Mite bites or stings usually cause mild discomfort in most people. In general, they cause inflammatory skin lesions and even promote the development of diseases. Are you interested in knowing how to identify and treat mite bites? We will tell you below.
Mites are a group of arthropods related to ticks. Small insects, less than 1 millimeter, lack eyes and wings, so they move by jumping. Mites are not visible to the naked eye, making timely identification difficult.
There are various types of mite bites. In this sense, some feed on skin cells and then detach, while others penetrate the skin to complete part of their evolutionary cycle. Most are ectoparasites of other animals and bite humans by accident.
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Symptoms of mite bites
The clinical manifestations of mite bites vary and depend on the type of mite involved. Some people may not feel the taste until shortly after it occurs, while others develop a severe rash.
Mite infestations are usually the result of exposure to rodents, cats, dogs, birds, pigs, contaminated straw, or hay. It is common for bites to occur on uncovered areas of the body.
Some common symptoms of mite bites are:
- A pink halo surrounds red spots on the skin.
- Small bumps or lumps.
- Irritation and sensitivity in the area.
- Pain near the lesions.
- intense itching
- Blisters or vesicles around the bite site.
On the other hand, dust mites cannot bite humans but cause allergic reactions, such as dermatitis or rhinitis. This species usually feeds on the cells shed from the skin and accumulates in the bed, pillows, and carpets.
Studies state that 1 in 3 people with asthma or allergic rhinitis show sensitivity to dust mites. In most cases, this results from feces and decaying bodies that get trapped in dust and travel through the air.
Asthmatic exacerbations are more frequent in people surrounded by an environment with a strong presence of mites.
How to identify the type of mite that bit me?
There is a wide variety of mites capable of producing bites in people. Sometimes, the characteristics of the edges can help recognize the responsible arthropod. In the same way, sticky traps are also beneficial for capturing them.
1. Scabies or scabies
Scabies is an ectoparasitic caused by the Sarcoptes scabies mite. Research estimates a prevalence of 300 million people affected worldwide. This condition is associated with overcrowding, poor hygiene, and malnutrition.
Scabies mites require an animal host to survive. They are highly contagious and can be spread by contact with infected people. In most cases, symptoms take between 2 and 4 weeks to appear.
The typical manifestation is a rash of tiny red bumps covering the trunk and extremities. These lesions are standard on the armpits, areolas, waist, thighs, and genitals.
The mite groove is a linear and scaly lesion classic of scabies, with a blister at one end that indicates the entrance of the mite. These grooves are standard in the creases of the wrists, fingers, and the dorsum of the foot.
In the same way, people usually present intense itching that worsens at night and in hot situations. If you suspect this disease, you should see a specialist immediately.2. Tungiasis
Tungiasis is a parasitic disease produced by the Tunga penetran s mite, also called chigger. It occurs when the female chigger penetrates the skin, feeds on the person’s blood, and then lays several eggs inside it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 99% of infestations occur on the feet. Upon hatching, chigger larvae are capable of dissolving the skin and causing pain, itching, and inflammation in the area. It is advisable not to scratch the area due to the risk of bacterial superinfection.
Similarly, small whitish or grayish spots and nodules are familiar. The primary lesion is a rounded papule, yellow-green in color, with a dark central point, surrounded by a reddish halo.
3. Demodex mites
Demodex mites are common ectoparasites on human skin that cannot be seen without a microscope. These are more common in older adults and mainly inhabit hair follicles on the face, as well as on the chest and neck.
They feed on skin cells and do not cause obvious discomfort. However, the abrasions caused by their bites can lead to the following symptoms:
- Rough skin with scales.
- Tiny red dots on the skin.
- Burning and sensitivity.
People with depressed immune systems are more prone to these lesions. In the same way, these mites can promote a worse evolution of other skin diseases, such as dermatitis, rosacea, and alopecia.
4. Bird and rodent mites
Bird mites like Dermanyssus are usually acquired by contacting particular poultry or their nests. Bites in humans are rare and often produce scabies-like lesions.
Usually, affected people may present with minor bumps and spots accompanied by itching that worsens at night. Similarly, there may be irritation, pain, and inflammation of the skin. The lesions usually spare the face, fingers, and genitals.
On the other hand, many rodent mites have been described that can accidentally bite humans. Research suggests that Ornithonyssus and Liponyssoides species can produce pruritic dermatitis in man. This is characterized by swelling, redness, and itching.
5. Straw and oak mites
Straw mites typically inhabit hay, grain, and seed stored in barns. They feed on specific insects, and human bites are rare. In most cases, they disappear from the body after causing the taste.
Human bites usually occur on the neck, arms, and shoulders. They present as single or multiple small red spots, similar to a rash. As in the rest of the bites, itching is a typical symptom.
On the other hand, oak mites live on the leaves and feed on flies that come to the place. Bites on humans are more common in late summer and are usually more severe. In this sense, they leave red bumps and nodules on the face, face, shoulders, and neck.
Oak mite bites can be confused with tungiasis lesions. After 12 hours, they enlarge and become painful bumps. In addition, they usually disappear after 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.
Treatment of mite bites
Suspecting a mite bite, taking a bath with plenty of soap and water is advisable. This eliminates possible mites that may continue to adhere to the skin. In the same way, the person must remove and wash the clothes and the bed sheets with hot water.
Treatment, when they do not penetrate the skin surface, is symptomatic. Creams containing corticosteroids or antihistamines relieve itching until the skin lesions disappear. Oral antihistamines are used if more severe skin reactions occur.
In case of suffering from scabies, it is necessary to use medications to eliminate the infestation. Some of the most used are permethrin, crotamiton and ivermectin. Those affected should maintain good hygiene and avoid contact with other people.
When to seek medical attention?
Mite bites are usually harmless. However, they should not be underestimated. For this reason, it is necessary to go to a consultation before any sting to obtain the appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
It is advisable to seek help as soon as possible if the itching, pain, and swelling worsen after a couple of days. Similarly, the presence of fever and discharge of pus from the wound could indicate a possible infection.