What is the deal with chiggers? Does clear fingernail polish really work to get rid of them?

Question

I heard several things...
1. That they suck your blood and the irritation happens because their proboscus breaks off in your skin.
2. That they burrow into your skin and live there.
3. That they lay eggs in your skin and the larvae hatch and cause irritation. Does anyone know the truth?

Answer 1

A chigger is a mite of the genus Trombicula. The larvae are very tiny, less than a millimeter in size. The larvae attach to the skin surface of any warmblooded critter and proceed to feed. They actually do not burrow into the skin (although it sure feels like it!)

They secrete saliva that liquefies your skin cells which they then ingest (yummy,huh). After a few days they drop off. As anyone who has experienced this knows, this causes intense irritation and itching that can continue long after the mite is gone. They are most common in early summer.

Clear fingernail polish works by suffocating the larvae if it is still attached. The problem is the fact that the itching continues after the larvae has dropped off. Cortisone cream and other anti-itch products usually work, at least a little bit. Cold water or ice helps numb the area so you don't scratch yourself to death.
To prevent, use a DEET-containing insect repellent such as Off!.

Answer 2

Chiggers Nail Polish

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the deal with chiggers? Does clear fingernail polish really work to get rid of them?
I heard several things...
1. That they suck your blood and the irritation happens because their proboscus breaks off in your skin.
2. That they burrow into your skin and live there.
3. That they lay eggs in your skin and the larvae hatch and cause irritation. Does anyone know the truth?

Answer 4

My experience with chiggers indicates that they burrow into your skin and set up housekeeping as a parasite. There are over the counter treatments I have gotten from my Pharmacist that made them go away faster than nail polish.

I found the best thing was to not sit on any dead wood where chiggers lay in wait.

Good luck

Answer 5

deal chiggers clear fingernail polish work rid

Answer 6

hot water and vinegar is the best

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chigger

The term chigger is a common name used to describe the larval stage of mites that are parasitic on warm-blooded animals, including people. Chigger bites characteristically cause intense itching and the formation of small, reddish welts. Chiggers are active from spring to late fall but are most numerous in early summer.

Chiggers are closely related to ticks and spiders and pass through the same four stages of development: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Adult chiggers become active in early spring and the females deposit eggs in grassy or weedy areas. The eggs hatch into microscopic larvae (chiggers) that crawl on vegetation and attach to passing small mammals or people. They wander over the skin surface before attaching at a skin pore or hair follicle. The attachment site on people is usually in places where the clothing fits tightly over the skin or where the skin is thin or wrinkled.

Contrary to popular opinion, chiggers do not burrow into the skin nor do they feed on blood. Instead, chiggers inject a digestive fluid containing enzymes that cause skin cells to rupture. The fluids from the skin cells are then consumed as food. The injected enzymes cause the skin to become red, swollen and itchy. The itch may last for several days and will persist even after the chigger has detached from the skin.

Direct, chemical control of chiggers is usually impractical. Large areas would have to be sprayed several times for effective control. If spraying is desired, apply an outdoor insecticide according to label directions, paying special attention to areas of tall grass and weeds. For more information on insecticides please see "Insecticides in the Home Landscape and Garden."

The likelihood of encountering chiggers can be reduced by applying personal insect repellents, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding sitting or reclining directly on the ground. In addition, take a hot, soapy bath or shower immediately after returning from likely chigger-infested areas to remove most chiggers before they have had the opportunity to attach and feed.

The many chigger "home remedies" used by devotees have not been tested to verify effectiveness. Most however, are misguided or developed from a incorrect understanding of chigger biology. This includes the widespread myth that using fingernail polish "kills" the embedded chigger. Relief from itching can come in many forms. One requirement for stopping itching is to seal the skin from contact with air. That's why many remedies, including nail polish appear to work. Similar results can occur with calamine, vaseline, cold cream, and baby oil. Better relief often comes from products that seal the skin and contain antihistamines; for example, caladryl or hydrocortisone salves and creams. Products that contain local anesthetics and analgesics also effectively alleviate symptoms for most people. Consult your physician or pharmacist for further assistance is choosing which product to use.

Answer 7

nail polish helps to suffocate them, i would go to a website on chiggers and ask the specifics.

Answer 8

I was told to rub the infected area with diluted bleach or if there's a lot to put your arm/leg/etc. into water with bleach in it. That supposed will kill the chiggers. And it will give your skin that nice white glow. . .

Answer 9

what is a chigger?