause & Symptoms
Chigger mites or bugs insert their feeding structures into the skin and inject enzymes that cause a destruction of host tissue. Chigger larvae then feed upon the destroyed tissue and if not disturbed they may continue to feed for a few days.
Now, let’s have a look at various chigger bites symptoms:
- Itching, that can be extremely intense.
- A raised or flat red bump on the skin.
- Rashes
- Hives
How to get Rid of Chigger Bites
After knowing about the chiggers and chigger bites, its cause & symptoms, lets discuss in detail about how to treat chigger bites naturally. Chigger bites are very irritating and extremely itchy, and can be healed naturally by resorting to the wide list of home remedies given below:
1. Ice pack Remedy for Treating Chigger Bites
Ice-packs play an important role in curing chigger bites. They are great at relieving itch and are one of the quickest ways to help avoid swelling and itching. Ice also assists in numbing the affected area thereby providing you complete relief from the pain and discomfort.
What you need:
- Ice cubes – 4 to 6
- Wash cloth – 1
What you need to do:
- Take 4 to 6 ice cubes and wrap them in a wash cloth.
- Now apply this ice pack on the chigger bites affected areas.
- Do this activity regularly in order to reduce the pain and swelling caused by chigger bites.
2. Baking Soda Treatment for Chigger Bites
If you are thinking what to do for chigger bites then the small box of baking soda kept in your home can turn out to be a useful remedy. Baking soda is alkaline which allows it to restore the PH of the skin. It also gives a cooling effect to the skin.
What you need:
- Baking soda – 1 tsp
- Water – ½ glass
What you need to do:
- Prepare a paste by mixing 1 tsp of baking soda in ½ a glass of water.
- Rub this paste on the area infected with chigger bites.
- Allow it to sit for 15 minutes and then rinse with water.
- Repeating this treatment daily will help you to treat the problem of chigger bites efficiently.
3. Listerine Mouthwash
Are you looking for an instant relief from chigger bites? Then grab a bottle of Listerine mouthwash from your local drug store. Listerine mouthwash comes loaded with anti-fungal and anti-itch ingredients and also has a cooling effect making it an ideal remedy for chigger bites.
What you need:
- Listerine mouthwash – 3 to 4 tbsp
- Cotton ball – 1
What you need to do:
- Wash the affected area with water and wipe dry.
- Soak a cotton ball in around 3 to 4 tbsp of Listerine mouthwash and rub it on the bites.
- Keep it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then wash it off with water.
- Follow this process every alternate day to get rid of chigger bites easily.
4. How to Treat Chigger Bites using Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an effective antibacterial natural remedy for chigger bites. Apple cider vinegar helps to control the itching caused from the bites and restrains the action of bacteria. It is capable of healing any areas that have broken out after itching and when applied on a time it prevents swelling on the bites.
What you need:
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Cotton ball – 1
What you need to do:
- Take 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar.
- Apply it on your skin affected by chigger bites using a cotton ball.
- Make sure to completely cover every bite.
- Let the vinegar dry on your skin naturally.
- Follow this remedy 2 days a week.
- This remedy is the perfect answer to the question how to stop chigger bites from itching & how to get rid of them naturally by using apple cider vinegar.
5. Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt bath, detox and cleanse your body of bacteria and toxins. They are known to relieve itching almost immediately.
What you need:
- Epsom salt – 1 cup
What you need to do:
- Run a warm bath.
- Mix 1 cup of Epsom salt into the bath
- Agitate the water till the salt dissolves.
- Soak in the bath for around 30 to 45 minutes so that all your chigger bites are submerged in water.
- Do this regularly till you get complete relief from the chigger bites problem.
6. Treating Chigger Bites with Oatmeal
This is yet another potent home remedy to cure chigger bites. The soothing nature of the oatmeal provides complete relief from the itchiness and irritation that occurs as a result of bites. Oatmeal neutralizes allergic reactions caused by a chigger bite.
What you need:
- Oatmeal (cooked) – 1 cup
What you need to do:
- Take a cup of oatmeal and cook them so that they can be used on your skin
- Allow it to cool to tolerable levels.
- Scrub the affected part with cooked oatmeal.
- Follow this process daily till the symptoms of chigger bites lessens.
7. Mint Toothpaste
Mint present in the toothpaste helps to numb the itch because of its numbing capabilities. Also, there are certain vital ingredients in the toothpaste that treat the itchiness that comes with chigger bites. So, how to treat chigger bites by using mint toothpaste. Let’s have a look.
What you need:
- Mint Toothpaste – 1 tbsp
- Bandages – 2 to 3
What you need to do:
- Take 1 tbsp of mint toothpaste and dab it on your bite.
- Use a bandage to hold the toothpaste on your skin and leave it on throughout the day.
- Rinse it off before going to bed and apply more toothpaste to the affected areas.
- Repeat this 2 times a day until there are no more chigger bites.
8. Comfrey Leaves Treatment for Chigger Bites
Comfrey leaves have been used as an herbal healing remedy since ancient times. Comfrey leaves are widely used to cure swellings, inflammations, and sores. Comfrey leaf makes an excellent salve for relieving the constant itching from chigger bites.
What you need:
- Coconut oil – 1 cup
- Comfrey leaves (dried & crushed) – 1 cup
What you need to do:
- Warm a cup of coconut oil over low heat and add 1 cup of dried & crushed comfrey leaves.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture infuse for around 3 hours.
- Strain the mixture and save the resulting oil.
- Apply the salve to your chigger bites as and when needed till the symptoms of chigger bites subside.
9. Tea Bags for Chigger Bites
Tea bags can be a useful home remedy for treating chigger bites. This is because tea contains anti-inflammatory elements like tannic acid & therefore, can act as a great itching suppressant. It also controls pain caused by the bites and reduces inflammation.
What you need:
- Tea bag – 1
- Water – 1 glass
What you need to do:
- Soak a tea bag in a glass of water.
- Put this tea bag on the area where the chigger has beaten.
- Do this regularly till you get complete relief from the chigger bites issue.
10. How to Get Rid of Chigger Bites using Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub consists of menthol that has a cooling effect at the point of application. Vicks VapoRub, when applied on bitten area will give you relief from intense itching and inflammation. It also helps to eliminate swellings and prevent blisters from breaking.
What you need:
- Vicks VapoRub – 1 tsp
- Salt – ¼ tsp
What you need to do:
- Take 1 tsp of Vicks VapoRub and add ¼ tsp of salt to it.
- Apply this remedy on the infected area as soon as you experience the bites.
- Repeat procedure before going to bed.
- In case you wake up to chigger bite swellings continue to follow the procedure till the swelling is completely gone and rashes are reduced.
11. Turmeric for Chigger Bites
Turmeric powder in combination with water is one of the simplest home remedies for chigger bites. Turmeric consists of anti-inflammatory properties and with its ability to kill bacteria is perfect for irritated and swollen bites.
What you need:
- Turmeric powder – 2 tbsp
- Water – ½ cup
What you need to do:
- Prepare a thick paste by mixing 2 tbsp of turmeric in ½ a cup of water.
- Rub this paste on the affected area.
- Leave it on for around 10 minutes to allow it to dry.
- Now rinse it off with water.
- Follow this procedure daily for quick and desirable results against chigger bites.
12. Chigger Bites Treatment with Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera comes loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and therefore, is one of the most preferred options for curing chigger bites. Aloe vera gives a soothing effect on the skin and helps to get rid of swelling and pain quickly.
What you need:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tsp
What you need to do:
- Get 2 tsp of aloe vera gel.
- Smear the gel on the area of the skin affected with chigger bites and allow it to dry.
- Doing this regularly will help in relieving itching & inflammation caused due to chigger bites.
13. Nail Polish for Chigger Bites
This is crazy but true. Nail polish, a favorite women fashion accessory can be used to treat chigger bites. Nail polish prevents excess scratching of the chigger bites area. Now, let’s have a look as to how to use this remedy.
What you need:
- Nail polish – 1 to 2 tsp
What you need to do:
- Take 1 to 2 tsp of nail polish and coat the affected area where the chigger has beaten.
- Keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes and let it dry naturally.
- Use this remedy as and when needed to prevent scratching and infection caused due to chigger bites.
Note: Avoid using too much of nail polish, only single coat of nail polish is enough.
14. Oils that Help to Cure Chigger Bites
As per the research massaging affected area regularly with oil can reduce itching and inflammation caused due to chigger bites. Different oils can be used for this purpose. Given below is the list of some commonly used oils and how are they used to treat chigger bites.
I.Olive Oil and Tea Tree Oil Combination for Treating Chigger Bites
Olive oil, when used in combination with tea tree oil is one of the best natural cures for chigger bites. Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain instantly. Tea tree oil prevents secondary infections.
What you need:
- Olive oil – 1 tsp
- Tea tree oil – 1 tsp
What you need to do:
- Mix 1 tsp of olive oil with equal amount of tea tree oil.
- Apply the mixture on the chigger bites affected areas.
- Keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
- Follow this process 3 to 4 times a day to get instant relief from the chigger bites.
II. How to Treat Chigger Bites with Castor Oil
Like olive oil and tea tree oil, castor oil can also be used to treat chigger bites. Castor oil plays a vital role in reducing the irritation caused by chigger bites. It also helps to get rid of the redness caused by chigger bite.
What you need:
- Castor oil – 2 tsp
What you need to do:
- Take 2 tsp of castor oil.
- Gently massage the affected area with castor oil.
- Allow it to stay for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off.
- Repeat this method 3 times a day to get rid of chigger bites effectively.
III. Baby Oil for Treating Chigger Bites
This is one of the most efficient remedies for combating chigger bites. Baby oil provides you respite from the irritation and inflammation which occurs due to chigger bites.
What you need:
- Baby oil – 2 tsp
- Wash cloth – 1
What you need to do:
- Wash the affected area properly.
- Now get 2 tsp of baby oil and apply it to the affected area.
- Keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then wipe it off with a wash cloth.
- Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times a day till the symptoms of chigger bites alleviate.
Tips to Prevent Chigger Bites
After getting to know as to what to put on chigger bites i.e. home remedies for treating chigger bites here are some general tips that can be extremely helpful to prevent chigger bites:
- Always wear long sleeve shirts and long pants along with sneakers and tuck your pant legs into your socks if you are going into the woods or thickly vegetated area infected by chiggers.
- Also apply insect or mosquito repellent before venturing into the woods.
- Have a hot water bath using a mild soap once you realize that you have been bitten by chiggers. This will reduce the effect of chigger bites.
- Avoid scratching the affected areas as it may spread the infection to other parts of the body.
- Wash the chigger-infected clothing in hot, soapy water to kill any chigger bites that may be stuck on them.
- If an area looks like a major chigger habitat simply avoid going over there.
The wide list of natural remedies and tips given above may have answered most of your queries relating to how to get rid of chigger bites. So make use of the remedies mentioned above to get relief from the chigger bites. Also, let us know which remedy gave you the best possible result.