How to Treat Chigger Bites

Series Summary

The term “first aid” refers to the immediate care that is provided to an injured or sick person. It is used to stabilize a patient until further medical treatment and assessment can be provided at a hospital or care facility. A first-aid kit is used primarily to treat minor medical emergencies, like small cuts or burns. But it is important to keep a first-aid kit stocked with supplies used regularly as well as those items used for a more serious EMS situations. In addition to a first-aid kit, knowing what to do in emergency situations is a key part of treating injuries. Knowledge of how to roll an injured person to safety, or help a person having an epileptic seizure, may not be included in a first-aid kit, but might just save a life. In this free video series, a firefighter explains and demonstrates a number of first aid treatments; including how to remove mites, how to make a mosquito bite stop itching and how to treat a spider bite. He also explains first-aid procedures, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and having blood drawn. With these tips and techniques, a person's survival skills can improve quickly.

Video Transcript

"You know one of the insects that can cause a great deal of discomfort after being bitten is the common chigger bite. Hi I'm Captain Joe Bruni and what we are going to talk about is how to treat the common chigger bite. Chigger bites can cause a great deal of itching and discomfort. Wash the area with soap and water, and then apply some type of hydro-cortisone type cream to the area. Trying to eliminate the itching and scratching that can come from chigger bites. Also there's some commercially made anti chigger bite types of products available over the counter and through prescription. Also commonly what has been found to bring some relief and work are things like anti lye shampoo, applied to the area and left in place over night.There have been reports of limited use of petroleum jelly and even clear nail polish applied to the area, but these won't be as effective as using some type of commercial product designed for chiggers or some type of anti lye shampoo. I'm Captain Joe Bruni, stay safe and we'll see you next time."