Chiggers are red colored mites that belong to the family of spiders. They usually suck blood from both human beings and animals. They are usually found in woody areas and thick vegetation. Chigger bites cause irritation and itchiness. It leaves behind itchy blisters on the victim’s body. Below are some home remedies for chigger bites which can cure and provide relief.
Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
1. Hot Water
Ingredients
- Water
- Medicated soap
- Antiseptic liquid
Procedure
- Take a hot water shower and expose the areas bitten by the chigger to hot water continuously for 15 minutes at least.
- Wash the affected areas with a medicated soap.
- Use an antiseptic liquid and clean the affected areas.
- This will reduce the red rashes and blisters and provide immediate relief from itchiness and irritation.
The moment an individual is bitten by a chigger, take a hot water shower to reduce the intensity of the bite. It provides instant relief from itchiness and irritation.
2. Ice Pack for Chigger Bites
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
Procedure
- Take out some ice cubes from the refrigerator and put it in a cotton cloth.
- Wrap it in a plastic bag and apply this pack in the affected areas.
- Repeat this process several times in a day for best results.
Ice is readily available in the home. It is one of the best ways to get quick relief from chigger bites.
Applying ice pack can provide instant relief from burning and itching sensation. The cooling sensation reduces irritation and is one of the useful home remedies for chigger bites.
3. Baking Soda – To Reduce Inflammation
Ingredients
- Baking soda
- Water
Procedure
- Mix water in baking soda to make a thick paste.
- Apply it to the infected areas to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Repeat this process several times in a day to provide faster relief.
Baking soda is a common ingredient available in almost all the kitchen. Applying baking soda paste helps to reduce inflammation to a great extent. Gradually the chigger bites will fade off.
4. Toothpaste – Effective Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
Ingredients
Procedure
- Apply a thick layer of toothpaste in the affected areas and let it dry.
- Tie a bandage around the infected area after applying toothpaste for it to work better.
- Wash it thoroughly with cold water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times in a day to get relief from chigger bites.
Toothpaste is made up of certain ingredients which act like an instant remedy for itchiness from chigger bites and hence some toothpaste can be of help.
Usually, minty toothpaste will make the itch numb as peppermint contents have numbing effects. Also, toothpaste having high salt content provides quick relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in reducing blister and itching sensation and minty toothpaste has a soothing effect.
5. Oatmeal – Remedies for Chigger Bites
Ingredients
- Raw oatmeal
- Water
Procedure
- Soak oatmeal in water for 1 hour.
- Take a pan and add water to it and allow it to heat for some time.
- Add the soaked oatmeal to the pan of hot water and cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Allow it to cool down for some time before applying it to the infected area.
- Leave the oatmeal on the bites unless it becomes completely cold.
- Wash it off with cold water to get relief.
- Wipe it clean and apply Aloe Vera gel or any antiseptic liquid.
- Repeat this process twice in a day to get relief from chigger bites.
Oatmeal reduces the itching sensation caused by chigger bites. It also soothes the surrounding skin. Oatmeal should be cooked first like it is done for consumption. The warmth of the hot oatmeal is effective in the treatment of chigger bites.
6. Castor Oil – Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
Ingredients
Procedure
- Warm castor oil in a container till its thick consistency is reduced.
- Soak a cotton ball in this hot oil.
- Apply the oil on the affected skin with a cotton ball.
- Massage the oil twice a day for quick results.
Castor oil is known for its medicinal and antiseptic property. Castor oil is very thick in nature and is viscous oil. Therefore, it is essential to warm the oil before using. It helps in reducing irritation.
7. Nail Polish – Effective for Chigger Bites
Ingredients
- Nail polish
Procedure
- Apply a thick coat of nail polish on the affected area.
- Allow it to dry completely.
- Remove the nail paint using a nail polish remover.
- Follow the method twice a day for effectiveness.
Chigger bite causes a lot of irritation and itchiness. It is a general tendency to scratch the affected areas continuously aggravating the sores and red rashes.
Although nail paint does not help in reducing the irritation, however, it does not allow aggravating the sores and prevents scratching continuously the affected area.
Another way to prevent scratching is to apply Elmer’s glue which is easily available in the market.
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8. Tea Bag
Ingredients
- Tea bags
Procedure
- Soak tea bags in hot water.
- Strain the excess liquid of the hot bags.
- Allow it to cool down slightly and apply the hot bags on the affected areas.
- Keep it till it becomes completely cool.
- Repeat this process several times in a day for best results.
Tea bags help to reduce the symptoms of chiggers bite and reduce itchiness. It is obvious that on applying the hot bags, it will result in burning sensation but will go off as it starts cooling down.
9. Oils for Chigger Bites
Method 1
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Tea tree oil
Procedure
- Mix equal quantities of olive oil and tea tree oil.
- Apply the oil evenly on the affected surface twice a day for best results.
Method 2
Ingredients
- Baby oil
Procedure
- Clean the affected area with water and pat dry.
- Massage some baby oil on it to give respite from inflammation and irritation.
Method 3
Ingredients
- Lavender oil
- Tea tree oil
Procedure
- Mix equal quantities of lavender oil and tea tree oil.
- Apply the oil evenly on the affected surface twice a day for best results.
Different types of oil have different property and are useful in chigger bite. If applied to the affected area it provides quick relief.
Olive oil and tea tree oil both can be effective Home Remedies for Chigger Bites. It prevents itching and soreness.
Baby oil is another option to reduce the swelling and irritation.
Lavender oil is often considered as medicinal oil. It is mixed with equal quantities of tea tree oil and applied on the bites for quick relief. It soothes the affected area and nearby skin.
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10. Salt Paste For Chigger Bites
Ingredients
- Salt
- Water
Procedure
- Take a tablespoon of salt and add water to it.
- Apply this solution over the infected area to reduce blisters and itchiness.
- Repeat this process twice a day for immediate relief.
Saltwater reduces inflammation and itching sensation. This solution can also be used to clean the chigger bites.
Chigger bites is a serious condition and must be attended immediately. If neglected, it will aggravate the condition. The itching, irritation, and burning sensation may increase if proper treatment is not given. However, if the symptoms still persist, then it is better to visit a doctor. Hope this article on Home Remedies for Chigger Bites is useful for you. In the case of any suggestion or feedback, please share the same in the comments section below.
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