Oak mites can cause itchy irritation and small bumps on the skin, which are very annoying. Although they prefer to feed on insects and oak leaves, they often bite humans when they have no other alternative. If you've been bitten by an oak mite, you can treat yourself at home or with the help of your doctor. Fortunately, you can also prevent this in the future!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Bites at Home
Step 1. Clean the bites with a disinfectant
Apply alcohol or witch hazel ointment to a clean cotton ball to gently cleanse wounds. To dry them, dab them with a clean cloth, then throw away the cotton.
Step 2. Don't scratch
Unfortunately, dust mite bites can itch a lot. They can even cause irritation! However, scratching can tear the skin, increasing the chances of getting a bacterial infection.
If you get to tear your skin, you should see your doctor
Step 3. Use calamine cream to soothe the affected area
Ointments of this type relieve itching and help not to scratch. Wash your skin and hands, you can shake the container of the ointment. Apply a small amount to a cotton pad and use it to wet the irritated area. Continue using the lotion until the entire area is covered. Let it dry before getting dressed.
- Ask your doctor for advice before using calamine ointment on children under 12. You should also consult it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Make sure you follow all directions on the package, including dosages. If necessary, you can apply the ointment again after a few hours.
Step 4. Apply cortisone cream to bites
You can buy creams with 1% cortisone without the need for a prescription. This remedy will help you with the itch. Wash your hands and clean the affected area, then spread a small amount of cream on the bites and irritation.
- Use the smallest possible dose and wait at least 4 hours before reapplying the cream.
- If the cream doesn't relieve itching, you may need a stronger remedy. Ask your doctor for the most effective treatments.
- Do not apply the cream to children under the age of 12 without doctor's permission.
- Make sure you follow all directions on the package.
Step 5. Take an antihistamine after talking to your doctor
These drugs are able to limit the body's reaction to bites. As a result, they can relieve itching, redness, and possible irritation. You can use over-the-counter products, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or alternatives that do not make you sleepy, such as cetirizine or loratadine.
- Follow the dosage indicated on the package insert, because the recommended doses may vary. For example, some antihistamines can be taken every 4 hours, while others can be taken once a day.
- Talk to your doctor before taking an antihistamine, especially if you are already on medication.
Step 6. If the affected area is very large, take an oatmeal bath
This remedy can relieve itching and give you general relief. Fill the tub with warm water, then add 85 g of colloidal oatmeal. Stay immersed for 10-15 minutes to get the desired results. After the bath is finished, rinse off.
- It is best to only take one oatmeal bath a day, as this treatment can dry out your skin if you stay in the water for too long or too often. Dry skin itches even more.
- Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground and meant for cleansing. You can find it on the internet or in a pharmacy.
- You can use baking soda as an alternative to oats. Just pour about 125 g of baking soda into the warm water.
Method 2 of 3: Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. See your doctor if itching persists or if the skin is broken
You can treat almost any case of oak mite bites yourself, but if the itching is severe, you may need a prescription. Also, you should go to the doctor if the skin has broken open, as this can lead to an infection.
- If the bites don't improve in a week, see your doctor, even if the itching doesn't bother you excessively.
- Your doctor can provide you with treatments that are not available without a prescription.
- Signs of a possible infection include inflammation of the skin, pus discharge, or a rise in the temperature of the affected area.
Step 2. Ask your doctor for a prescription for an itch-relieving steroid cream
These creams can also combat intense itching. Wash your hands and clean the affected area, then apply a thin layer of cream over the bites or irritation. Afterwards, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Follow all instructions on the drug, including dosages. You could apply the cream several times a day, but follow your doctor's advice.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor may advise against the use of steroid creams.
- If the cream is for a child under 12, ask the doctor to specify the correct dosages and how often to apply it. Your doctor can suggest an over-the-counter cream in this case.
- Use as little cream as possible. Also, you shouldn't apply it to the skin surrounding the bite.
Step 3. Take an antibiotic if your doctor diagnoses you with an infection
Oak mite bites are very itchy and if you scratch often, you can get a bacterial infection. In this case, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic for you.
Make sure you follow the therapy for as long as indicated, even if you start to feel better after a few days
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Oak Mite Bites
Step 1. Keep doors and windows closed
Mites are more problematic in late summer and autumn, when these insects are most common. With more mites present, the more likely you are to encounter them and get a bite, as they are looking for food. Because they are carried by the wind, they can easily enter the house through doors or windows.
Since they are small enough to fit through mosquito nets, keeping the windows closed is the best way to prevent them from sneaking into your home
Step 2. Wear protective clothing when working in the garden
Even if it is hot, with long sleeves and pants, gloves and a large hat you can limit your exposure to mites. When you work in the garden, you call these insects, so it is best to cover yourself as much as possible to prevent them from reaching the skin.
- Raking leaves puts you at a greater risk of encountering spider mites, which often live on oak leaves.
- Rubber gloves protect your hands better than leather ones.
Step 3. When outdoors, use a DEET repellent
Many repellents are not effective against oak mites, but DEET is. Spray the product on yourself before going out.
- Since it's not always effective, it's a good idea to use DEET in conjunction with other preventative measures, such as clothing that covers the skin.
- Make sure you follow all instructions and warnings. Like all insecticides, DEET can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Step 4. Shower immediately after being outdoors
This will remove any mites left on your skin or hair. You will not heal from the bites you have already received, but you will avoid suffering others.
Step 5. Wash clothes you wore outdoors in hot water as soon as you get home
After working or playing outdoors, oak mites can hide on your clothes. By washing them as soon as you get back, you can get rid of insects. It's best to use the hottest setting so the mites don't survive washing.
Step 6. Bathe your pets if they have gone outdoors
Animals can also pick up the mites and bring them indoors. This is especially true if they like to roll around in the leaves, which often house those insects. Wash them with warm water or use an appropriate pet shampoo.
