Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 
Chiggers
Harvest mite; Red mite
Chiggers are tiny, 6-legged wingless organisms (larvae) that mature to become a type of mite. Chiggers are found in tall grass and weeds. Their bite causes severe itching.
Causes
Chiggers are found in certain outdoor areas, such as:
- Berry patches
- Tall grass and weeds
- Edges of woodlands
Chiggers bite humans around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds. Bites commonly occur in the summer and fall months.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of chigger bites are:
- Severe itching
-
Red pimple-like bumps or
hives
Hives
Hives are raised, often itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can al...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article
Itching usually occurs several hours after the chiggers attach to the skin. The bite is painless.
A skin rash may appear on the parts of the body that were exposed to the sun. It may stop where the underwear meets the legs. This is often a clue that the rash is due to chigger bites.
Skin rash
Rashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider can usually diagnose chiggers by examining the rash. You'll likely be asked about your outdoor activity. A special magnifying scope may be used to find the chiggers on the skin. This helps confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to stop the itching. Antihistamines and corticosteroid creams or lotions may be helpful. Antibiotics are not necessary unless you also have another skin infection.
Possible Complications
A secondary infection may occur from scratching.
Secondary infection
A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection. It may be caused by the first treatment or by cha...
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if the rash itches very badly, or if your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment.
Prevention
Avoid outdoor areas that you know are contaminated with chiggers. Applying bug spray containing DEET to skin and clothing can help prevent chigger bites.
References
Diaz JH. Mites, including chiggers. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 297.
James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM. Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites. In: James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 20.
-
Chigger bite - close-up of blisters - illustration
Chigger bites are caused by the larvae of the chigger. The bite produces blisters (vesicles) and bleeding into the skin (purpura). These bites itch intensely and are usually located on exposed areas of the skin where the chigger larvae have access. This photograph demonstrates vesicle formation following the bites.
Chigger bite - close-up of blisters
illustration
-
Chigger bite - close-up of blisters - illustration
Chigger bites are caused by the larvae of the chigger. The bite produces blisters (vesicles) and bleeding into the skin (purpura). These bites itch intensely and are usually located on exposed areas of the skin where the chigger larvae have access. This photograph demonstrates vesicle formation following the bites.
Chigger bite - close-up of blisters
illustration
Review Date: 11/27/2016
Reviewed By: Arnold Lentnek, MD, Infectious Diseases Medical Practice of NY and Clinical Research Centers of CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
