How to Get Rid of Chiggers on Your Body

Chiggers (Trombicula alfreddugesi), also known as red bugs and harvest mites, are small, red colored, parasitic insects that feed on animals and humans. A popular misconception of chiggers is that they burrow under the skin. While this is untrue, their bite typically triggers an allergic reaction, which causes severe itching. In this article, you'll learn how to get rid of chiggers on your body before the itching gets the best of you.

Chiggers are generally found in woods and forests, and other areas of shade. However, you can also pick them up in tall grass, fields, and meadows. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from a chigger infestation, is to avoid these areas, or wear protective clothing. Tucking pants into socks when you're walking through a chigger inhabited area may prevent an attack. If you do become infested, use these tips on how to get rid of chiggers on your body.

Wash Your Clothes and Yourself

If you even suspect you have chiggers, take off your clothes immediately and wash them in the hottest water possible. Then go straight away to the bath tub and soak in water, as hot as possible. Scrub with soap and a wash cloth, or loofah sponge, for at least fifteen minutes. A shower may be taken if a bath is not possible, but a bath is highly recommended.

Do NOT add bleach to the water, or any other chemicals. This will only damage your skin, and won't do any more to get rid of chiggers. A bath in hot water will drown the bugs, and scrubbing with soap will make sure they, and their larvae, are removed from your body.

Head Lice Shampoo

Head lice shampoo can be used to get rid of chiggers on the body. Simply apply the solution to the affected areas, wait several minutes, and wash your body thoroughly in the shower. Scrub with soap and water to ensure all of the head lice shampoo is removed, and rinse. This treatment is not recommended for small children, anyone with sensitive skin, or anyone concerned about putting chemicals on their body in this manner.

Use a Hair Dryer

If you have a particularly bothersome case, you can use a hair dryer to get rid of chiggers. Point the hair dryer directly at the affected area, and blow with the heat as high as you can tolerate without burning yourself. Keep this up for at least two minutes, if possible, and you'll be rid of chiggers. This is a very effective method, but only for smaller areas of the body. A hot bath as soon as possible is still most important.

Get Rid of Itching

Even if you successfully get rid of chiggers by bathing and washing your clothes, they may have still left behind itchy bites. Diaper rash cream can be applied to bites to treat the itch. Calamine lotion may also be effective, but use sparingly, and only as necessary. Other commercial preparations that may relieve itching caused by chigger bites include Icy Hot, Neosporin, and any brand of petroleum jelly.

Natural Remedies for Chigger Bites

If you don't feel comfortable slathering your body in petroleum jelly or head lice shampoo, there are numerous natural remedies to get rid of chiggers, and their itchy bites. After getting out of the hot bath or shower, try applying a paste of baking soda and water. This will help get rid of any chiggers that might remain, and remedy the itchiness.

Another home remedy for chigger bites is plain old aspirin. Moisten a tablet with warm water, and gently rub it on the affected area. Vitamin E capsules, when taken internally, are also a powerful natural remedy for chigger bites. Take 400 IU of vitamin E and relief should be experienced within 15-30 minutes. Continue to take 200 IU every few hours, until the bites are gone, and you'll experience no itching at all.