In this Article

• What are chiggers?
• What do chiggers look like?
• How do chiggers bite humans?
• What are the symptoms of chigger bites?
• What is the treatment for chigger bites?
• What are the complications of chigger bites?
• How can chigger bites be prevented?
• Chiggers At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Chiggers: Effective Treatment
• Chiggers (Bites) Glossary
• Chiggers (Bites) Index

How can chigger bites be prevented?

Washing with soap and water after outdoor activity may remove any chiggers that may be migrating on the skin and prevent their bites. Likewise, washing clothing that was worn outdoors will kill any chiggers remaining on the clothing.

Attention to the outdoor temperature can help with prevention of chigger bites. Chiggers do not bite at colder temperatures (below 60 F or 15.5 C). Chiggers also are not found in areas hotter than 99 F or 37.2 C, so hot rocky areas on sunny days can provide chigger-free seats.

As with mosquito bites, proper outdoor clothing can help prevent chigger bites. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts as well as thick socks and high shoes or boots can help prevent infestation. Pants legs should be tucked into shoes or boots if possible.

All mosquito repellents (such as DEET), applied to skin and clothing, are effective at repelling chiggers.

Chiggers At A Glance

• Chiggers are the larval (juvenile) form of a type of mite (Trombiculidae).
  
  
• Chiggers do not burrow into and remain inside the skin, contrary to popular belief.
  
  
• Chiggers inject digestive enzymes into the skin and feed upon the decomposed tissue.
  
  
• Pronounced itching is the main symptom of chigger bites.
  
  
• Bites may appear as blisters or as flat or raised red areas.
  
  
• Treatment involves supportive measures to control itching.

Reference:

Missouri Department of Conservation Web site, "Chiggers", http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/arthopo/chiggers/, accessed 6/9/09.

Chiggers: Effective Treatment

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