How to Treat Chigger Bites at Home?

What to Do About Chigger Bites: Home Remedies That Help

Chigger bites are small red bumps that are itchy and caused by larvae feeding on the skin in which clothing is tight. Most bites resolve in two to three weeks. However, it is crucial to understand what chigger bites are and how to treat them at home, along with what is causing them.

Keep reading to learn more about chigger bites and how to treat them.

What are Chigger Bites?

Chiggers are the stage in which tiny mites consume skin cell membranes, creating red, itchy bumps. They usually show up when clothing is tight or skin folds, like the waist, ankles, and groin. They can develop into blisters. However, if you take care, they can be resolved in a few weeks.

What Causes Chigger Bites?

Tiny larvae of trombiculid mites (commonly called chiggers) are responsible for bites; the adult ones don’t bite, only the six-legged juvenile form does. Chigger larvae are tiny (about 0.15–0.3 mm), so they’re almost invisible to the naked eye.

They use sharp mouthparts to pierce skin and inject enzymes that liquefy skin cells, forming a stylostome (a feeding tube), through which they feed for a few days before dropping off. The body reacts to the saliva, causing intensely itchy, red bumps or welts, often in clusters.

Chiggers tend to target areas where the skin is thin or where clothing fits snugly, like waistbands, ankles, behind knees, underarms, and groins. These mites live in tall grass, weeds, forest edges, and moist soil. They’re most active in warm months, from late spring through early fall in temperate zones, and year-round in tropical areas.

How to Treat Chigger Bites with Home Remedies?

Listed below are the common home remedies for chigger bites:

1.  Take a Hot Bath or Shower

After being bitten, cleanse your body with soap and warm water. A washcloth or loofah will remove any remaining bits.

What it does: Heat breaks down the pores and sloughs off particles.

2.  Soothe with Colloidal Oatmeal

Include colloidal oatmeal, or use cleansers or lotions with it in your bath, or use it as a follow-up. It is anti-inflammatory and has anti-itch properties.

What it does: Oatmeal forms a protective barrier that soothes skin irritation.

3.  Apply Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion (the pink anti-itch fluid) can decrease itching and dry the fluid emitted by irritations from bites. Apply it 3 to 4 times a day or as directed on the product label to help dry out the bites and relieve itching.

What it does: Zinc in calamine helps to reduce inflammation and absorb moisture.

4.  Use Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Remedies

Consider these OTC options:

• Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) ease itching.
• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen reduce pain and swelling.
• Topical creams with menthol, camphor, pramoxine, or 1% hydrocortisone calm the itch and inflammation.
• Antiseptic treatments help prevent infections in scratched bites.

5.  Apply Ice or a Cold Compress

Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth and press on the bite site for short intervals to numb the area and lessen swelling.

What it does: Cold lowers skin temperature, reducing itchiness and inflammation.

6.  Keep Fingernails Trimmed Short

Trim your nails to prevent damaging the skin while scratching. This helps reduce the chance of spreading bacteria and causing infections.

7.  Prevent Secondary Infection

Apply antiseptic or antibiotic ointments to bitten areas, especially if scratched. Clean bites regularly to reduce the risk of infection.

8.  Understand When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Bites that worsen, ooze, or don’t resolve.
• Signs of infection like redness, swelling, or fever.
• Severe allergic responses include hives, throat tightness, and difficulty breathing.
• In rare cases, prescribed topical steroids or antibiotics may be necessary.

The steps above will reduce discomfort caused by chigger bites, allowing you to recover without any issues. If your symptoms become worse or do not improve after one or two weeks, seek medical advice.

The recovery process will take up to two weeks. You'll be able to return to outdoor activities secure, prepared, and assured.