Allergist Chicago,Rash Identification

For our first blog, we wanted to shed some light on a very recent and current issue in our area. Several of our patients and our own clinic staff have been affected by mite bites and the very itchy rash that comes along with them.

Some background on these ‘mite bites’

There is a mite known as the “oak leaf itch mite” which can be seen in large amounts following 2024’s cicada emergence.

The oak itch mite is found in the egg nests of Brood XIII cicadas which were first noted in 2007 in Chicago during that cicada emergence, and apparently that same brood was one of the two to emerge in Illinois during this year’s ‘cicada emergence’.  In 2007, people complained of bites after the cicada emergence and specifically people with Oak trees on their property.  We are seeing the same thing in our office now!

These mites are specifically found in oak trees and will be here until the cicada eggs go underground in the cold weather.

Have I been bitten?

  • The mite bite has a distinct ‘bite mark’ like an injection point. You do not feel the actual bite.
  • The bite starts as a small bump, almost looks like a hive and is very itchy.
  • They slowly progress to this (see images here)
  • They last about two weeks.

Our own PA, Krista Mohamed, has suffered these (these are her own images below).

What to do if you have been bitten?

  • Avoid itching or scratching bites
  • Use over-the-counter topical anti-itch creams (cortisone) or oral antihistamines to control the itching
  • If the itching gets intense or you feel an infection has formed, go see a doctor
  • The main concern is to not break the skin while scratching which can lead to a bacterial infection

Can you prevent these mite bites?

Unfortunately, many “sprays” don’t target the specific areas of the trees where the mites develop and there are mixed results from DEET use.

According to a very recent NBC Chicago article – “People can best protect themselves by limiting their time from under infested trees and by immediately removing and laundering clothing and then showering.”

We have been telling our patients to keep their windows shut from August until October and to constantly and quickly wash clothes, especially if they have spent time doing outdoor activities. The mites have also been known to come in on pets so we should launder anything that pets have come in contact with.

Check out the article here to see more tips for preventing bites.

We have learned oak leaf itch mites cannot survive when inside of our homes, so the laundry tip is probably the most important!

Call us at 847-781-3002 or write us at info@majmudarallergy.com if the itching does not seem to stop or seems to worsen. We can help!