Chigger Bite - Pictures

Jack DeAngelis, PhD

OSU Entomologist (ret.)
my resume

Summary: Chiggers are tiny biting mites that occur in dry, brushy areas. Bites from these mites initially form watery blisters (right) then open into intensely itchy lesions (below, right).

Disclaimer

Chigger bites initially cause blisters,

Chigger mites do not burrow into skin but instead feed at the base of hairs. Bites are painless but result in very itchy lesions sometime after an encounter with these mites (see Identification and Life History of Chigger Mites). Bites from chigger mites at first form watery blisters (see photo above right). When these blisters form the mites may already be gone.

then become itchy rash-like lesions.

After the initial blister the bites form clusters of intensely itchy sores or lesions (see photo right). OTC anti-itch and antibiotic ointments should be used to prevent infection at this stage.