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August 31, 2007 - The “Itch Mite”

Have you been noticing some unusual bites on you or your friend? You may be noticing multiple bites on your trunk, arms, face or neck. Lesions may be clustered in one area of the body and may have a vesicle (pustule) in the center. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please come to the Student Health Services.

Four possible reasons for these symptoms are:

• Itch Mite Bites: These bites are the result of the injection of a toxin into the skin by the oak leaf fall mite. Individual do not recall being bitten. The raise, itchy area occurs 10-16 hours after being bitten. There may be intense itching and scratching. Scratching can lead to secondary skin infection. Bite lesions persist for about 2 weeks, unless they become infected. These bites are found on areas of the body where clothing fits lose (neck, chest, face, arms), but NOT found under the belt, bra, or socks.
  
• Chigger Bites: A person can usually recall being bitten. These bites are different than the mites; as they are smaller and usually do not result in a pustule. Chiggers like to find warm places where clothing fits tightly. For example, belt, bra, backs of knees, crotch, armpits etc. These bites might resemble flea bites.
  
• Bed Bugs: Bed bugs usually bite people at night while they are sleeping. Symptoms may vary: many people develop an itchy red welt or localized swelling, which can appear a day or so after the bite. Bed bugs feed on bare skin while sleeping. They bite at the warmest areas of the body, so usually the bites are found on the trunk.
  
• Mosquito bites: Mosquito bites are harder to define, as they can bite anywhere and also the reaction is person specific. The person rarely knows that they are being bitten and usually after 10 minutes there is swelling to the site. The itching and swelling subside after 2 days, unless there is a secondary infection.

Itch mites and chigger bites occur during time outside. Mite bites are usually found on the upper body and chigger bites are found on the trunk and lower body.

Prevention: DEET spray for mosquitoes and chiggers, but the effectiveness of DEET for mites has not yet been established.

Treatment: Oral antihistamines and topical steroid creams may relieve the discomfort and itching caused by the bites.

Symptoms to notify your doctor or Student Health Services:

• Itching is severe
• Fever > 101
• Drainage at the wound site
• Wound lasts longer than 2 weeks
• Wound begins to become warm and has lines (streaking) extending out of the center of the bite

Previous editions of "From the Desk of the Director"