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

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Images of Chiggers

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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]

## Contents

* 1 Overview
* 2 What are the symptoms of Chiggers?
* 3 What causes Chiggers?
* 4 Who is at highest risk?
* 5 Diagnosis
* 6 When to seek urgent medical care?
* 7 Treatment options
* 8 Where to find medical care for Chiggers?
* 9 What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
* 10 Possible complications
* 11 Prevention of Chiggers
* 12 Sources

## Overview

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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?

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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?

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

## Who is at highest risk?

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

## Diagnosis

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A doctor can diagnose chiggers by examining the rash.

## When to seek urgent medical care?

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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

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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?

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Directions to Hospitals Treating Chiggers

## What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

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This condition heals itself without treatment.

## Possible complications

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Secondary infection may follow intense scratching as a complication.

## Prevention of Chiggers

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

## Sources

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

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