Chigger Bite vs Mosquito Bite
Chigger Bite vs Mosquito Bite
Most of us are familiar with the common mosquito bite; itchy, red, and full of venom from a tiny pest. But have you ever heard of a chigger bite? This itchy, uncomfortable issue can be mistaken for a mosquito bite, but there are some marked differences between the two.
Appearance:
A mosquito bite is usually slightly raised and round. It is usually red and will itch for a few days after the bite.
A chigger bite often looks like a red dot with a darker red circle around it. The bite feels puffy and swollen, not just itchy. The area can also become very red, especially if scratched.
Pain Level:
Mosquito bite pain is often minimal and only lasts a few seconds. In some cases, the area may be tender for a day or two.
Chigger bites tend to be much more painful; the pain is described as burning and prickly. The area can also be extremely itchy, which can last for an extended period.
Locations:
Mosquito bites usually occur on the exposed parts of the body such as arms, legs, feet, and face.
Chigger bites tend to occur on covered areas of the body such as ankles and waistlines. This is because chiggers are small and have difficulty penetrating thick clothing.
Treatment:
- Mosquito bites: Ice or a cold compress can help reduce the swelling and itching. It’s also important to keep the area clean and avoid any further scratching. It is important to seek medical attention if the area becomes infected.
- Chigger bites:To soothe the itching, apply a topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone. It may also help to take an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl. It’s important to avoid scratching or further irritating the area as this can cause it to become infected.
In summary, chigger bites and mosquito bites are easily confused due to their similar appearance. However, there are some marked differences between the two such as pain level, location, and treatment. It is important to identify which type of bite you have in order to more effectively treat the area.
