The chigger is active in August and more generally when the weather is hot. What did he look like ? How to avoid getting bitten? How to recognize its sting and relieve it? Remedies and advice.
The chigger is a stinging larva. Contrary to what its name suggests, the chigger is not not only active in August. We can observe it as soon as the temperatures rise, in the spring in April and until the beginning of autumn. How recognize a bite chiggers? How to calm and relieve her? What are the treatments ? Prevention tips and anti-bite remedies from our expert.
Definition: what is a chigger?
L’chigger means the larva of a microscopic mite of the family of Trombicula autumnalis. Only the larva stings: it rages between late summer and autumn in gardens, forests and meadows. The chigger feeds on the tissues under the skin of mammals. Animals and humans are therefore potentially affected by bites.
Photo of a chigger
How big is a chigger?
This parasite, also known as red mullet because of its red color, measures between 0.2 and 0.4 mm which makes it difficult to see with the naked eye.
Can chiggers live in a house?
Usually, the chigger does not live in dwellings. His way of life requires him to live in grassy soils in order to find enough food to reproduce. However, larvae can be brought by your pet into your home.
To feed, the chigger bites using its chelicerae (hooks). The symptoms are most of the time not serious, but prove to be particularly unpleasant, in particular because of their duration over time. Chigger sting manifests itself after a few hours by the appearance of a rash with a few small patches 2 to 3 mm in diameter. 20 to 30 hours after the bite, the larvae detach from the skin and give way to severe itching that can persist for a week.
When and who to consult?
If theSymptoms persist for more than 3 days or show signs of an allergy, you should consult a general practitioner as soon as possible. As much as possible, it is strongly advised to avoid scratching: friction can cause infections and leave marks on the skin.
Chigger sting during pregnancy
It is also necessary to be more vigilant during pregnancy. Chigger sting in pregnant women is more likely to cause an allergy. It is therefore better to quickly seek advice from a doctor, especially if the sting area is extensive.
As soon as the first pimples appear, it is recommended to take a hot bath with Marseille soap to eliminate parasites, and disinfect pimples with an antiseptic. Treatment for chigger bites is the same as for insect bites. “Use a cortisone ointment and/or an antihistamine taken orally to soothe the itching if it is too bothersome“, recommends the general practitioner.
- If you walk in the forest or do some gardening, use gloveswear long, covering clothes that are tight at the ends.
- When picnicking, use a blanket so you don’t come into direct contact with the lawn. It is also better to avoid rolling in the grass.
- It is also possible touse repellents, to be handled with caution, especially in children and pregnant women.
- People who have a garden are invited to maintain it regularly to limit the proliferation of parasites.
Thanks to Doctor Sonesadeth Insisienmay, general practitioner.