Chigger Relief

imkms

Explorer
Feb 18, 2008
603
242
SJ and SW FL
Hey!! That's my remedy!

Seriously though...I also heard of using Fels Naptha soap. I never tried either one, but I would sure like to find a remedy that works!:bang:

Although I have not tried it, I have heard for a while that applying Listerine to the itching area will bring relief.
 

noboat

Explorer
Feb 1, 2010
324
159
64
Waterford Works
I use Fels Naptha soap for poison ivy just lather up let it dry but never tryed it for chiggers bites you might have something there.
 

lgabrick

New Member
Sep 13, 2010
5
0
49
The mint julep facial probably just dries it out. I use my wife's clear nail polish on chigger and mosquito bites and that stops the itching right away. I think it is have alcohol in it which burns a little when you put it on, but stops the itching. I have also tried ammonia but I like clear nail polish better. My grandma told me how to use the nail polish , she says it suffocates the chiggers but I don't know how true that is. (But it does work)
 

46er

Piney
Mar 24, 2004
8,837
2,144
Coastal NJ
i use household ammonia on a cue tip. "After Bite" is the same at 3.5% Ammonia. works good, using it now.

I'll second the ammonia suggestion, I use it on all itching bites, including the dreaded Asian Tiger Mosquito's. Keep a pen applicator handy at all times :D
 

imkms

Explorer
Feb 18, 2008
603
242
SJ and SW FL
....... My grandma told me about the nail polish, she says it suffocates the chiggers but I don't know how true that is. (But it does work)

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.
 

manumuskin

Piney
Jul 20, 2003
8,673
2,586
60
millville nj
www.youtube.com
i still say the best remedy is a bath in epsom salt as hot as you can stand it.scratch the hell out of em.dries right up.maybe do it twice in real bad cases.swim in the ocean will do the same thing for chiggers or poison ivy.tannic acid should work as well.
Al
 

dogg57

Piney
Jan 22, 2007
2,912
378
Southern NJ
southjerseyphotos.com
Myths about chiggers are widespread. Many believe chiggers are some type of bug. Folklore tells us they burrow under our skin and die, that they drink our blood and that they can best be killed by suffocation with nail polish or bathing with bleach, alcohol, turpentine or salt water. Surprisingly, all these popular facts are just plain wrong.
Full story......
http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/avoid-outdoor-pests/chiggers
 

jokerman

Explorer
May 29, 2003
345
17
Manasquan
I'm still not sure if those tiny suckers are true chiggers or not. I can tell you this though...you can see them if you look closely and they can be removed with a tweezer. I've had thousands of them on me and I have been able to remove them when I get home after taking a shower and have never had a rash or itching problem so far. I've heard the nightmare stories though. It's important to take a shower after being exposed to them especially since it's the only way to see them if you have leg hair.
 

gipsie

Explorer
Sep 14, 2008
548
67
56
atlantic county
I carry a lint brush in the car and roll my clothes and skin. Seems to get most of the little suckers off. Of course they can be quick and my hikes can be long. Sometimes they get me before I get back to the car.... Think I would remember to put it in my pack....
 

bobpbx

Piney
Staff member
Oct 25, 2002
14,659
4,836
Pines; Bamber area
I was out in the Great Swamp Saturday from 10 to 5 PM, and was roaming everywhere with no bites. I am normally a careful person anyway, but this year, in addition to the rubber boots and light pants, and looking down every 15 minutes for chigger sign....I bought flower of sulphur and sprinkle it on my ankles, waist, top of my boots, zipper etc. I pour it into a nylon sock, tie it off, and slap it against my skin.

And I get even less chiggers than if I did not use it.
 

lakesgirl

Explorer
Jan 3, 2010
133
0
collings lakes
best to prevent them. we use a product made by sawyer that needs to be applied to clothing only prior to wearing. we spray both the inside and outside of our pants and socks, outside of boots. then a good skin spray with deet. so far so good.

went exploring near and old bog in piney hollow and when i got back to the truck, my lower pant legs were covered, brushed them off. got home and showered and no bites!

we have also used lice shampoo to wash our legs and ankles...seems to work also. might end up with a few itchy spots that cortaid works on.
 
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