Chiggers live in the skin and aren't welcome guests! They are most likely to be found where the skin is thinnest such as at the back of knees or around the ankles. They can only live in certain temperature zones and are generally active at temperatures between 77 and 86 degrees and are most commonly found in the southern states.
There are lots of misconceptions and misunderstandings over chiggers and the pain that they inflict. The pain that comes from chiggers isn't caused by bites, it is when they start to suck up liquefied tissue that the chiggers saliva goes to work. The saliva contains a strong digestive enzyme that dissolves cells and allows the chigger to use the dried cells for food.
It takes around three hours before the impact of the chigger is noticed; by that time it is too late to take preventative action. As the bite inserts further into the skin, it effectively creates a straw from which to draw the dried cells through - partly explaining the feeling of a bite.
Once you have been infected by a chigger, the best solution is to take a warm soapy bath and scrub as much as possible to minimalist the impact. A quick bath after being exposed to a chigger infested area may allow you to scrub them off before they can bite you. It will also reduce the possibility of any chiggers about to bite you being able to do so.
Pharmacists will be able to provide you with lotions and creams that can reduce the discomfort of chigger bites but there is no known cure once you have been affected. Bathing regularly will minimize the pain but being aware of chigger areas and dressing appropriately are the best ways to prevent infection.
There are lots of misconceptions and misunderstandings over chiggers and the pain that they inflict. The pain that comes from chiggers isn't caused by bites, it is when they start to suck up liquefied tissue that the chiggers saliva goes to work. The saliva contains a strong digestive enzyme that dissolves cells and allows the chigger to use the dried cells for food.
It takes around three hours before the impact of the chigger is noticed; by that time it is too late to take preventative action. As the bite inserts further into the skin, it effectively creates a straw from which to draw the dried cells through - partly explaining the feeling of a bite.
Once you have been infected by a chigger, the best solution is to take a warm soapy bath and scrub as much as possible to minimalist the impact. A quick bath after being exposed to a chigger infested area may allow you to scrub them off before they can bite you. It will also reduce the possibility of any chiggers about to bite you being able to do so.
Pharmacists will be able to provide you with lotions and creams that can reduce the discomfort of chigger bites but there is no known cure once you have been affected. Bathing regularly will minimize the pain but being aware of chigger areas and dressing appropriately are the best ways to prevent infection.
