The Signs and Symptoms of Chigger Bites

Chiggers are tiny creatures, almost invisible to the naked eye. And when they take a bite out of you, you typically will not feel anything until 1–3 hours have passed. This is because it isn’t the bite itself that causes the inflammation, its the chigger’s digestive enzymes that they inject into your skin that your body reacts to. Ewww….. right?

Here’s what to look for if you think you might have chigger bites:

• The most common symptom, and usually the first thing you notice, is the itching. It is not subtle, and it will get worse over the first couple of days. Try your best not to scratch it as that can further damage the skin and allow bacteria to enter.

• Then there’s the redness. Individual chigger bites will be red and may resemble a pimple or a blister. They can be flat or raised. If you have several of them, as is typically the case, the area will appear as an intense rash similar in appearance to eczema or contact dermatitis.

• Location is a factor as well. Chigger bites are most commonly found in wrinkles or folds of the skin. You’ll typically find them in sock and underwear areas, as well as armpits and behind the knees.

So if you find yourself with a persistent itch after spending time outdoors, it could be chigger bites. Now you know the symptoms to look for. And if you have Chiggerex in the medicine cabinet, you’ll also be ready to fight back!

Photo Credit: Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org