Chiggers, often called harvest mites or red bugs, are minuscule mites found in outdoor environments, particularly in grassy or wooded areas. These arachnids, related to spiders and ticks, are nearly invisible to the naked eye. While their bites are not inherently dangerous and they do not burrow under the skin, they do cause intensely itchy reactions. Chiggers in North America do not transmit diseases, making the primary concern the discomfort and potential for secondary skin issues.
Recognizing Chigger Bites
Chigger bites appear as small, red, itchy bumps, often clustered and resembling pimples, blisters, or hives. These itchy spots commonly occur in areas where clothing fits tightly, such as around the ankles, waistline, armpits, and behind the knees. The intense itching associated with chigger bites begins several hours after exposure, peaks within 24 to 48 hours, and can persist for up to two weeks. This discomfort stems from the mite’s digestive enzymes injected into the skin.
Effective Home Treatments
Wash affected skin with soap and water to remove any lingering mites. For itch relief, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the bites. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, loratadine, or cetirizine, can also help reduce itching and inflammation.
Applying cool compresses or ice packs to the affected areas can reduce swelling and provide a soothing sensation. Avoid scratching the bites, as this can break the skin and lead to secondary bacterial infections like impetigo or cellulitis. Contrary to some common myths, applying nail polish or petroleum jelly to chigger bites is ineffective and can potentially worsen the irritation.
When to See a Doctor
While most chigger bites can be managed at home, some signs require medical attention. Seek professional care if you observe signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or red streaks spreading from the bite area. A fever accompanying the bites also warrants a doctor’s visit.
Consult a healthcare provider for severe allergic reactions, which may include difficulty breathing, widespread hives, or dizziness. If home treatments do not provide relief, if symptoms worsen significantly, or if bites cover a large portion of the body, medical evaluation is advised. Boys may develop “summer penile syndrome,” characterized by swelling and painful urination, which requires medical assessment.
Preventing Future Bites
When spending time in grassy or wooded areas, wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks or boots. Loose-fitting, tightly woven fabrics offer better protection by minimizing chigger access to the skin.
Apply insect repellents containing DEET to exposed skin, following product label instructions, or use permethrin-treated clothing for long-lasting protection. Remember that permethrin should be applied to clothing and allowed to dry, not directly to the skin. After outdoor activities, shower immediately with soap and water, scrubbing the skin vigorously to dislodge any chiggers. Additionally, wash all clothes worn outdoors in hot water to kill any remaining mites. Maintaining a well-manicured lawn by keeping grass mowed short and clearing brush can also make your yard less hospitable to chiggers.