You all must have heard about what chigger bites really is. Basically, these are small larvae belonging to the arachnid family. While the scientific name is ‘Trombiculidae’, these are called as red bugs in colloquial language.
Despite being small in size, the bites can cause an itching sensation and pose to be a problem as time passes by.
If you’re wondering how long do chigger bites last, then there are till the time the enzymes of the mites are in the bloodstream.
Usually, the bugs are noticeable and the signs or symptoms gradually appear over a period of time. Humid areas serve to be breeding ground for chigger mites and the individuals may tempt to scratch the skin once the area gets affected to a greater extent.
So, before the condition aggravates and you have to rush to the doctor, here are some home remedies for chigger bites.
10 Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
1. Hot Shower
As mentioned earlier, a humid environment is favorable for chigger mites. So, as you return home after a hectic day, you can quickly move to the bathroom and take a hot shower. See to it that you clean the skin thoroughly and get rid of the mites before they stick to the skin. Eventually, you would be very much happy soon after the chigger bite relief.
2. Oatmeal
Owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating properties, oatmeal offers relief from the itching sensation instantaneously. It’s always recommended to use fine oatmeal powder which is known as colloidal oatmeal.
Firstly, you need to add a cup of colloidal oatmeal to a tub filled with lukewarm water. Stir the powder unless and until the granules spread in the water and soak yourself in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure that you repeat this step for 2-3 times during the day so that you can perceive the results.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Once you have added two cups of apple cider vinegar to warm water, you should soak yourself for a few minutes, wipe your body dry and then apply a moisturizer. Alternatively, you can apply unfiltered apple cider vinegar directly on the area which has been affected. Soon after you wait for some time, you shouldn’t forget to rinse the part with cold water. Don’t forget to repeat the steps for 2 to 3 times during the entire day.
4. Baking Soda Scrub
While you are washing your body under a shower, it’s quite necessary to scrub your skin with a paste of baking powder and water. Once you have applied the paste for a few minutes, you should rub it off as early as possible. Quite obviously, it’s important to rub the skin thoroughly as it may tend to sting and create those embarrassing moments once you are a part of a group.
5. Rub Salt Around the Affected Area
In case you have a wound on your skin, then apply the paste of salt with a homemade vapor rub salve taken in a fixed proportion. While methanol in the vapor rub brings in a soothing effect, the salt tends to neutralize the itching sensation. Make sure you apply a little bit of paste because it may sting to a slight extent.
6. Vicks Vapor Rub
If you are seeking an easy way out on how to get rid of chigger bites, then Vicks vapor rub can be the best product. While you keep yourself away from the itch receptors on the skin, the gel-like cream keeps the area cool and fights back the burning sensation.
7. Olive Oil
Due to the presence of Vitamin E and some antioxidants, Olive oil can be used to relieve yourself from the pain owing to chigger bites. You can either apply olive oil for 8 to 9 times in a day or alternatively apply a paste by mixing honey and olive oil. Besides, you can get relief by diluting olive oil with a few drops of olive oil. So, as you the best remedy for chigger bite treatment, you shouldn’t forget using Olive oil.
8. Indian Lilac
Popularly known as Neem, Indian Lilac helps to reduce inflammation substantially and the risk of infection from spreading all across the body. Once you have boiled Neem leaves for 15 minutes, you should strain the solution and allow it to cool down. Later, you should dab the area with the water and repeat this step till the area heals. In addition, you must also apply a Neem-based cream for a few times every day.
9. Magnesium Bath
Plain magnesium or Epsom salt works wonders to help you gain relief from the condition of chigger bites. Just as you use apple cider vinegar, you can add a cup of Epsom salt to lukewarm water and soak the entire body for some time. Thankfully, in the end, you would find the best way on how to make chigger bites stop itching.
10. Castor Oil
Known to be the most commonly followed remedy, castor oil is highly effective for many people who haven’t found a way on how to cure chigger bites completely. So, as you start off, you need to make the area damp with a few drops of castor oil until it offers respite from the terrible condition.
Finally, you should wear long pants and socks to prevent chigger bites from affecting your body.
In case you are stuck up in a murky place, then you should be using a natural bug spray to drive away the mites. Try sprinkling diatomaceous earth on your shoes and socks before stepping out of the house especially during the rainy season.
If in case you need to find the quickest way on how to prevent chigger bites, then you should never forget to clean your body under a shower. Remember to use clothes which wash thoroughly with detergent mixed in hot water. Chiggers are bound to be present on outfits and can stay for a longer period of time.
Consult a doctor in case the aforementioned remedies don’t work for you. As the medical practitioner examines the condition, he might prescribe a cream that you need to apply on chigger bites regularly.
Chigger Bite Pictures
Below are some of the images that depict how chigger bites appear;
Chigger Bites on Legs
Chigger Bites on the Back
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