Chiggers

BY BRUCE BRANUM

The Greenville Standard

 

Chigger season is definitely upon us and here are some helpful facts about avoiding chiggers as temperatures warm up, courtesy of the Mississippi State University Extension Service:

“Despite the myths, chiggers aren’t insects, and they definitely don’t burrow into your skin. These tiny critters are actually the larval stage of a mite called Trombicula alfreddugesi.

You won’t see them without magnification; they’re about 1/150th of an inch and bright red.

These microscopic creatures are most active in overgrown, grassy, or wooded areas.

Chiggers don’t bite in the usual sense. Instead, they attach to your skin and inject a digestive enzyme that breaks down skin cells. The itching is your body’s reaction to the enzymes.

The good news is you can avoid them with a few simple steps:

Keep your lawn tidy. Mow regularly and clear out brushy areas where chiggers like to hide.

Dress smart. If you’re heading into tall grass or wooded areas, wear long sleeves and long pants; be sure to tuck those pants into your socks. Yes, it’s a fashion crime—but it works.

Use bug spray. DEET-based repellants can be used on the skin, while permethrin-based sprays must only be used on clothing. Always follow the label directions when using these products.

Shower after being outdoors. A good scrub with soap and water within a few hours of being outside can wash away any hangers-on.

Wash your clothes. Toss your clothes straight into the washer and dryer, using the hottest water and heat cycle possible to kill any sneaky hitchhikers.

If you’ve already got the itch, the best thing you can do is not scratch. Scratching can lead to infection and make things worse.

If you are particularly sensitive to chiggers or have a severe case of bites, consult a physician.”

On a side note, once you have ‘bites’ there are plenty of home remedies to be found on the internet.

The following are not recommended:

Applying bleach, gasoline, Pine-sol, nail polish, or scraping your skin with a knife will most likely cause more harm than good while not providing much relief. Also, do not take hot baths or showers.

You’re best bets are to apply an ice compress, apply anti-inch medications (which can be purchased over the counter), and take a lukewarm Aveeno Oatmeal bath.

From personal experience, a paste made from Aveeno Oatmeal and applied to the ‘bites’ will offer some relief from the itch.

It can take anywhere from one to three weeks for chigger bites to heal.