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Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Harvest mite; Red mite

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

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

Symptoms

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.

Signs and tests

A doctor can diagnose chiggers by examining the rash.

Treatment

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

Expectations (prognosis)

This condition heals itself without treatment.

Complications

Secondary infection may follow intense scratching as a complication.

Calling your health care provider

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.

Prevention

Avoid outdoor areas contaminated with chiggers, if known.

References

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.

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13y ago
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12y ago
Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Harvest mite; Red mite

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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

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

Symptoms

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 often a clue that the rash is due to chigger bites.

Signs and tests

A doctor can diagnose chiggers by examining the rash.

Treatment

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

Expectations (prognosis)

This condition heals itself without treatment.

Complications

Secondary infection may follow intense scratching as a complication.

Calling your health care provider

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.

Prevention

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

References

Diaz JH. Mites (including chiggers). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 296.

Schlossberg D. Arthropods and leeches. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 380.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 09/15/2010

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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15y ago

Chiggers are found in shallow waters living in rocks and seaweed

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12y ago

They live all over the world besides a small part of Africa. But yes we have them in all the states every part of the U.S. has them

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Related questions

Are chiggers found in California?

Chiggers are found in California. They are found all over the world. They specifically are located in forests, woods, gardens, parks, and any moist areas.


Are there chiggers in Wisconsin?

Though essentially absent in developed and agricultural areas, there are indeed chiggers in WI, most commonly found in dry grassland areas.


Will chlorine get rid of chiggers?

No, chlorine does not get rid of chiggers. Chiggers are tiny mites that are usually found in grassy areas. To get rid of chiggers, you can take a shower using soap and water, wash your clothes in hot water, and use anti-itch creams for any bites.


Are there chiggers in Utah?

No. chiggers are found in more humid places, the south and southeast, and not in high mountain our desert areas.


Is there chiggers in Ohio?

yes there is chiggers in ohio


Are jiggers and chiggers the same thing?

Jiggers and chiggers are often confused, but they are not the same thing. Both are parasitic, but the jigger is a flea found in sub-tropical climates, whereas a chigger is a mite that often bites its host and is found in temperate climates.


Our dog won't stop scratching She has been treated for fleas with a spot-on but is still scratching We can't find any evidence of fleas on her Any suggestions please?

Did you check for chiggers, I have a dog as well and she has no fleas but she has had chiggers before. We didn't know why she was scratching so much but then I found out chiggers while their young cannot not be seen by peoples regular eyes. So we took her to the vet asked if she had chiggers and he got a special dog out and had it sniff for chiggers, and what do you know he was cured. So check for chiggers, maybe that's the problem.


Do chiggers eat meat?

Yes chiggers do eat meat..


What states have chiggers?

South Carolina has plenty of chiggers!!! Want some?


Can chiggers be spread from person to person?

No, chiggers cannot be spread from person to person. Chiggers are the larval form of mites and typically only infest humans when they come into contact with vegetative areas where chiggers are present.


Tiny red ticks that you found on your kid?

If they are VERY tiny, they might be chiggers. A young tick is about the size of a pinhead, so they could be young ticks instead of chiggers. You might want to talk to your child's pediatrician about the possibility of Lyme disease.


Does Maryland have chiggers?

It is definitely possible to get bitten by chiggers in Maryland. Chiggers are a type of tiny, red biting bug. By the time a person realizes they have been bitten, the chiggers have usually fallen off. The best way to treat a bite is with calamine lotion.