Chiggers, also known as redbugs, are tiny parasitic mites that bite humans and animals. They love grassy areas in warm climates and are most active during summer months. While they don’t carry any illnesses, they can cause itchy welts on the skin that last for several days. Here is how to treat chigger bites like a pro in case of a bite!
Step 1: Identify the Bite
The first step is to make sure your child actually have chigger bites. Chigger bites usually look like small red dots surrounded by a reddish halo of inflammation. They can be intensely itchy, but sometimes it takes up to four days before itching begins. Also be aware that chiggers may not just bite on legs; they can also bite other parts of the body such as arms or back.
Step 2: Wash the Area
Once you’ve identified the bites, your next step should be to wash the area with soap and water. This will help reduce irritation and prevent infection from bacteria on the skin. Make sure you rinse off all the soap afterwards! It’s also important to keep children’s fingernails short so that when they scratch their bites, they won’t break the skin and risk infection.
Step 3: Soothe the Itch
There are a few ways to soothe the itch from chigger bites. An over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl can provide relief from itching and swelling if taken orally or applied topically (always follow package instructions). For more severe itching, try an ice pack or cold compress—just make sure not to put ice directly on the skin! You can also use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for extra relief.
Step 4: Keep Calm and Carry On Â
Finally, try not to scratch! Scratching can increase irritation and open up wounds that could become infected if bacteria gets inside them. So keep calm and carry on—the itching should go away after a few days!
All in all, dealing with chigger bites isn’t fun but there are plenty of ways you can treat them quickly and effectively at home without needing medical attention. Just remember to identify the bite correctly, wash the area with soap and water, use antihistamines or other topical treatments for relief from itching, and resist scratching no matter how tempting it may be! With these tips in mind, you’ll soon be saying goodbye to those pesky chiggers for good!
