Chigger Bites On Kids- Causes Treatment And Remedies

It's not uncommon for kids to get bitten by insects. It should come as no surprise given that they favor spending most of their time outside, particularly when the weather is warm. Let's learn about chigger bites on kids and some home remedies for treating them as we go through this blog.

What are chiggers?

Chiggers are a type of red mite that bites and is sometimes referred to as a harvest mite or a red bug. Chiggers are so small that it is nearly impossible to see them with the naked eye. A magnifying glass is required in order to view these bugs. Chiggers are members of the arachnid family, which also includes spiders and ticks. These mites look like tiny spiders and are red in color. Chiggers can be found in any natural setting, from grassy fields to the water's edge.

What are chigger bites?

Chigger bites are exactly what they sound like: bites caused by chiggers. Trombiculosis, the medical term for chigger bites, is an itchy rash. Tiny, round, crimson bumps appear on the skin of the baby in response to chigger bites. It may also result in localized swelling and blistering. 

What exactly happens during a chigger bite?

The female chigger will find a shady spot in the grass or the woods to lay her eggs. These eggs will eventually hatch into larvae. After hatching, the larva waits on plants for people or animals to pass by. The larval stage is parasitic in nature and feeds on human skin tissue after attaching to it. Using their microscopic claws, chigger larvae attach to the skin of passersby. Once attached, it punctures the host's skin and injects its saliva. A chigger's saliva contains chemicals that dissolve skin cells and provide the protein required for its growth into an adult. After a few days, when it has matured into an adult chigger, it will drop off, leaving a red bump. Most chigger bites occur in creases of skin, such as under the arms, in the genital area, around the waist, and behind the knees. The bumps appear in clusters and may eventually spread to neighboring regions.These bites are prevalent among children who play outdoors, particularly in gardens and lawns. Although they are generally harmless, your child may be bothered by the itchiness they cause.

Do chiggers dig into the skin?

Despite common belief, chiggers do not burrow into the skin and stay there. Chiggers feed by inserting their mouthparts and feeding structures into the skin of their victims when they bite. After that, they inject enzymes that digest host tissue into the host skin. The area around the bite eventually hardens and a feeding tube (a cyclostome) forms there. This tunnel allows chiggers to feed on human skin for several days as they mature into adults if left undisturbed.

Signs And Symptoms Of Chigger Bites In Children

In most cases, chigger bites occur in clusters in areas where clothing is tight or the skin is folded.

Among the most noticeable symptoms of chigger bites in children are:

• Reddish, spherical bumps on the skin
• Extreme itching
• Pain and swelling

Chigger bites on the penis can sometimes lead to summer penile syndrome, characterized by symptoms like:

• Inflammation of the penis
• Itching in the penis.
• Urinary incontinence or painful urination

Preventing chigger bites in children

Chiggers are most often found in grassy areas near water, such as the edges of streams and lakes, in forested areas, and in overgrown fields and gardens. The most effective method for reducing the likelihood of chigger bites in children is to avoid breeding grounds. However, we cannot keep the children indoors 24/7. In that case,

The following measures may be taken to lessen the likelihood of getting bitten by chiggers while the children are camping or hiking:

• Before your child goes outside to play, you should apply insect repellent or anti-bug ointment all over their bodies.
• Essential oils, such as tea tree oil, may also serve as insect repellents and can be applied topically.
• Before you send your kids outside to play, make sure they're dressed appropriately. Making them wear long sleeve shirts and long pants helps to lessen the odds of chigger bites. 
• You can help your child avoid getting chiggers by having them wear long pants and tucking the legs into their socks or shoes.
• Instruct your child to stay away from dense vegetation and grassy areas whenever possible.
• To protect your child's belongings from the chiggers, spray the outside of their shoes, boots, and backpacks with an anti-bug spray containing DEET. Please note that DEET is a poisonous chemical that should not come in contact with the child's skin.
• Tell your kids to take a long, steamy shower as soon as they get in from playing outside. 
• The clothes your kid wears should be washed in hot water. Fabrics can be treated with a targeted insecticide to reduce the likelihood of bites.

How Are Chigger Bites Treated?

Chiggers are not a health risk like other insects like mosquitoes and ticks. So, they aren't dangerous, but they are annoying. Chigger bites are usually treatable at home.

• As soon as you notice a child has been bitten by a chigger, give them a bath and have them scrub the affected area with antiseptic soap.
• Kill any chiggers that may have attached to your child's clothing, bedding, or towels by washing them in hot water.
• Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can be used to relieve itching and pain.
• A cool washcloth held against the bites can provide relief.
• If your child is having trouble sleeping at night due to itching, antihistamines (allergy medicine) taken orally may help.
• You should discourage your children from scratching at bites, as it can cause impetigo, a bacterial infection characterized by pus and crust around the bites.

• Scratching the bite site can also lead to cellulitis, which is characterized by widespread redness, swelling, pain, and fever.
• In the event that a skin infection develops, antibiotics may be required.

Home Remedies for Chigger Bites on Kids
 

• It is said that applying fresh lemon juice to a bite will kill any bacteria and reduce any swelling. In that case, it could be useful in alleviating itching as well. 
• One of the best natural remedies for chigger bites is aloe. Add one drop of peppermint oil to ¼  cup of aloe vera gel. Mix well and rub it over the bumps. It may help to soothe the area and reduce itching.
• It has been suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal can help relieve itching. Scrub the chigger bites gently with a paste made from oats and water, then rinse well.
• Soaking the biten area in water containing baking soda or Epsom salts may also help reduce the itch.

When to Seek Medical Care for Chigger Bites

The majority of cases involving chigger bites do not necessitate medical attention.

A child who has been bit by a chigger, however,  should seek medical attention if he or she develops symptoms of secondary infection of the skin like redness, warmth, pus, and increased tenderness or pain.