Chigger Bites Pictures

Chiggers are the larval stage of a specific family of mites.  These mites are harmless to humans except when they are in their larval stage.  The nymph and adult stages of this family of mites tends to feed more on plant life rather than animal.  Chiggers do not actually bite, but their feeding habits can leave you with marks and welts.  When a chigger is feeding, they are actually feeding on the inner layers of skin.  They form a hole to get deeper into the epidermis, then use various digestive enzymes to break down the inner layers of skin.  The combination of the hole and the digestive enzymes create the marks we know as chigger bites. 

These bites tend to appear as tiny red welts, and some can itch.  The itching may not develop around the bite marks for days, but once it has developed, it is best to avoid scratching, as this can cause infections.

These types of mites are found all over the world, mainly in wooded areas or areas high in vegetation.  This is thanks to the later stages of life where the mites feed primarily on plant life.  Once a chigger bites, it may stay attached to the host animal in order to feed more.  It must eat a certain amount to move onto its next stage of life.  After you have come back and have been bitten by chiggers, you should inspect each bite to ensure that there are none left on you. 

Chiggers in the United States are not known to carry any specific diseases, but in parts of Asia, they are feared since they carry a certain strain of typhus.  This disease is known as the Japanese river disease and scrub disease.

 

Chigger bites can be avoided by staying out of heavily wooded areas or areas with tall grass or thick vegetation.  People tend to get chigger bites mainly on their feet and legs.  Chiggers will often come up off the ground or jump from nearby vegetation onto a potential host.   You can help prevent chigger bites by wearing socks, boots, and pants when going into the areas where chiggers may be common. 

 

 

Chigger bites need to be kept clean.  While there is a low risk of an allergic reaction, if the area is not kept clean, they do run the risk of developing an infection.  When chigger bites are scratched, they open up the body to bacteria and other infectious agents.  Chigger bites should be washed daily with cold water and antibacterial soap, then patted dry to avoid opening them up. 

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