Chiggers are a type of mites and also called trombiculid mites, harvest lice or mowers mites. They are red orange in color and 0.3mm long. Usually the ones that bite are the larvae. After they hatch they can’t fly and tend to stay clumped together in large groups. They are usually more active in warm temperature. They attach themselves to passing animals or humans. They make small holes in skin and burrow into it. The saliva liquefies the skin cells providing nutrition for a few days. They don’t stay for longer than 3-4 days. They can be seen as lesions on exposed areas like legs or neck or arms and are usually in groups. The lesions are itchy, red, blisters or rash. The lesions are not contagious. If you feel like you have been infected, you should take a shower with warm water and soap to remove all bugs still on skin. You should use anti-histamine to relieve itching. You can also use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone ointment. Antibiotics should only be used if the lesion has become infected.
