- What does the chigger look like?
- Definition: what is a chigger sting?
- How to recognize a chigger sting?
- What are the symptoms ?
- What are the treatments ?
- How to relieve with natural remedies?
- What to do in case of allergy?
- When to consult?
- Chigger sting and pregnancy?
- Chigger bite in the baby?
- How to avoid them?
What does the chigger look like?
The chigger can be recognized by its Red color. It may be mistaken for a spider, but it is actuallymites. Despite its bright color, it is very difficult to spot, because it is tiny: 0.03 mm for the larvae, which are the only ones to sting.
Definition: what is a chigger sting?
The sting is the result of the chigger’s meal. In fact, the larva feeds on the tissues of mammals for 2 to 10 days before moving on to the pupa stage on dry land, then to an adult. The chigger then changes its diet and no longer needs to sting.
How to recognize a chigger sting?
The chigger sting takes the form of small red pimples often going in clusters and can be accompanied by plates a few millimeters wide. They often appear at the folds of the body, because the skin is thinner there: knees, groin, armpits…
What are the symptoms ?
The main symptom of a chigger sting is the itchwhich turns out to be intense and can last for a week.
What are the treatments ?
The reflex to adopt in the event of a chigger sting is to wash your clothes in order to eliminate the larvae that may have infested them. Then, rub with Marseille soap to eliminate them from your skin. Finally, disinfect all the pimples so that they do not cause complications. And of course, don’t scratch!
How to relieve with natural remedies?
Spike lavender essential oil is effective in soothing itching. It is also possible to apply a poultice based on green clay or cabbage leaf. A few drops of wine vinegar on a cotton ball are also a solution.
What to do in case of allergy?
In case of allergy, redness, puffiness and itching are exacerbated. It is then necessary to go to consult a doctor, but the risks are lower than in the case of an allergy to an insect bite (the chigger is not an insect, but a mite of the arachnid family).
When to consult?
A trip to the doctor may be necessary in case of allergy to chigger stings or infection if you scratched too much or if the friction is too important, or even if the traces last more than 3 days. You will then need a prescription for an antihistamine or cortisone.
Chigger sting and pregnancy?
In pregnant women, the risk of allergy to chigger stings is multiplied. It is therefore necessary to be particularly vigilant on the evolution of the symptoms, especially if the pimples are numerous.
Chigger bite in the baby?
With his thin skin, baby is a privileged host for chiggers. However, the risks are no greater than in adults. An allergic reaction remains possible. It is therefore necessary to remain attentive, but the most delicate will be above all to prevent the child from scratching!
How to avoid them?
Wear pants on your summer walks. In the event of a picnic, also cover the upper parts of the body and install a blanket on the ground. There are repellents, but they are often harmful to the environment as well as to children and pregnant women.
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Read also:
- Bee sting: how to recognize it, symptoms, what to do?
- Spider bite: what to do?
- Jellyfish sting: what to do for quick relief?
- Bumblebee sting: symptoms, how to relieve it?
