When you want to enjoy the outdoors during the summer, you can
Causes
Trombiculidae
The most common areas where chiggers can be found are:
- Golf courses
- Berry bushes
- Tall grass
- Lawns
- Parks
- Weeds
- Woodland areas
When you make contact with one of these areas where chiggers inhabit, the chigger will attach itself to your skin, hair, or clothing.
Once the chigger has attached itself, the lifecycle will immediately begin. The adult chiggers feed off of dead skin cells and inject the skin cells with their digestive enzymes. This is often confused for biting, but the enzymes will create a small hole in the skin for the chigger to continue feeding and hatch larvae. The microscopic hole is referred to as a
Once the larvae have detached from the skin, they will morph into nymphs and fall to the ground. The nymphs will continue to grow and search for a new host. After finding a new host, the life cycle of the chigger will repeat.
Signs and Symptoms
Once the life cycle of the chigger begins, it can take up to three to six days before you will notice signs or symptoms. Due to the delay in showing signs of chiggers, it can be hard to trace the source. However, those who are particularly sensitive to insect bites or have allergies will see signs and symptoms sooner.
Signs and symptoms of a chigger infestation include:
Red bumps
Severe itchiness
Irritation
Swelling
Lesions
Welts
Raised or flat irritated areas
Hives
Skin rash
Bumps resembling a pimple or pustule
It is very common to see chigger bites around the ankles, feet, waist, or within the skin folds of the body. Chiggers seek out warm areas on the host because it is
Treatments
Chiggers can also be referred to as Harvest Mites or Red Mites. Regardless of their name, their itchy and irritating symptoms will need to be relieved fast to prevent further infection caused by scratching and further spread around the body.
The following home remedies for chiggers are fast acting and provide natural relief from this microscopic pest.
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1. Taking a Hot Shower
As simple as this home remedy
Required Ingredients:
Access to a shower facility
Hot water
Process:
Make the water temperature as hot as you can endure
Let the affected area come in direct contact with the stream of water
Leave in the water for several minutes
Repeat as desired
Note: If you have access to a bathtub, a long soak in the hot water will also do the trick.
2. Direct Application of Chamomile
Chamomile is known for its anti-itch and soothing properties. Not only does chamomile help to relieve your symptoms, it can also promote healing. Chamomile can be found in several forms such as lotions or creams, and herbs. The most common form of chamomile is dried and used for tea.
Required Ingredients:
Dried chamomile herb
One cup of hot water
Strainer
Cotton balls
Process:
Add the chamomile herb to the hot water
Let it steep for a few minutes
Strain into a separate cup
Dip the cotton ball into the tea
Apply the cotton ball to the affected area
Gently wipe around the affected area
Note: Using the hot water will also act as a soothing agent.
3. Direct Application of Calamine
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Calamine lotion is used for a variety of skin ailments that cause itching and irritation. The calamine will provide near instant relief from the itchiness caused by the chiggers. Calamine lotion can be found in nearly every drug store or pharmacy.
Required Ingredients:
One bottle of calamine lotion
Cotton balls
Process:
Take a cotton ball and soak up a small amount of calamine lotion
Directly apply the cotton ball to the affected area
Gently rub in the calamine lotion
Let the calamine lotion sit on the affected area for at least ten minutes
Wash off gently with mild soap and water
Repeat as needed until symptoms are relieved
4. Direct Application of Aspirin
Aspirin is most often used orally to alleviate pain in the body. However, when it is crushed into a powder it can be used externally for relief of irritation and pain associated with insect bites.
Required Ingredients:
Aspirin
Mortar and pestle
Process:
Take two to three aspirin tablets and crush them into a fine powder using the mortar and pestle
Apply the powder directly to the affected area
Leave the powder on for at least one hour
Repeat as needed throughout the day until the chiggers are no longer present
Note: It is important to use pure aspirin tablets. Make sure the aspirin tablets are not combined with any other medicines.
5. Direct Application of an Olive Oil Combination
The healing properties of olive oil have been used for centuries for several skin conditions. Chiggers are no exception. When olive oil is combined with tea tree oil, it packs a double healing punch that can help you get rid of chiggers fast and soothe your irritated skin.
Required Ingredients:
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (organic if possible)
A few drops of tea tree oil
Small bowl
Process:
Combine the olive oil and the tea tree oil in the bowl
Stir well
Directly apply the mixture to the affected area
Gently rub in and leave on for several hours
Repeat three to four times a day as needed until the symptoms are no longer present
6. Drinking Herbal Tea
Herbal teas can help fight the chigger infestation from the inside. Herbal teas such as chamomile, green, or peppermint will help the damaged skin cells heal as well as provide relief from irritation and gently soothe your skin.
Required Ingredients:
One cup of hot water
An herbal tea of your choice (organic if possible)
Process:
Let the tea steep in the hot water for a few minutes
Strain the tea leaves or remove the tea bag
Drink the tea three to four times per day while you are noticing signs and symptoms of chiggers
7. Direct Application of Heat
As mentioned above, heat is a great way to reduce inflammation and irritation associated with chiggers. Instead of taking a hot shower, you can directly apply heat with the use of a hair dryer to quickly stop any itching or inflammation.
Required Ingredients:
Hair dryer
Process:
Turn the hair dryer on the lowest setting and hold the hair dryer a few inches away from your skin
Let the hot air blow directly onto the sites of the chiggers
Let the hot air blow onto the affected area for several minutes
Repeat two to three times per day until the symptoms are relieved
Note: It is important to remember not to let the hair dryer touch your skin directly. If you feel the air is too hot, stop using the hair dryer and continue in a few minutes.
8. Direct Application of Baking Soda Paste
Applying a baking soda paste is highly effective in fighting chigger irritation. The paste will suffocate the chiggers present in the skin and prevent the life cycle from continuing. This remedy is useful for getting rid of chiggers fast as well as soothing the irritated skin.
Required Ingredients:
One tablespoon of baking soda
½ a tablespoon of warm water
Small bowl and spoon
Process:
Combine the baking soda with the warm water in the bowl
Gently stir until a paste forms
Once the paste is formed, directly apply it to the chigger sites
Leave the paste on for ten to fifteen minutes
Repeat two to three times per day until the infestation is gone
9. Direct Application of Vicks Vapor Rub and Salt Combination
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Vick’s Vapor Rub is also useful for suffocating any live chiggers present in the skin. When used in combination with salt, it will drive out any present chiggers as well as kill any larvae. The menthol present in the Vick’s Vapor Rub will also act as a gentle solution for your intense itchiness and irritation.
Required Ingredients:
One small jar of Vick’s Vapor Rub
½ teaspoon of salt
Small bowl
Process:
Combine the salt with one tablespoon of the Vick’s Vapor Rub
Gently stir until well combined
Directly apply the mixture to the skin
Leave the mixture on for several minutes
Repeat two to three times per day as needed until the chiggers are gone
Note: If you have sensitive skin, test this remedy in a small, unaffected area first to see if you will have any irritation caused from the mixture.
10. Directly Applying Clear Nail Polish
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Clear nail polish is useful for isolating and suffocating the chiggers present in the skin. A layer of the polish will also help to relieve itching.
Required Ingredients:
One bottle of clear nail polish
Process:
Shake the bottle of nail polish
Open and apply a few coats directly to the affected area
Let dry
Leave on for the day
Wash off after a day (or night) of leaving the nail polish on
Repeat daily until the chiggers are no longer present
Note: Make sure to use a fresh bottle of nail polish.
11. Directly Applying Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for relieving all types of skin irritations and conditions. Tea tree oil contains several anti-itch, anti-fungal,
Required Ingredients:
Tea Tree Oil
Dropper
Cotton balls
Process:
Apply a few drops of the tea tree oil directly onto the affected area
Use a cotton ball to gently rub into the skin
Leave on for several hours
Reapply two to three times per day until you no longer notice symptoms of chiggers
Note: This remedy should not be used on individuals who have sensitive skin.
12. Direct Application of Castor Oil
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Castor oil will help to alleviate irritation and itchiness caused from the chiggers.
Required Ingredients:
One teaspoon of Castor oil
Cotton ball
Process:
Dip the cotton ball into the castor oil
Gently rub the cotton ball onto the skin
Leave on for several minutes
Wash off gently with soap and water
Repeat two to four times per day as needed until the symptoms are relieved
13. Direct Application of Honey
The healing properties of honey are a gentle way to help heal any damaged skin as well as relieve itchiness and inflammation. This remedy is best used overnight so it can help relieve itchiness during your sleep.
Required Ingredients:
Honey
Toothpicks
Bandages
Process:
Take a small amount of honey and place it directly onto the chigger site
Use the toothpick to spread around the area
Once the honey has fully covered the chiggers, apply a bandage to keep the honey in place throughout the night
Repeat every night until the chiggers have ceased
Note: Organic and local honey is more effective for fighting chiggers.
14. Direct Application of Garlic
The properties present in fresh garlic can offer quick relief from itchiness, inflammation, and irritation caused by chiggers. If you can stand the smell, this remedy is soothing and fast acting.
Required Ingredients:
Two to three cloves of fresh garlic
Mortar and pestle
Process:
Crush the cloves of garlic using the mortar and pestle
Once you start to see the juices appearing, stop and apply the juices directly to the affected area
Let it sit for several minutes
Wash off gently with soap and water
Repeat two to three times per day until you are no longer showing signs of chiggers
Note: Do not apply this remedy to bites that are bleeding.
15. Direct Application of Tea Tree Mixture
As mentioned above, tea tree oil is excellent for relieving symptoms of chiggers. When tea tree oil is combined with other natural ingredients, it can relieve the symptoms faster as well as heal and soothe the skin. This mixture stops itching instantly and helps the skin recover from chiggers.
Required Ingredients:
½ teaspoon of dish soap
¼ cup of pineapple juice
½ teaspoon of tea tree oil
½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Small bowl
Cotton ball
Process:
Mix the dish soap with the pineapple juice in the bowl
Add the tea tree oil and stir
Add the cayenne pepper and stir
Once fully combined, dip a cotton ball into the mixture and directly apply to the skin
Leave the mixture on the skin for several minutes until dry
Repeat this treatment two to three times per day until the chiggers are no longer present
Note: It is common for a slight burning sensation to occur when you first apply the mixture to the skin. This will stop as soon as it has dried.
16. Direct Application of Ice
The cooling effect of ice will help to alleviate pain, inflammation, and itching caused by the chiggers. Ice will act quickly to relieve any itching and should be used after any heat remedies.
Required Ingredients:
Ice pack
Small cloth
Process:
Wrap the ice pack with the small cloth
Apply the wrapped ice pack directly to the affected area
Leave on for ten to fifteen minutes
Repeat two to three times per day until the symptoms are relieved
17. Direct Application of Peppermint
Fresh peppermint can provide
Required Ingredients:
One bunch of fresh peppermint
Mortar and pestle
Process:
Wash and dry the peppermint leaves and remove the stems
Take a handful of peppermint leaves and use the mortar and pestle to crush into a paste
Once a paste has formed, take a small amount and rub into the chigger bites
Let the paste sit for fifteen to twenty minutes
Wash off gently with soap and water
Repeat two to four times per day until the chiggers have gone
18. Direct Application of Aloe Vera
The healing properties of Aloe Vera are widely used in a variety of skin conditions. Aloe Vera is gentle and promotes healing as well as soothing and calming irritated skin. Aloe Vera can also help to remove redness while it repairs damaged cells. Aloe Vera will also provide instant relief from the severe itchiness caused by the bites.
Required Ingredients:
Cooled Aloe Vera Gel
Process:
Cool the Aloe Vera gel by leaving it in a fridge for at least half an hour
Once cooled, apply the gel directly to the chigger bites
Leave on the skin until dry
Note: You can use fresh or bottled Aloe Vera gel.
19. Soaking the Area in Water and Apple Cider Vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar will provide instant relief from itchiness and irritations. When used in combination with warm water, you will notice results right away and the healing process will speed up.
Required Ingredients:
Two to three cups of Apple Cider Vinegar
Warm water
Process:
Add the apple cider vinegar to the warm water
Let the affected area soak in the water until the water has cooled
Repeat two to three times per day until your symptoms are relieved
20. Direct Application of Lime
Limes are highly acidic and because of this, they can help eliminate chiggers quickly. The anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties within the
Required Ingredients:
Fresh limes
Knife
Process:
Cut a fresh lime in half
Take one of the halves and rub it directly onto the affected area
Let the lime juice stay on the area until it has dried
Wash gently with soap and water
Repeat three times per day until the chiggers are no longer present
Note: Be careful using this remedy if you have bites that are bleeding because the
21. Direct Application of Neem Oil
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The medicinal properties of neem oil are highly effective in soothing, repairing, and healing skin affected by chiggers. Neem oil acts quickly to provide relief from itching and will promote the skin cells to heal. Neem is useful for a wide range of insect bites, especially chiggers.
According to a study done by Dr. Charles at the Medical and Cancer Research and Treatment Center in India, 814 people were treated with Neem. These people were treated with a scrub bath and an application of a paste made with ground Neem leaves and turmeric. The paste was rubbed all over the affected areas and left to dry. The procedure was repeated daily until the patient was cured. Of the 814 cases, 98% showed complete cure within 3 - 15 days of treatment.
Required Ingredients:
Neem oil
Cotton ball
Process:
Apply several drops of the neem oil directly to the skin
Use the cotton ball to gently rub the neem oil into the affected area
Leave the neem oil on the skin until dry
Repeat two to three times per day until the chiggers are gone
22. Direct Application of Yellow Onion
Yellow onions can provide relief from chiggers due to the fact that they contain natural amounts of sulfur. The sulfur will help to neutralize the bites and inhibit the growth of the larvae, disrupting the life cycle and allowing for a faster healing time. The yellow onion will also help to stop itchiness.
Required Ingredients:
A fresh yellow onion
Knife
Process:
Peel and slice the onion
Take a slice and rub it directly onto the affected area
Repeat twice per day until the chiggers have disappeared
23. Direct Application of Essential Oils Combination
Essential oils are great for soothing and moisturizing irritated skin as well as providing relief from itching. Most essential oils are very gentle and can be used on children.
Required Ingredients:
One tablespoon of Lavender Oil
½ tablespoon of peppermint oil
Two to three drops of tea tree oil
One teaspoon of olive oil (optional)
Small bowl
Cotton balls
Process:
Combine the oils in the bowl and mix well
Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to the skin
Gently rub the mixture into the skin and let dry
Repeat this two to three times per day until the chiggers are gone
Note: If you have sensitive skin, test a small unaffected area first before applying to the chiggers.
24. Direct Application of Calendula
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Calendula lotion is excellent for soothing skin and promoting healing. Calendula can stop itching in its tracks which will allow for faster healing time and less irritation caused from scratching. Calendula will also reduce any irritation as well as redness.
Required Ingredients:
Herbal calendula lotion or cream
Process:
Apply a quarter sized amount to the affected area
Gently rub into the skin until all the lotion is absorbed
Repeat twice per day to relieve symptoms until the chiggers have gone
Note: Herbal calendula lotions or creams can be found in many health food stores or pharmacies.
25. Use of Mild Soap
Simply washing the affected area with a mild soap and warm water can help calm the skin and leave it clean. This can help to soothe the bites right away as well as stop the desire to itch the affected areas.
Required Ingredients:
Mild and gentle soap
Warm water
Towel
Process:
Rinse the affected area with warm water
Wash gently with the soap and rinse off
Pat dry with a towel
Repeat twice a day until the chiggers have disappeared
Note: Make sure the soap is unscented as fancier soaps can further irritate the bites.
26. Direct Application of Tea Bags
Applying herbal tea bags directly to the chigger bites can help to soothe the affected area and stop to urge to itch. In fact, nearly all symptoms that are brought on by chiggers can be relieved by using this method.
Required Ingredients:
Herbal tea bag of your choice (green, chamomile, or peppermint work best)
One cup of hot water
Process:
Steep the tea bag in the hot water for a few minutes
Remove the tea bag and place directly onto the affected area
Leave the tea bag for several minutes or until it cools
Repeat two to four times per day to relieve the symptoms caused by chiggers
Note: If you are drinking herbal tea to stop chiggers, reuse the tea bags through this method.
27. Soaking in a Bath of Warm Water and Cornstarch
As previously mentioned, warm water will help soothe itchiness and irritation caused by chiggers. When you add cornstarch into the mix, you get an extra healing boost which will allow for a faster recovery. The cornstarch will help relieve any soreness and promote any healing of damage caused by scratching.
Required Ingredients:
Access to a bath
Warm water
One cup of cornstarch
Process:
Draw a bath using warm water
Add the cornstarch to the bath while the water is running so it will evenly distribute
Once the bath is drawn, let yourself soak in the bath for at least fifteen minutes or until the water is cooled
Repeat once per day to relieve your symptoms
28. Direct Application of Baby Oil
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Baby oil is a gentle remedy that can be used by anyone affected by chiggers. The baby oil will moisturize, soothe, and promote healing as well as lessen any irritation, inflammation, and itching.
Required Ingredients:
Baby oil
Cotton balls
Process:
Wet the cotton ball with the baby oil
Take the cotton ball and gently rub into the affected area
Leave the baby oil on the skin until it dries
Repeat several times a day as needed to relieve your symptoms
29. Direct Application of Mouthwash
Although not widely known, mouthwash can help to stop chiggers. The anti-septic properties will soothe your symptoms as well as inhibit the growth of the larvae.
Required Ingredients:
Mouthwash
Cotton balls
Process:
Soak a cotton ball with the mouthwash
Apply the cotton ball directly to the affected area
Repeat three times per day until the chiggers have gone
Note: Most mouthwash types will suffice, but do not use ones with whitening.
30. Direct Application of Ace Bandages
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Another simple remedy, covering the area with a bandage will stop the urge to itch, as well as inhibit the growth of the larvae by restricting air. Bandages can be used throughout the day or overnight and should be used alongside other remedies for best results.
Required Ingredients:
Ace bandages
Medical tape
Process:
Cleanse and dry the area thoroughly
Apply an Ace bandage using the medical tape
Leave on throughout the day or overnight
Use once per day until the chiggers have ceased
If you have found yourself starting to itch or noticing little red bumps appearing after a summer day outside, you should look to home remedies for chiggers to ease your symptoms. The severe itchiness alone will seem to drive you mad, but with the help of home remedies for chiggers, you will be able to stop the itching instantly and promote healing in your skin. Home remedies for chiggers are fast acting and highly effective in removing these tiny insects from your skin.
Annalise O'Conner
Annalise O'Conner is a Registered Dietitian and Personalized Nutritionist. She is a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, teaching nutrition in the School of Public Health and APAN (Asian Pacific Islander American Network) Email: [email protected]
