Chiggers are the larval form of a specific family of mites and are closely related to ticks. Chiggers are almost invisible to the naked eye, but when clustered together can be seen because of their natural bright red color.

The chigger's mouth parts are short and delicate and can only penetrate thin skin or where skin wrinkles or folds: usually around ankles, backs of knees, waistline and armpits. The chigger injects a digestive enzyme that dissolves skin cells it contacts. The chigger then sucks up the liquified tissue. It can take 3 to 4 days to complete a meal if left undisturbed. If the chigger is removed before it completes its meal, it can't bite again and will eventually die.

Chiggers are most active in temperatures between 77 - 86 degrees fahrenheit.Itching peaks in a day or two after the bite occurs and is a result of your body's defense against a foreign body (the injected enzyme). The longer the chigger feeds, the larger the welt surrounding the bite and the greater the intensity of itching.

Your first line of defense is to wear proper clothing. Tightly woven socks and clothes, long pants, long sleeved shirts and high shoes or boots are ideal. Change clothes as soon as possible when you get home and wash them before wearing them again. The best precaution against chigger bites is a warm soapy shower/bath as soon as possible after exposure. You can wash them off before they bite and remove any attached chiggers before you start itching. If you can't bathe right away, you can remove chiggers by rubbing down with a towel or cloth. Attached chiggers are removed by even the lightest rubbing.

Mosquito repellants can be used to repel chiggers, but must be replenished every 2 to 3 hours.No substance is completely effective in relieving the itch of a chigger bite, although there are many products available. Over the counter antihistamines, hydrocortisone creams and Calamine lotion may help, but be sure to read the labels as not everyone should use these medications.

The only real danger from chigger bites is secondary infection that develops after scratching with dirty fingernails. If you do scratch, disinfect the bite with an antiseptic soap. Chiggers in North America do not carry Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If you think your chigger bites are infected or if you have questions about medications, come to Student Health or see your health care provider. Signs of infection could include swelling, redness, fever and green/yellow drainage from bites.