(See also Introduction to Bites and Stings Introduction to Bites and Stings Many creatures, including humans, bite when frightened or provoked. Others include Alligators and crocodiles Iguanas Mites Ticks read more and Tick Bites Tick Bites Ticks, like mites, are closely related to spiders. These small creatures, sometimes carried as parasites on the bodies of humans and animals, may transmit disease to humans. (See also Introduction... read more 
.)
Mite infestations are common and are responsible for the intensely itchy rash caused by the bites of chiggers (mite larvae), for scabies Scabies Infestation Scabies is a parasitic skin infestation caused by mites. Scabies usually spreads from person to person through physical contact. People with scabies have severe itching, even though there are... read more 
, other itchy rashes, and a number of other disorders. The effects on the tissues around the bite vary in severity. In some Asian countries and Australia, chiggers may transmit scrub typhus Overview of Rickettsial Infections Rickettsial infections and related infections (such as anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Q fever) are caused by an unusual type of bacteria that can live only inside the cells of another organism... read more 
.
Mites that bite come from a variety of sources, including
Birds
Rodents
Cats, dogs (especially puppies), and rabbits
Pigs
Straw, hay, seeds, and other plant material
Some mites, such as those that cause scabies, bite and burrow under the skin. Demodex mites cause a similar rash (sometimes called mange).
Some mites do not bite, but they cause allergic reactions such as
Grocer's itch (allergic contact dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a particular substance. The rash may be itchy, is confined to a specific area, and often has clearly defined boundaries... read more
), which affects people who handle stored grain products, cheese, and other foodsWheezing Wheezing Wheezing is a high-pitched, whistling sound that occurs during breathing when the airways are partially blocked. (See also Wheezing in Infants and Young Children.) Wheezing results from a narrowing... read more as a reaction to the waste products of dust mites commonly found in pillows, mattresses, and carpets
Treatment of Mite Bites
Anti-itch medicines, sometimes antibiotics or application of permethrin or lindane
Corticosteroid creams or antihistamines taken by mouth are used to control itching. Antibiotics taken by mouth are given if mites have burrowed under the skin. Scabies is treated by applying a cream containing permethrin or a solution of lindane. A cream containing a corticosteroid is sometimes used for a few days to reduce itching. If permethrin or lindane is used, it is given before the corticosteroid.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
permethrin |
Acticin, Elimite, Nix Lice Killing Creme Rinse |
lindane |
G B H , GBH, Lindane |
