Similar trends have been observed in previous occurrences involving
itch mites, and researchers attributed a larger mite population and increased reports of pruritic bites among persons who handled straw to mild winter weather and cooler summer temperatures (3).
Mites may be commonly classified as scabies mites, trombiculid mites (also called chiggers, red bugs, or
itch mites), human follicle mites, dust mites, and a variety of animal and plant mites (Table 1).
Tiger balm won't kill the
itch mites or cure the scabies infestation, but it will provide some relief during the waiting period after conventional treatment.
Ectoparasitic infections, such as scabies and animal mite infestations, may occur in large seasonal clusters, such as in Pittsburg, Kansas, in August 2004, when 300 residents sought immediate medical care for intensely pruritic, erythematous, papular rashes that were subsequently determined to be caused by multiple bites from European
itch mites (Peymotes herfsi) (Figure 1).