MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Chiggers

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Chiggers

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Chigger bite - close-up of blisters

Alternative names Return to top

Harvest mite; Red mite

Definition Return to top

Chiggers are the larvae of a type of mite found in tall grass and weeds. Chigger bites cause severe itching.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The mites are found in the southern part of the U.S. and in other countries. They are usually restricted to certain habitats such as berry patches, tall grass and weeds, and woodland edges. The larvae attack humans around the waist, the ankles, or in warm skin folds.

The itching usually occurs several hours after the larvae attach to the skin. The larvae can sometimes be seen in the center of a red, pimple-like bump that has not been scratched.

Symptoms Return to top

Severe itching
Red pimple-like bumps (papules) or hives
Skin rash or lesion on sun-exposed area only
- Red
- With itching
Skin rash or lesion with visible larva in the center of lesions

Signs and tests Return to top

A doctor can diagnose chiggers by examining the rash.

Treatment Return to top

The objective of treatment is to relieve the itching. Antihistamines and corticosteroid creams or lotions may be helpful.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

This condition heals itself without treatment.

Complications Return to top

Secondary infection may follow intense scratching as a complication.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if there are signs of complications.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if rash is itching intensely, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.

Prevention Return to top

Avoid outdoor areas contaminated with chiggers, if known.

Update Date: 4/22/2003

Updated by: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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