Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Chigger bites themselves do not produce any long-term complications. However,
because of the intense itching, prolonged scratching may lead to skin wounds
that may become infected by bacteria.
How can chigger bites be prevented?
Washing with soap and water after outdoor activity may remove any chiggers
that may be migrating on the skin and prevent their bites. Likewise, washing
clothing that was worn outdoors will kill any chiggers remaining on the
clothing.
Attention to the outdoor temperature can help with prevention of chigger
bites. Chiggers do not bite at colder temperatures (below 60 F or 15.5 C).
Chiggers also are not found in areas hotter than 99 F or 37.2 C, so hot rocky
areas on sunny days can provide chigger-free seats.
As with mosquito bites, proper outdoor clothing can help prevent chigger
bites. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts as well as thick socks and high shoes
or boots can help prevent infestation. Pants legs should be tucked into shoes or
boots if possible.
All mosquito repellents (such as DEET), applied to skin and clothing, are
effective at repelling chiggers.
Chiggers At A Glance
Chiggers are the larval (juvenile) form of a type of mite (Trombiculidae).
Chiggers do not burrow into and remain inside the skin, contrary to popular
belief.
Chiggers inject digestive enzymes into the skin and feed upon the
decomposed tissue.
Pronounced itching is the main symptom of chigger bites.
Bites may appear as blisters or as flat or raised red areas.
Treatment involves supportive measures to control itching.
Reference:
Missouri Department of Conservation Web site, "Chiggers", http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/arthopo/chiggers/,
accessed 6/9/09.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Ticks are known transmitters of disease to humans and animals. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, tularemia, babesiosis, and Southern tick-associated rash illness. Infected ticks spread disease once they've bitten a host, allowing the pathogens in their saliva and mouth get into the host's skin and blood. Tick bites are typically painless, but the site of the bite may later itch, burn, turn red, and feel painful. Individuals allergic to tick bites may develop a rash, swelling, shortness of breath, numbness, or paralysis. Tick bite treatment involves cleaning and applying antibiotic cream.
Travelers should prepare for their trip by visiting their physician to get the proper vaccinations and obtain the necessary medication if they have a medical condition or chronic disease. Diseases that travelers may pick up from contaminated water or food, insect or animal bites, or from other people include malaria, meningococcal meningitis, yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio, and cholera.
Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease. Though most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, some reactions may be life-threatening. Preventing bug bites and stings with insect repellant, wearing the proper protective attire, and not wearing heavily scented perfumes when in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas is key.
The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps and Fire Ants. Severity of reactions to stings varies greatly. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In selected cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective.
Typhus is a disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Antibiotics are recommended as the treatment for endemic and epidemic typhus infections.
First aid is a complicated subject and it is situation-specific. First aid is the help and medical assistance that someone gives, not only to an injured person, but to a person who is sick. Preparedness is a key element of first aid, like having basic medical emergency kits in your home, car, boat, or RV. Cuts, puncture wounds, sprains, strains, nosebleeds are one type of injury that may require first aid; heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and heat stroke are examples of more critical first aid emergencies.
Skin RSS
Healthy Living Tips
