Generally chigger bites are not dangerous. They are more of an annoyance. If the area becomes discolored or painful than an infection could be on the horizon.
No, chigger bites are not contagious. Chiggers are tiny larvae of mites that can cause itching and skin irritation when they bite humans. The bites themselves do not spread from person to person.
Chigger bites are from Chiggers that are part of the mite family. Chigger bites are similar to ticks, they both feed on tissue, however unlike ticks, chiggers do not bury their head in the skin. They turn into hard red spots usually around the groin and armpits.
The most common symptoms of chigger bites is itching but there are more symptoms than just that. The area may resemble a blister, and look red and if left alone long enough, then it can turn into a lesions.
There are lots of pictures of chigger bites online. Infact there are several dedicated websites on the internet on this subject, the best of which is chiggerbitepictures.com
If you fear you have been bitten by a chigger I would recommend http://www.medicinenet.com/chiggers_bites/article.htm as the site to look at. It gives you the symptoms, and treatment for the bites. If you need additional pictures check out WebMD or Wikipedia.
Bites from fleas, mosquitoes, and bedbugs can be similar to chigger bites, as they all cause itchy, red welts on the skin. Like chigger bites, flea bites often appear in clusters, while mosquito bites typically present as raised, itchy bumps. Bedbug bites usually occur in linear patterns and can cause significant itching as well. Distinguishing between these bites often requires considering the location of the bites and the circumstances of exposure.
Chigger bites on cats can cause itching, redness, and swelling. Treatment options include cleaning the affected area, applying anti-itch creams, and consulting a veterinarian for further care.
how long do cigger bites last when applying medicine?
Chigger bites usually itch the worst on day 1 and day 2. The bites last about 4-7 days, depending on how much you scratch them.
The severity of a chigger bite can vary from person to person. The actual bites themselves look like hives or small pimples, but you can also get a rash associated with the chigger bites. If the area they bit was exposed to the sun, you may get an itchy rash as well. One very good way to tell if what you have is chigger bites is by their location. Chiggers congregate in areas where clothing meets the skin, such as waistbands, ankles, and underwear lines. This is a good website with more information on chiggers themselves" http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002309/
Halobetasol propionate cream is a potent topical corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation and itching, making it potentially effective for treating the irritation caused by chigger bites. However, it is important to use it as directed by a healthcare professional, as overuse can lead to skin thinning and other side effects. For mild chigger bites, over-the-counter treatments may be sufficient, so consulting a doctor is advisable for appropriate recommendations.
For chigger bites, you can apply over-the-counter anti-itch creams or calamine lotion to help relieve itching. Taking antihistamines can also reduce itching. Avoid scratching the bites to prevent infection.