From the Guidelines
It is better to cover chigger blisters to heal, rather than drying them out, as occlusive dressings result in better wound healing than dry dressings. To manage chigger blisters, cover the affected area with a clean bandage to protect it from infection and further irritation. Some key points to consider when treating chigger blisters include:
- Applying over-the-counter anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, or antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to reduce itching 1
- Taking oral antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) for additional itch relief
- Washing the affected area with soap and water, then applying antiseptic before bandaging
- Avoiding scratching as this can lead to secondary infections
- If blisters accidentally break, cleaning the area immediately with mild soap and water, applying an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin, and covering with a sterile bandage
- Seeking medical attention if signs of infection such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or pus develop. The most recent and highest quality study, the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid, recommends using occlusive dressings for better wound healing 1.
From the Research
Treatment of Chigger Bites
- The provided studies do not directly address whether it is better to dry burst chigger blisters or cover them to heal 2, 3, 4.
- However, the studies suggest that chigger infestations are typically self-healing within a couple of weeks, and treatment is primarily symptomatic, consisting of antipruritics, antihistamines, and steroids 2, 3.
- In terms of management, the studies recommend taking preventative measures, such as completely covering one's skin and applying products containing DEET to the skin and clothing when traveling in infested areas 3.
- For simple insect bites, including chigger bites, many preparations are available for purchase over the counter, including antihistamines and topical corticosteroids, but there is a lack of evidence for the efficacy of these treatments 4.
Prevention and Symptomatic Relief
- The best practice for managing chigger bites is to take preventative measures and provide symptomatic relief as necessary 3.
- This can include using topical antipruritics, oral antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, or an intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection in severe instances 3.
- However, there is no specific guidance on whether to dry burst chigger blisters or cover them to heal, suggesting that this may not be a critical factor in the treatment of chigger bites 2, 3, 4.