If the itch doesn’t drive you crazy, the thought of bugs on your skin may.
It’s that time of year again, time for the harvest mite larvae to feed. If you’re not careful, they might end up feeding on you.
Look at this poor girl – she must have been lying in grass infested with hungry chiggers.
Strickly speaking, this extremely itchy rash is a reaction to where a harvest mite has pierced the skin, injected enzymes to dissolve cellular debris, then fed through a feeding tube formed of hardened skin cells.
More commonly the lesions would be on the ankles or lower legs. As the unsuspecting victim walks through grass or brush, the mites attach to the skin and begin feeding. Here are more examples.
- Image via Wikipedia
Once the mite has fed, it drops off. Mature mites are not parasitic. It’s very unlikely you will see these critters that are only about 1/5 mm in diameter. I’ve not seen one myself nor do I know of anyone who has, so the diagnosis is made on the clinical presentation of the rash.
Aside from the rash, the worst symptom is the itch. People who tend to allergies, eczema, and mosquito bites tend to suffer more from a chiggers exposure. Avoid walking through grassy areas where the mites may brush against your skin and attach. Even mowing grass may result in a case of chiggers.
There’s no reason to see a doctor for chiggers unless the itch is unbearable or the rash becomes infected. For everyday chiggers you can treat the itch with an over-the-counter antihistamine (Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc.) and a topical anti-itch preparation (calamine or hydrocortisone cream) for under $10. The only thing a doctor might add would be a stronger steroid cream (ask for a generic) or possibly a round of oral steroids if the itch is intolerable. Scratching will only worsen the rash and cause open sores, which are more likely to become infected, so . . .
© Cynthia J Koelker, MD – All rights reserved
http://www.101waystosavemoneyonhealthcare.com/
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