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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Alternative Names Return to top
Harvest mite; Red miteDefinition Return to top
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.
Causes Return to top
Chiggers are found in certain areas, such as berry patches, tall grass and weeds, and woodland edges.
The chiggers bite humans around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds. Bites commonly occur in the summer and fall months.
Symptoms Return to top
The main symptoms are:
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 is often a clue that the rash is due to chigger bites.
Exams 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.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
This condition heals itself without treatment.
Possible Complications Return to top
Secondary infection may follow intense scratching as a complication.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the rash itches very, very badly, or if symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment.
Prevention Return to top
Avoid outdoor areas contaminated with chiggers, if known.
References Return to top
Wilson BB, Mathieu ME. Mites (including chiggers). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005:chap 294.
Schlossberg D. Arthropods and leeches. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 380.
Update Date: 10/28/2008 Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PHD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
