Chigger bites typically appear as small, red, itchy bumps on the skin. They often look like pimples, blisters, or tiny red spots and may sometimes resemble welts or hives. The bites usually occur in clusters or groups and are commonly found where clothing fits tightly or where skin folds, such as around the ankles, waist, behind the knees, armpits, groin, and other warm skin folds
. The bite itself is caused by the chigger larva injecting saliva that dissolves skin cells, which leads to the formation of a hardened feeding tube in the skin. This causes intense itching that usually starts within hours and can last for several days, sometimes up to two weeks. The bumps may be flat or raised and can become more inflamed or blister-like over time
. In summary, chigger bites look like:
- Small red bumps or pimples
- Often grouped in clusters
- Located where clothing is tight or skin folds
- May resemble blisters or hives
- Accompanied by severe itching lasting several days
The bites can become infected if scratched excessively, so it is important to monitor the area for signs of infection such as crusting or pus
