Chiggers, also known as red bugs or harvest mites are tiny mites that are barely visible to the naked eye. Their bites usually go unnoticed until a day or two later when the itching and redness develops on the skin. Once they infest the body, they search for an appropriate feeding area. Since their feeding structures and mouth are quite small and delicate, they look for thin areas of skin such as wrinkles and folds. If there is a barrier hampering them from going forward such as near the waistband, then they stay there and start feeding.
The chiggers feed by attaching themselves to a hair follicle on the skin. They then inject certain digestive enzymes into the skin, which destroy the skin cell in that area. The surrounding area become hard and acts as a straw through which the chiggers feed on the fluid of the skin cells. The enzymes serve to causes itching and irritation. Chiggers can stay on the skin and feed for days on end. However this rarely happens, as once the itching begins, they are usually brushed off the skin when the individual begins to scratch the area. A common misconception about chiggers is that they burrow inside the skin and drink the blood. This does not happen and remedies such as putting a coat of nail polish on the bite in order to suffocate and trap the chiggers don’t really work.
There are some age old home remedies that have been found to be effective in treating chigger bites. The most important step in treating a chigger bite is to first cleanse the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. This will also serve to remove any chiggers that may still be attached to the skin. After this, make a paste of water and baking soda and apply to the bite. If there is swelling, keeping the area elevated will be beneficial. Rubbing a couple of drops of castor oil into the bite is also known to be helpful in alleviating the itching and irritation. Take an aspirin tablet, moisten it and rub it over the entire area of the bite. The pain and discomfort will be eased greatly in this manner. Applying a few drops of baby oil to the bitten area will also help to soothe and reduce itching. It is important to take the necessary precautions when visiting areas that may be infested with chiggers. Cover your body entirely with loose fitted clothing. It would also help if you tuck the pant legs inside the shoes so as not to allow any room for chiggers to climb onto the body. Using an insect repellant before stepping out will also help to prevent chiggers from attaching themselves to your skin.