Chiggers
Chiggers
Chiggers (/ˈtʃɪɡərz/), also known as harvest mites or red bugs, are tiny parasitic arachnids that are part of the family Trombiculidae. They are most commonly found in forests and grasslands and are known for their bites which cause intense itching.
Etymology
The term "chigger" comes from the Choctaw word chikee, which means "itch". The scientific name for the chigger mite is Trombicula alfreddugesi, named after the entomologist who first described them, Alfredo Dugès.
Life Cycle
Chiggers undergo a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Only the larval stage is parasitic, feeding on the skin cells of animals and humans.
Symptoms and Treatment
Chigger bites result in intense itching and red pimple-like bumps or hives. The itching usually occurs several hours after the chiggers have fallen off the skin. Over-the-counter treatments such as antihistamines and corticosteroid creams can help relieve the itching.
Prevention
Prevention methods include avoiding infested areas, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellent. After exposure, a hot shower and thorough scrubbing can remove any chiggers before they have a chance to bite.
Related Terms
- Arachnid: A class of joint-legged invertebrate animals, including spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks.
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.
- Dermatitis: A condition of the skin in which it becomes red, swollen, and sore, sometimes with small blisters, resulting from direct irritation of the skin by an external agent or an allergic reaction to it.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chiggers
- Wikipedia's article - Chiggers
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski