Has anyone ever had chigger bites?

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   Rosie writesposted 10 years ago

   Has anyone ever had chigger bites?
   
   We have dealt with them the past 2 years during the Fall - I think they are on the falling leaves. I've read about them, but would like to know if anyone knows how to treat the bites so they are not as itchy and will go away more quickly.

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2. 78

   Act 3posted 10 years ago

   If you think you have been exposed to chiggers, take a HOT shower and scrub vigorously! Then do a quick wipe down with rubbing alcohol.
   
   Once you have the bites and they are itching, I don't think there is a magic solution. Dabbing with hydrogen peroxide as soon as possible after the bite may help. Some people use mouthwash or toothpaste on bites. Benadryl gel, hydro-cortisone cream and tea tree oil may provide some relief.

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      Rosie writesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for those tips.  That makes sense after what I have read about them.  They are so itchy and annoying. I am washing all of my clothes as well, because I seem to keep getting bit while in the house.

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   Silva Hayesposted 10 years ago

   I have had chigger bites.  The worst case was in July in Texas after a heavy rain and we walked through tall grass down on the river.  I was so sick with chigger bites that I couldn't work the next day.  The best thing is to avoid them, because nothing seemed to work well at taking away the pain and itching.  I have tried it all . . . Act 3 has good advice -- as soon as you can after a possible exposure, remove your clothes, take a good long shower, and throw your clothes in the washer.

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      Rosie writesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Silva, that sounds horrible.  I have about 20 bites, but as soon as some go away, new ones appear.  I do spend a lot of time outside, so I have cleaned all of my outdoor furniture, washed sheets and clean all clothes after being outside.  Thanks!

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      Silva Hayesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Rosie, if you think you are getting them from the same area and you work there often, you can dust the area with sulfur (sulphur); it's a yellow powder that you can buy in a bag.  It will drive them away.  We did that when we were clearing brush.

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   RTalloniposted 10 years ago

   Oh dear…they are bad boys to deal with!  Southern hunters can tell you more about them than you'll ever want to know.  A tiny bottle of citronella is a great and safe repellant.  Products with deet in them will kill the beasts.  Benadryll topical cream can help symptoms for mild cases.  Benadryl syrup or tablets can provide some relief from heavier cases.  The worst thing about them to me is that I think they carry more diseases than is commonly recognized.  The following link may be helpful:
   https://insects.tamu.edu/extension/publ … /e-365.cfm

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      Rosie writesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the tips RTalloni.  I did not know about them carrying diseases.  I will check out your link.

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      artist101posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I had sand fleas, from the beach on my feet. The only thing that helped was dabbing clear finger nail polish on them. It smothered them. Weird, but true. Lanacain is also helpful for itch, as well as benedryl. I feel for you, it's terrible.

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5. 0

   AlienWednesdayposted 10 years ago

   I used to get them a lot as a kid, growing up in the mountains of West Virginia.  We always put real aloe on our bites, helped immensely.

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      Rosie writesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have aloe and will try that.  Thanks AlienWednesday!

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