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 of Chiggers
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.
The main symptoms of chigger bites are:
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.
Tests and Exams
Your health care provider can diagnose chiggers by examining the rash.
Treatment of Chiggers
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.
A secondary infection may occur from scratching.
When to Contact a Health Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the rash itches very badly, or if your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment.
Prevention of Chiggers
Avoid outdoor areas that you know are contaminated with chiggers. Applying bug spray containing DEET to skin and clothing can help prevent chigger bites.
Diaz JH. Mites, including chiggers. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2014:chap 297.
Elston DM. Arthropods and leeches. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 367.
|Review Date: 12/7/2014
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.