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Symptoms

A red spot that itches intensely for about 3 days.

Causes

Chiggers, also called red bugs, are extremely tiny insects in the class (arthropoda, eight-legged creatures) which includes scorpions, spiders, and mites. They prefer grassy, weedy, fields, but are also found in wooded areas. They are active from May to September, and especially during June and July.

Moving slowly, a chigger crawls along until he finds a tight spot in a body crease or where the clothing is tight. Then, about 2 hours after hitching a ride, he digs in by injecting fluid which dissolves tissue and produces a welt. About 3-6 hours later the itching begins and continues for about 3 days.

Treatments

• Remove the chigger by scratching off with a fingernail, or apply castor oil or Vaseline. Another method is to apply clear nail polish to the spot; this smothers the creature.

• A charcoal poultice can be a help.

• Banana is reported to soothe chigger bites.

• Hot baths help control the itching.

This page was last modified on 2 December 2010, at 21:54.

URL: http://naturalencyclopedia.com/Chiggers

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