A chigger is the parasitic larval stage of a tiny mite. The intensely itchy reaction it causes is not a true bite but an inflammatory response to its feeding process. When the larva attaches to the skin, it injects a digestive enzyme that liquefies skin cells, creating a feeding tube known as a stylostome. The body reacts to this foreign protein and the hardened tube, resulting in the characteristic red, raised, and intensely itchy bumps. Symptoms typically appear hours after the chigger has attached; by the time the itch begins, the mite has often detached, meaning treatment focuses on the reaction, not the pest.
Immediate Strategies for Stopping the Itch
The fastest way to gain relief from acute discomfort is a combination of topical and oral treatments aimed at rapid symptom suppression. If exposure was recent, immediately washing the affected area with soap and water and gently scrubbing the skin can dislodge any remaining chiggers. This initial cleansing step limits the amount of digestive enzyme injected, potentially reducing the severity of the reaction.
Once the skin is clean, over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch creams offer the quickest localized relief. Products containing hydrocortisone, a topical steroid, work to reduce inflammation and itching. Calamine lotion can also be applied to soothe the skin and help dry out any weeping bites. For widespread itching, an oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, provides systemic relief, which is helpful if the irritation interferes with sleep.
Promoting Skin Healing and Preventing Infection
Beyond immediate itch relief, follow-up care focuses on minimizing the risk of secondary bacterial infection caused by scratching. Scratching damages the skin barrier, creating openings where bacteria can enter and lead to conditions like impetigo or cellulitis. It is important to keep fingernails trimmed short to prevent accidental breaks in the skin.
If the skin is already broken, applying an antiseptic wash or an OTC antibiotic ointment helps prevent bacteria from colonizing the wound. The lesions typically heal within one to two weeks as the body breaks down the stylostome. Avoiding irritation and resisting the urge to scratch are the most important actions for efficient healing.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most chigger reactions can be managed effectively at home, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical intervention. You should seek care if the intense itching fails to improve after several days of using OTC creams and oral antihistamines. A doctor should also be consulted if signs of a secondary bacterial infection develop at the bite sites.
Signs of infection include spreading redness, increased warmth, severe tenderness or pain, and the presence of pus or oozing fluid. Systemic symptoms, such as a fever or swollen lymph nodes, suggest the infection may be spreading. Any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or a widespread rash of hives, require immediate emergency medical attention.
How to Prevent Future Chigger Bites
The most effective way to manage chigger bites is to prevent them entirely, especially when entering known habitats like tall grass, wooded areas, or near water. The use of chemical repellents provides a strong barrier against the mites. Insect repellents containing DEET, at concentrations of 10% to 30%, should be applied to exposed skin to deter chiggers.
For clothing and gear, permethrin-based products are highly effective, acting as an insecticide that kills chiggers on contact. Permethrin should be applied to clothing, socks, and shoes, but never directly to the skin. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks, limits the areas where chiggers can attach. After returning indoors, take a warm, soapy shower and immediately wash all worn clothing in hot water to kill and dislodge any mites.