Making homemade remedies for chigger bites is, fortunately, easy. Let us see the top 5 remedies to make at home by yourself, but first, what are chiggers?
Chiggers belong to the arachnid family. They are microscopic in size, so tiny that you may not even see them as they jump into your skin or clothing. An adult chigger measures 1/60” and has eight legs.
Top 5 Homemade Remedies for Chigger Bites
Vicks Vapor Rub
By using Vicks vapor rub, the itchiness of a chigger bite can be immediately ended & even reduce the possibility of blisters forming on the skin. The cooling menthol contained in the rub soothes the itch receptors in your skin.
Steps of Application:
- Using antibacterial soap, take a shower with hot water, after which you pat the skin using a soft towel.
- Fetch a little quantity of Vicks vapor & mix with salt.
- Ensure the mixing is thorough and apply on the bitten area.
- A one-time application is enough except if the swelling is still visible after some time.
Cold Compress
The itchiness is always the most persistent of a chigger bite, and this can be cured with a cold compress, thanks to its numbing effect.
Steps of Application:
Wrap ice cubes in a piece of thin clothing.
Press firmly on the affected spot & leave for 10 minutes. This should be enough but if it isn’t, repeat the process.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural acid neutralizer and a potent substance for remedying itching & rashes.
Application Steps:
- Add a cup of soda to a gallon of water to bathe with.
- Ensure the soda is well mixed in the water & steep in it for 15 minutes.
Another Remedy with Baking Soda
- Make a paste using two teaspoonfuls of baking soda & some water.
- Rub the paste on the spot & leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse off with cool water.
Note: Never apply baking soda in open wounds or broken skin.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains avenanthramides, which are chemicals that inhibit the release of compounds that cause inflammation, thereby significantly lowering itchiness. Oatmeal boasts anti-inflammatory, anti-irritating & soothing qualities, providing immediate relief from itching. It is best to use colloidal oatmeal, which is perfectly smooth oatmeal powder.
To use, grind two cups of oatmeal until it becomes a very smooth powder. Put in a quarter cup of baking soda & mix thoroughly before storing in a jar. This mixture can also be used to ease sunburned skin as well as poison ivy, although you’d have to mix with some water for the latter.
If you’re unsure how to grind your oatmeal, seal it in a Ziploc bag and crush with a spoon’s backside.
Concluding The Homemade Remedies for Chigger Bites
There are several other homemade remedies for chigger bites. An effective alternative is to use olive oil topically or mix with tea tree oil. While making these remedies are easy, it is best to avoid getting bitten in the first place. To avoid these bites, put on a long sleeve shirt and pants as you hit the hiking trail, rub mosquito repellent on the skin & wash clothes with warm water.