Treatment for Turkey Mite Bites
For turkey mite bites, topical hydrocortisone is the recommended first-line treatment to relieve itching and inflammation, combined with environmental measures to eliminate the mites. 1
Identification and Clinical Presentation
Turkey mites (avian mites) can cause significant skin irritation in humans through bites. These ectoparasites typically affect people who:
- Have contact with turkeys, chickens, or other birds
- Live near poultry farms or bird nests
- Handle bird products or materials
Common symptoms include:
- Intense itching, especially worse in evenings
- Papular skin rash
- Skin irritation that may persist for multiple days
Treatment Algorithm
1. Immediate Symptomatic Treatment
- Topical hydrocortisone cream (1%) - Apply to affected areas 2-3 times daily to reduce inflammation and itching 1
- For severe cases, consider:
- 5% permethrin lotion/cream
- 10% crotamiton lotion 2
2. Environmental Control Measures
These are crucial for preventing continued infestation:
- Identify and eliminate the source of mites (usually bird nests, poultry, or contaminated materials)
- Clean household items with acaricides
- Remove unused infected animal shelters, cages, and nests from human habitat
- Wash clothing and bedding in hot water (above 130°F) 3
- Consider environmental treatment with appropriate acaricides 2
3. Prevention of Reinfestation
- Repair cracks and crevices where mites might hide
- Maintain proper ventilation in living spaces
- Stay away from infected areas such as chicken farms
- Follow proper hygiene regulations 2
Important Considerations
- Misdiagnosis risk: Turkey mite infestations are often misdiagnosed as other skin conditions due to the small size of the mites and the non-specific nature of the skin reaction 2
- Self-limiting nature: While uncomfortable, human infestation from animal mites is usually self-limiting, though symptoms may persist for several days 3
- Identification challenges: The mites themselves are often difficult to identify without proper magnification and expertise
Special Situations
For patients with severe or persistent symptoms:
- Consider consultation with a dermatologist
- Evaluate for secondary bacterial infection if lesions appear infected
- In cases of widespread infestation, systemic antihistamines may provide additional relief
Turkey mite bites represent a form of temporary ectoparasitic infestation that responds well to targeted treatment. The key to successful management is not only treating the symptoms but also eliminating the source of infestation to prevent recurrence.