Mite bites can cause skin lumps and rashes and, occasionally, more serious reactions, Dr. Merchant says.
Among outdoor mites, the only type that frequently bites people is the chigger. The word “chigger” applies to a particular species of mite that bites during its larval stage of development, and their bite produces an intensely itchy red welt, Merchant explains. “There are not too many other mite problems outdoors,” he adds.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Chigger Bites
When it comes to indoor mites that bite or cause health issues, Merchant says most spring from animal nests. “Some mites will infest the nests of birds and rats and mice, and when they become abundant, they’ll leave that site and sometimes wander into the house and bite people,” he explains. In most cases, the bites of these mites cause an itchy skin rash, which may feature small lumps or pimples.
“The skin might be very itchy or red for a few days, but then that will taper off,” Merchant says of mite bites. Ice and anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone can help control the swelling and itching. But those symptoms should resolve within a week, he says. (Nearly all species of biting house mites cannot live on human beings, and so they don’t “infest people,” he adds.)
There is one outlier: scabies. These mites infest a person’s skin in order to lay eggs and feed, and are usually only passed by direct person-to-person contact. (4) Like other mites, scabies tend to cause an itchy, pimply red rash. But unlike other mites, those rashes will continue to appear unless the person gets medical treatment, usually a prescription-only skin cream or lotion designed to kill scabies.
Dust mites can cause allergies in some people, but these tend to be of the mild, seasonal allergy variety — stuff like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. (5) Over-the-counterand prescription allergy meds can help quell dust mite allergies.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Allergies
FAQs
What do mite bites look like on the skin? ›
Oak mite bites leave red welts, usually on your face, neck, or arms. These welts are often mistaken for chigger bites. In 12 hours or so, the bites turn into bumps that look like pimples and are extremely itchy. You may have multiple bumps that form a painful rash.
What kind of bites do mites leave? ›Unlike other insect bites or stings that form a single lump on the skin with a noticeable puncture site, mite bites induce skin rashes on the legs, arms, and trunk. General signs to look for include: small, hard bumps on the skin. red patches of skin.
How do you know if mites are biting you? ›In most cases, the bites of these mites cause an itchy skin rash, which may feature small lumps or pimples. “The skin might be very itchy or red for a few days, but then that will taper off,” Merchant says of mite bites. Ice and anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone can help control the swelling and itching.
What kills bed mites? ›Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water that is at least 130 F (54.4 C) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. If bedding can't be washed hot, put the items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 F (54.4 C) to kill the mites.
Do mites live in your bed? ›Like the common bed bug, mites love to make their homes in mattress pads and pillows. You can protect yourself against mites by enclosing mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers. This should prevent mites getting into your bed, and thwart the accumulation of dust mite waste.
How do you know if you have mites on your skin? ›Children might experience itching or rash on their head, face, neck, palms, and on the soles of their feet. You might also notice burrows on your skin. These are tiny, raised, grayish-white or flesh-colored lines on your body. They're caused by the mites digging their way into your skin.
What does it look like when someone has mites? ›Rash: Many people get the scabies rash. This rash causes little bumps that often form a line. The bumps can look like hives, tiny bites, knots under the skin, or pimples. Some people develop scaly patches that look like eczema.
Can you see mites on your body? ›The mites cannot be seen and the bites are not felt, but leave itchy red marks that can resemble a skin rash. When itch mite populations 'explode,' people and other animals may receive numerous bites. Fortunately, the mites cannot live on humans, do not survive indoors, and are not known to transmit disease.
Do mites come out of skin at night? ›As they can't protect themselves against UV radiation, the mites hide inside your pores during the day, coming out at night to feed and do the deed.
How long do mites live on you? ›On a person, scabies mites can live for as long as 1-2 months. Off a person, scabies mites usually do not survive more than 48-72 hours. Scabies mites will die if exposed to a temperature of 50°C (122°F) for 10 minutes.
How do I treat myself for mites? ›
- Permethrin cream. Permethrin is a skin cream with chemicals that kill mites that cause scabies and their eggs. ...
- Sulfur cream. Sulfur cream is a scabies treatment that can be applied overnight, rinsed off and then reapplied for five nights in a row. ...
- Ivermectin (Stromectol).
Wash the bites with antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of infection. Apply an icepack frequently to help relieve swelling. Use calamine lotion, anaesthetic creams or similar to treat the itching. See your pharmacist for advice on appropriate antihistamine medications to reduce the swelling.
How do you treat flea bites on yourself? ›How are flea bites treated? Flea bites typically don't need treatment. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams or ointments and antihistamines can relieve itchy skin and discomfort. However, see your healthcare provider if more severe symptoms develop after a bite (allergic reaction, fever, headache or body aches).