Overview:
Chiggers definition and details:
- Chiggers are the larval (juvenile) type of mite (Trombiculidae).
- Chigger does not burrow into and stay inside the epidermis, contrary to popular belief.
- Chigger-mite injects digestive enzymes into the skin and feeds upon the decomposed tissue.
- Pronounced itching is your main symptom of chigger bites.
- Bites may seem like blisters or as flat or raised red areas.
- Treatment may involve supportive measures to control itching.
How Chiggers look like? Can we see them?
Chiggers are hardly visible to the naked eye (their span is less than 1/150th of the inch). A magnifying glass may be needed to see them.
They are red in color and maybe best appreciated when clustered in groups around the skin. The juvenile forms have six legs, though the (harmless) adult mites have eight legs. )
How do Chiggers drill under the skin?
Chigger mites infest human skin through regions of contact with vegetation, such as pant cuffs or shirt sleeves and collars. They migrate on the skin in search of an optimal feeding place.
A common myth about chiggers is they burrow to and remain inside the skin.
This is not correct. Chiggers insert their feeding constructions into the skin and inject enzymes that induce the destruction of host tissue.
Hardening of the surrounding skin results in the creation of a feeding tube known as a cyclostome. Chigger larvae then feed on the ruined tissue.
If they are not bothered (which is rarely the case because they cause substantial itching) they might feed through the cyclostome for a couple of days.
The chigger’s mouth and feeding structures are delicate and are best able to penetrate the skin at areas of wrinkles, folds, or other areas of skin that are lean.
Most bites occur around the ankles, the crotch, and groin areas, behind the knees, and in the armpits.
Barriers to migration on the skin such as straps might be one reason that chigger bites also generally happen at the waist or in other regions where their migration can be averted by compression out of clothing.
The location of chigger bites interferes with that of mosquito bites, which are often in vulnerable areas of skin where mosquitoes can land.
What are the symptoms and signs of Chigger bites?
A chigger bite itself is not noticeable. After the chigger has started to inject digestive enzymes to the skin (normally after about 1-3 hours), signs and symptoms normally start.
- Pronounced itching is the most common symptom.
- The region of the bite may be reddened, level, or increased; sometimes it looks like a pustule or blister.
- The itch is a result of the existence of the cyclostome and generally is intense over 1-2 days following the sting.
- The itching persists for many years, and complete resolution of skin lesions can take up to fourteen days.
- If multiple snacks are present, the condition could possibly be confused for psoriasis or allergic contact dermatitis. A history of outside activity can imply that chigger bites are the root cause of itching and characteristic skin changes.
What are the home remedies and OTC medicines to ease pain and itching from Chigger bites?
Lots of home remedies for chigger bites are based upon the incorrect belief that chiggers burrow into and remain in the skin.
Nail polish, alcohol, and bleach are employed in the bites to try to eliminate these chiggers by “suffocating” or killing the chiggers.
However, because the chiggers are not present in the epidermis, these methods aren’t powerful.
Home remedies to help relieve the itching associated with chigger bites may help a number of people.
These can include:
- Applying cool compresses or Taking a cool shower
- Sitting in a cool bath
- Utilizing bath products that contain colloidal oatmeal
- Using certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications
OTC medication for Chiggers bites:
Treatment for chigger bites is directed toward relieving the itching and inflammation. Calamine lotion and corticosteroid creams may be used to control itching.
Chigger bites themselves do not produce some long-term complications. But due to the severe itching, prolonged scratching may cause skin wounds that may become infected by germs.
Chiggers in North America aren’t known to carry some other ailments, unlike some other arthropods.
How do you prevent from getting Chiggers bites?
Washing with soap and water after outdoor activities may eliminate any chiggers that may be migrating on the skin and stop their snacks.
Likewise, washing clothing that was worn outdoors in hot water will destroy any chiggers remaining on the clothing.
Attention to the outdoor temperature can assist with the avoidance of chigger bites.
Chiggers do not snack at colder temperatures (below 60 F or 15.5 C).
Chiggers also are not found in regions warmer than 99 F or 37.2 C, so hot rugged areas on sunny days can provide chigger-free chairs.
As with mosquito bites, appropriate outdoor clothing can help prevent chigger bites.
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in addition to thick socks and high boots or shoes can help prevent infestation.
Pants’ legs should be tucked into shoes or boots if possible.
Ask your friends and loved ones for support.
If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counseling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain…
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