Look Out for Oak Leaf Itch Mite Bites This Season
As the cicadas come and go this season, so will oak leaf itch mites. Here’s how to recognize and treat their bites.
What are oak leaf itch mites?
Oak mites are small arachnids most active in summer and fall, since they can be found in oak trees. Oak mites are so small you may not even see them near you, but they will drop from trees and leaves and are often carried by the wind until they land on a person or animal. If you have an itchy spot, it may actually be from an oak leaf itch mite, rather than a mosquito or other insect.
What do oak mite bites look like?
When you are bitten by an oak leaf itch mite, it will most likely be somewhere on your upper body like your neck, shoulders, arms or chest. This is due to how they drop from trees and are carried by breezes of wind.
You may not know that you have been bitten until 10 – 16hours after the fact. Oak mite bites appear as a raised, red area with a small central blister that may include other symptoms such as:
Itchiness, especially in the evening
Slight pain in the affected area
Small, raised bumps
How to Treat Oak Mite Bites
If you notice oak leaf mite bites on you or a family member, wash the clothes that were worn outside and those that came into contact. It is also recommended that you take a shower to attempt to remove any additional mites.
Do your best to avoid scratching the bite area so you can avoid infection. Using an over-the-counter cream or lotion or antihistamine can help ease your discomfort. A medical provider can help you determine which solution is best for you.
At WellNow Urgent Care, our dedicated team of medical professionals is committed to finding the treatment and care most suited to you and your needs. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from an oak mite or insect bite, you can check in online or walk in to a WellNow Urgent Care location near you.
WellNow Urgent Care is a series of urgent care clinics and virtual care serving the Midwest and Northeastern United States in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania.
Information contained in this blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to apply to any specific individual's medical condition. Always refer to the personalized information given to you by your doctor or contact us directly.