Help! Chigger infestation?

Question

I went camping last weekend. Everyone was complaining about the bugs, but even though I had forgotten to put bug spray on, I didn't feel anything, so I figured the bugs had just missed me. Monday, I started itching like mad, and discovered that I was covered in chigger bites. I counted about 30. I work 60 hour work weeks, and can't afford to miss my sleep because of these bites, but all week have been woken several times in the night with the intense itching. Is there anything I can do? I have tried Cortizone Maximum Strength and Cortaid Maximum Strength, with only very brief relief (the itching returns within half an hour).

Currently I don't have health insurance, so going to the doctor is not an option. I hate doctors anyway.

Answer 1

First of all, make sure you have killed any chiggers that might be hanging around in your clothes or camping gear. After that, pretty much all you can do is try to keep the bites clean, and avoid scratching them (they can easily get infected). If a topical hydrocortisone cream doesn't help, try taking Benadryl or another antihistamine. Cold packs also can really help reduce itching (cold baths as well). Making a paste out of baking soda and water may also soothe the irritated skin as well.

If you are still itching like mad after trying all these things, contact your doctor, as they may be able to prescribe a topical anesthetic.

The bad news? Itching from chigger bites can last for weeks! So, don't hesitate to get some real medical attention if they start to drive you absolutely batty. And next time, bring the insect repellant!

Answer 2

A product found in Wal-Mart, called Anti-Itch, will stop the itching almost immediately. But the problem is that chiggers bury themselves in your skin. Put a dab of clear nail polish on each and every bite. This cuts the air off to them and they die. The bumps will go away too. I'm 64 and my great grandmother taught me this neat little remedy when I wasn't yet old enough to go to school. It works.

Answer 3

Best and cheapest remedy is clear fingernail polish. Cover the bites with the polish, it may burn just a little. The polish smothers and kills them. Guaranteed old time remedy to kill chiggers. You can get red, purple or orange polish, but your the one that's going to be wearing it to work. This will work! Forget the store bought stuff, just wasting your money. You'll be chigger free in no time.

Answer 4

I have found that a dot of clear finger nail polish over the chigger bite will help smother the chigger and also help the itch better than calamine lotions.

Answer 5

just go to a doctor...they can probably give a stronger lotain. in the mean time try benadryl it will calm the intching and it also has stuff in it to make you sleepy....when i take it, it knocks me out!

here ive never heard of "chigger" but i found this...

Topical Cortisone creams can be very helpful to reduce the itching. Chigger mites frequently lay eggs underneath the skin, and Lindane (Kwell), which is also used for head lice, can be very effective, as well as asking your healthcare provider for Permethrin (Elimite). These medications usually take care of the chiggers fairly quickly.

Answer 6

Try Aveno bath! That has got to be maddening. So sorry for your luck!!

One time when I was a kid I got bitten by fleas at a friends house. I used Blistex on the bites and that helped more then anything else.

Answer 7

You have to go to the dr....and they will gice you some medication to put on after you shower.....Without the medicine you will not get rid of them.....And they will continue to spread and yes you will miss sleep because the worst itching is at night for some reason...

Answer 8

Try Chiggarrid (sorry if I misspelled it). You can buy it over the counter.

Answer 9

i know what to do i had it before put clear nail polish on it that smothers them and they will go away!! serious try it!!