Chiggers are minuscule organisms that attach themselves to you when you walk in infested areas. They love to inhabit wooded areas and can be found in tall vegetation and grass. They are most active in the summer. Chiggers are capable of being on people’s skin for up to six hours before biting them. The chigger bites are mostly experienced in areas of the body that are thin skinned such as in the armpits, groin, back of the knees and ankles. We get into details on how to get rid of chigger bites fast, various over the counter treatments, home remedies as well as natural solutions for the same.
How to Get Rid Of Chigger Bites
Contents
- How to Get Rid Of Chigger Bites
- How to Get Rid of Chigger Bites Fast
- Apply Ice to get Rid of Bites From Chiggers Fast
- Use Calamine Lotion to Relief Chigger Bites in One Day
- Vicks VaporRub for Quick Relief from Bites
- Hair Dryer to Stop Chigger Bites Itching Faster
- Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
- Baking Soda
- Listerine Mouthwash
- Tea Bags
- Aspirin
- Oatmeal
- Epsom Salt
- Rubbing Alcohol
- How to Cure Chigger Bites Naturally
- Peppermint Natural Bites Relief
- Vinegar Relief for Chigger Bites
- Aloe Vera
- Tea Tree Oil
- Turmeric Natural Remedy for Chigger Bites
- Treatment for Chigger Bites
- Preventive Measures to Avoid Chigger Bites
Chiggers generally attach themselves to people as you walk in the backyard or along the lake during your walk as you brush against infested vegetation. Chigger bites are quite powerful despite the fact that they are very tiny bugs. This is followed by endless itching and reddened areas which could be raised or flat. These may resemble blisters or pustules. These will persist for a number of days and the marks may take up to two weeks. Below is how to get rid of chigger bites and its accompanying discomfort.
How to Get Rid of Chigger Bites Fast
When not treated fast enough, bug bites tend to be very uncomfortable. The itching can escalate very fast and cause skin breaking. To avoid this, it is important to employ methods that will work on the bites quickly. Below is how to get rid of chigger bites fast.
Apply Ice to get Rid of Bites From Chiggers Fast
Ice packs are great at relieving itch and are one of the fastest ways to help prevent swelling and itching. They will help in numbing the place thus give relief to the discomfort. Wrap some ice in a muslin bag and apply it on the area. Never do it directly as this could lead to frost bites.
Use Calamine Lotion to Relief Chigger Bites in One Day
For long, calamine lotion has been used as a simple and inexpensive yet effective remedy to relief insect bites. It contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient which helps to get rid of chigger bites itch. It comes with a pleasant smell and will not cause stinging at the point of the bite. Purchase some from the local drugstore and apply it topically on the affected area. This will act as a quick anti-itch remedy.
Vicks VaporRub for Quick Relief from Bites
This contains menthol that has a cooling effect at the point of application. It can be used to relief inflammation and itch resulting from chigger bites. It can also help in getting rid of swellings and prevent blisters from breaking.
- Get some Vicks vapor rub and add some salt to it.
- Apply this remedy on the area immediately you experience the bites.
- Repeat procedure before going to bed to reduce the probability of rashes forming.
- In case you wake up to chigger bite swellings, repeat procedure.
Hair Dryer to Stop Chigger Bites Itching Faster
Get a hand held dryer and have it on a high setting. Blow dry the areas of the bites for a few seconds and wait. As the skin releases, the heat, it should help to ease the itching sensation. This would be especially helpful to relief itching from the bites on legs.
Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
Most of the times, home remedies for chigger bites are all you need to treat the accompanying discomfort at home. Discussed below are various items you can make use of.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is alkaline which helps it to restore the pH of the skin. It also has a cooling effect on the skin. Its paste will go a long way in relieving itch from the bites.
- Mix a teaspoon with some clean water until a consistent paste is attained.
- Apply this on the area of chigger bites and allow it sit for 15 minutes.
- You could also make the paste using baking soda and vinegar mixed in equal parts.
Listerine Mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash contains ingredients that are anti-fungal and anti-itch. Menthol in it has a cooling effect making it a great choice as a remedy for chigger bites. Any other mouth wash containing menthol could work as well.
- Wash up the area affected by bites from the bug and wipe dry.
- Soak a cotton ball in the mouth wash and rub it on the bites.
Tea Bags
Tea contains anti-inflammatory elements such as tannic acid. They therefore serve as a great itching suppressant. They also help to control pain caused by the bites as well as reduce inflammation. Use teabags to prevent the bite marks from turning into scars.
- Dip a tea bag in and refrigerate it for a while to cool.
- Place this on the bites and keep repeating to soothe the pustules.
Aspirin
Aspirin comes with anti-inflammatory properties that are great for treating severe chigger bites. It can help prevent itching as well as prevent swelling. The number of tablets used will depend on the extent of the bites.
- Crush some aspirin tables to form a smooth powder.
- Using some water, make a paste out of.
- Apply on the skin and leave it on to dry.
Oatmeal
Oat meal can be used to neutralize allergic reactions caused by the bites.
- Set up some cooked oatmeal for use on your skin and wait for it to cool to tolerable levels.
- Rub this on the affected part of the skin.
Epsom Salt
This is known to relieve chigger bites and help in preventing swelling. It is a fast acting remedy for bug bites which is also easy to use. Below is how to get rid of chigger bites using Epsom salt.
- In a cup of water, dissolve a tablespoon of the salt.
- Apply this at the point of the bites and leave it on.
Rubbing Alcohol
This not only has a cooling effect but also acts as an antiseptic. This ensures that apart from relieving you from the chigger bites, inflammation is also reduced. By preventing histamine action on the area, swelling is also prevented. Its astringent effects help to get rid of itching as well as eliminate pain.
- Dab some alcohol on the area and leave it on.
- Get a fresh coat of it every now and then till the itching is completely relieved
How to Cure Chigger Bites Naturally
In addition to the fast and home remedies, there also are other solutions. These easy methods on how to cure chigger bites naturally will help in getting rid of the discomfort as well as help prevent the chigger bite marks from turning into scars.
Peppermint Natural Bites Relief
Peppermint helps in relieving pain as well as prevents the bitten area from getting infected. It also increases circulation of blood to the area and drives away pain. Get some peppermint oil and use it to massage the point of the bite on the skin.
Vinegar Relief for Chigger Bites
This antibacterial natural remedy for the bites helps to prevent infection that may arise from scratching. It also controls itching resulting from the bites and inhibits the action of bacteria. Apple cider vinegar has the ability to heal any areas that have broken out after itching and when used on time it will help to prevent swelling on the bites.
- To control the itching, instantly apply some vinegar on the bites.
- Keep doing it until the itching goes away.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known to have a soothing effect on the skin and its gel gives an instant cooling effect and is one of the options on how to get rid of chigger bites quickly. It will very fast help with the swelling and pain.
- Get some fresh aloe vera leaf and extract its juice using a spoon
- Smear this on the area of the skin with chigger bites and leave it on to dry.
Tea Tree Oil
This remedy is quite appropriate if you are experiencing severe swelling and itching on the area of the bite. When applied on the area of the bites, tea tree oil will help to prevent secondary infections. The oil is however highly potent and should not be used undiluted. In case your skin is too sensitive, you may want to stay away from it.
- Get some tea tree oil and dilute it in an equal amount of water.
- Use it as a rinse on the part of the skin with the bites.
Turmeric Natural Remedy for Chigger Bites
This is said to contain anti-inflammatory properties and is thus perfect for irritated and swollen bites. Use some water to make a paste of it and rub this on the area. Leave it to dry before rinsing it off.
Treatment for Chigger Bites
In most cases, medical treatment for bites from chiggers is not necessary. However, in case you have no access to the natural and home remedies means on how to get rid of chigger bites discussed above, you can settle for over the counter chigger bites treatment.
Corticosteroids can be used on severe bites. Some antihistamines can also help deal with the inflammation and swelling. These are enough to quell the itch and soothe the inflammation. However, in case there is endless scratching and the skin breaks, it is possible to get secondary infections. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Chigger Bites
In case you live in an area prone to these bugs, try these how to get rid of chigger bites tips:
- Immediately you realize that you have been bitten by chiggers, you should take a hot water bath and use a mild soap. This way the effects of the chigger bites will be reduced.
- Instead of scratching the area, use light slapping strokes to avoid the itch from escalating.
- After getting attacked by chiggers, clean your clothes in hot water to kill any that may be stuck on them.
- Always wear long sleeved shirts and tuck in your pants into socks when venturing in chigger infested areas this will keep you from bites on the legs and hands which tend to be most vulnerable.
- Apply insect repellent before venturing into the woods.
Use a bleach pen on bites
Use a bleach pen
Vicks Vapor Rub= a blessed and thorough relief from itching(complete relief, not just some relief).
Vinegar does a fair job. Bengay does a pretty good job but needs frequent application and you have to be very careful what you touch….amd the relief isn’t thorough but it definitely helps. Vicks Vapor Rub…..nice, thorough and very chilly relief.
And a couple dots of finger nail Polish on bites
Nothing seems to tell how to get rid of the bugs themselves – how do you get rid of them forever if they’re on you ?
The bugs aren’t on you any longer once you see the redness and itching starts. By that time, they have dropped off. It is a myth that they remain and dig under your skin.
There are ways to prevent Chiggers from clinging to your clothes or staying on your clothes before they reach your skin. Also, Chiggers don’t technically bite and they definitely do not burrow under your skin or lay eggs under your skin. Nail polish is a myth and all your doing is putting chemicals into your body and who knows what chemicals are in nail polish or even how many. If you are interested in keeping Chiggers, Ticks, Fleas, Mosquitoes and more, away and/or for immediate itch relief, email me. I have a ton of knowledge and lot of different remedies for whatever is bothering you. From itching to joints and everything in between.
I would like to email you regarding natural remedies. Do you have a website?
Thats what I was wondering,?
Once you see the red welts and did, the chigger has already fallen off and is no longer there. It is a myth that they burrow under your skin and live there.
I, like Vel want to know “HOW TO GET RID OF THE BUGS THEMSELVES, IF THEY’RE ON YOU?” The article above reads that they don’t spread, however, I only had them on my ankles on Monday morning with I awoke from a wkend camping trip, and today—Thursday….the little varmints are all over my body except my face, thank God!
Kerosene kills the larvae
how do you apply the kerosene and is it harmful to you ?
Man, yall dont EVEN adress how to kill the chiggers at all!!! Trying to relieve an itch for a little while that will last for days if you dont kill the chiggers, is wothless!!!! This whole article is a waste of life! You absolutely have to kill them!!! Liquid bandaid, nail polish, bleach held on them for 15 minutes or alcahol will usually kill them but treating an itch is ABSOLUTELY NOT, I REPEAT NOT THE WAY TO DEAL WITH CHIGGERS
Me. you “ABSOLUTELY DID NOT READ , I REPEAT DID NOT READ THE WAY TO DEAL WITH CHIGGERS!” IF YOU HA… er excuse me I kept on yelling there, Ahem… If you had read the article you would know that by the time the itch is felt the chigger is long gone. These are not leaches or ticks.(You may have confused them with the latter They are mites and they do not burrow under the skin nor attache themselves, nor leave themselves or eggs behind. It is the larval stage that causes the itching and larva do not lay eggs. They do not actually “bite”, but instead they inject digestive enzymes into the skin that break down skin cells and form a hole in the skin called a stylostome and chew up tiny parts of the inner skin, thus causing severe irritation and swelling, up to hours *after* the larva has dropped off. Causing immediate itching would lead to instant destruction for such a slow moving defenseless critter. Your surfactants would do nothing to a critter that is no longer there, but may act as counter-irritants. There are many OTC anti-itching products on the market, read the labels and use the ones that specifically mention chiggers. THIS ABSOLUTELY is I REPEAT is THE WAY TO DEAL WITH CHIGGER bites, which is all that the article purports to be. Your reply is synonymous with one claiming that the way to deal with a dog having an “accident” on our carpet is to kill the dog. That would certainly stop that dog from having future accidents. But your method is an erroneous and ineffectual one . Poisoning the ‘leavings” will have no effect on the long gone culprit.
On a cotton ball… Dab Bleeched on cotton ball and apply it directly to the bitten spots! Rub it on each spot. Repeat it daily till they are gone. Best remedy so far to date for me!
Chiggers will burrow into your skin when pressed against it, like where your waistband is or if you are wearing tight-fitting clothing. Once you wash them off with soap and water, they can no longer continue to “bite”. But the bites can take a while to show up on your skin. I once dealt with intensely itchy chigger bites all over my legs. I tried combinations of anti-itch ointment and oils, but what I found works best is witch hazel. Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply to the spots. It calms the itch and speeds up the healing process. At night, I will secure a wet cotton ball with a bandaid to the worst bites and let it work all night.
Not get them? Easy powered suffer in a sock and pat it against yourself. For your yard granulated silver. I found lysol contested disinfect concentrate works on a cotton ball smear it over the bite a few times
Hates chiggers!!! . Granulated silver? Spread all over one’s lawn. At what ratio? Please let it be a small amount for a large area. And what strength? Truly spreading one square yard with 18 karat silver would be more of a gouging than one receives from a chiger? But you perhaps can afford to use it on “your yard,” in the process giving heavy metal poisoning to every living creature as well, including you and your family. I find it less expensive and more efficient, the very definition of economical, to control chiggers with beneficial nematodes; to prevent the chigger from getting on the human body with a proven efficient insect repellent, one with high DEET content; to treat any bites with a paste of granulated meat tenderizer and water (there’s that granulated material you DO want to use to neutralize the anti-coagulating histamine proteins the chigger injected.). Suffocating treatments, super glue and nail polish do no good. There is no critter or eggs under or on your skin, she is long gone. The drying and tugging of such liquids may set up a counter irritant that masks the itch.