Chiggers (patient information)

	Chiggers
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Who is at highest risk?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Diagnosis
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Chiggers?
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
Prevention
Chiggers On the Web
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
Images of Chiggers
Videos on Chiggers
FDA on Chiggers
CDC on Chiggers
Chiggers in the news
Blogs on Chiggers
Directions to Hospitals Treating Chiggers
Risk calculators and risk factors for Chiggers

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Chiggers are tiny, six-legged wingless organisms (larvae) that grow up to become a type of mite. Chiggers are found in tall grass and weeds. Their bite causes severe itching.

What are the symptoms of Chiggers?[edit | edit source]

The main symptoms are:

Severe itching
Red pimple-like bumps or hives

Itching usually occurs several hours after the chiggers attach to the skin.

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.

What causes Chiggers?[edit | edit source]

Chiggers are found in certain outdoor areas, such as berry patches, tall grass and weeds, and woodland edges.

Who is at highest risk?[edit | edit source]

Chiggers bite humans around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds. Bites commonly occur in the summer and fall months.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

A doctor can diagnose chiggers by examining the rash.

When to seek urgent medical care?[edit | edit source]

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the rash itches very badly, or if symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment.

Treatment options[edit | edit source]

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

Where to find medical care for Chiggers?[edit | edit source]

Directions to Hospitals Treating Chiggers

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?[edit | edit source]

This condition heals itself without treatment.

Possible complications[edit | edit source]

Secondary infection may follow intense scratching as a complication.

Prevention of Chiggers[edit | edit source]

Avoid outdoor areas contaminated with chiggers, if known. Applying bug spray containing DEET to skin and clothing can help prevent chigger bites.

Sources[edit | edit source]

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001333.htm

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