Parasitic bugs that inject and EAT human skin cells are thriving in UK this autumn – 3 signs you’ve been bitten

AS the summer’s hot temperatures have finally dropped and the autumn season begins, many Brits will welcome the cooler weather. But with this comes the threat of a parasitic bug that injects an enzyme into people’s skin and causes skin cells to break down. A parasitic bug is currently thriving in the UK as the temperatures start to cool Credit: Getty The bugs can be found in forests, woodlands and long grass Credit: Getty Harvest mites – also known as chiggers or berry bugs – are tiny six-legged red creatures that thrive in autumn conditions. The species found in the UK is called neotrombicula autumnalis and any animal or human who encounters grassy or wooded areas is at risk of being bitten. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Harvest mites are arachnids – from the same family as spiders – and the signs that they’ve latched onto your skin can include intense itching and red itchy bumps. Despite being red in colour, the bugs are so tiny that they’re almost invisible to the naked eye, so Brits going for walks this autumn must be careful. So, here’s everything you need to know about the parasitic bug to keep yourself safe over the next few months. Harvest mites tend to live in areas with vegetation such as woodlands, fields, long grass and overgrown gardens. They thrive in mild, dry weather which explains why they are most common in the UK in the autumn months, particularly in September and October. The mites lay their eggs (larvae) in the spring, and these then hatch when temperatures start to cool, climbing onto vegetation and attaching to humans when they brush past. Most read in Health Once the parasitic larvae has attached to its host – usually a human, cat or dog – it pierces the skin and injects a digestive enzyme, which breaks down skin cells and allows the mite to eat, according to the Amateur Entomologists’ Society. This then causes swelling and significant irritation to the person or animal who has been bitten. A Chemist4U pharmacist told Sun Health: “Although harvest mites are extremely small and difficult to spot, their bites can cause intensely itchy red bumps or clusters of raised welts on your skin. “Some people may also develop blisters or irritation in areas where clothing fits tightly, such as around the ankles, waistline or behind your knees.” And according to the Cleveland Clinic, these tend to come on about 24 to 48 hours after you’ve been bitten. Harvest mites are most likely to attach themselves to your ankles or waistline, as well as warm skin folds like the armpits, so make sure to look out for this symptom there. It must be noted that dogs are also particularly susceptible to being bitten by the little bugs. The PDSA, a vet charity for pets, advises people to look out for their dogs intensely itching the skin, red or inflamed patches and stained fur from constant licking or biting. The 3 signs you've been bitten Harvest mites, also known as chiggers or berry bugs, tend to thrive in late summer and autumn because this is when their larval state is most active. The tiny larvae live in long grass, woodland edges and overgrown vegetation, waiting to latch onto passing humans and animals. September and October are peak months for bites, making outdoor activities particularly risky at this time of the year. The three main signs that you’ve been bitten are: A group of red spots, bumps or pimples on your skin The bites are located around your ankles, waistline or where clothes fit tightly The affected area will be extremely itchy. If you think your dog has harvest mites you must contact your vet as it is likely they will need to be seen for treatment. Thankfully, harvest mites in the UK do not transmit disease, unlike other parts of the world. This means that their bites are not fatal to either humans or animals. As the mites don’t burrow into the skin, unlike ticks, treatment isn’t needed to safely remove them. Instead, treatment focuses on calming the itchiness. A Chemist4U pharmacist advises people to “avoid scratching as this can increase the risk of infection”. “Washing the area with soap and water” is also important too. According to the NHS, an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a clean cloth soaked in cold water, can be put on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes if it is swollen. Taking painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol if the bites sting and taking an antihistamine to relieve any itching is also recommended. A hydrocortisone cream can also be used to reduce itching and swelling. “If symptoms worsen, the area becomes painful, hot or swollen, or signs of infection develop, it’s important to seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional,” Chemist4U said. Prevention, however, is always better than cure so there are several things you can do to try and avoid being bitten by the mites in the first place. This includes wearing long clothing when outside and tucking your trousers into boots or socks. If you are worried about the mites, you can also take a hot shower as soon as you get home and put your clothes on a hot wash. Comment now