{{Distinguish|text=tungiasis (jigger bites)}} {{short description|Mite infestation that involves rash caused by Leptotrombidium deliense}} {{Infobox medical condition (new) | name = Trombiculosis | synonyms = '''Trombiculiasis''', or '''Trombiculidiasis''' | image = Chigger bites.jpg | alt = | caption = Chigger bites on the foot and ankle | pronounce = | field =dermatology | geneReviewsID = | symptoms = | complications = | onset = | duration = | types = | causes =trombiculid mites | risks = | diagnosis = | differential = | prevention = | treatment = | medication = | prognosis = | frequency = | deaths = }} '''Trombiculosis''' is a rash caused by trombiculid mites, especially those of the genus ''Trombicula'' (chiggers). The rash is also often known as '''chigger bites'''. __NOTOC__ Chiggers are commonly found on the tip of blades of grasses to catch a host, so keeping grass short, and removing brush and wood debris where potential mite hosts may live, can limit their impact on an area. Sunlight that penetrates the grass will make the lawn drier and make it less favorable for chigger survival.{{cn|date=January 2021}}
Chiggers seem to affect warm covered areas of the body more than drier areas.<ref name="ArmaXX">{{cite web |url=http://www.armaxx.com/chigger.html |title=ArmaXX Pest Control |access-date=2008-06-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/chiggers(008).shtml|title=Itchy Chiggers|last=Ogg|first=Barb|access-date=2009-05-19}}</ref> Thus, the bites are often clustered behind the knees, or beneath tight undergarments such as socks, underwear, or brassieres. Areas higher in the body (chest, back, waist-band, and under-arms) are affected more easily in small children than in adults, since children are shorter and are more likely than adults to come in contact with low-lying vegetation and dry grass where chiggers thrive. An exceptional case has been described in the eye,<ref>Parcell, B. J., Sharpe, G., Jones, B. & Alexander, C. L. 2013: Conjunctivitis induced by a red bodied mite, ''Neotrombicula autumnalis''. Parasite, 20, 25. {{doi|10.1051/parasite/2013025}}</ref> producing conjunctivitis.
Application of repellent to the shoes, lower trousers and skin is also useful. Because they are found in grass, staying on trails, roads, or paths can prevent contact. Dusting sulfur is used commercially for mite control and can be used to control chiggers in yards. The dusting of shoes, socks and trouser legs with sulfur can be highly effective in repelling chiggers.<ref name= "Mites">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-piedpiper.co.uk/th5i.htm|title=Mites|last=M Bennett |first=Stuart|year=2003|publisher=Self published by author|access-date=2009-05-19}}</ref>
Another good strategy is to recognize the chigger habitat to avoid exposure in the first place. Chiggers in North America thrive late in summer, in dry tall grasses and other thick, unshaded vegetation. Mite repellents and or Acaricide containing one of the following active ingredients are recommended: Permethrin, picaridin, DEET, catnip oil extract (nepetalactone), citronella oil or eucalyptus oil extract.
Chiggers can also be treated using common household vinegar (5% acetic acid).{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
==Additional images== thumb|left|Chigger rash 36 hours after exposure thumb|Chigger bites showing characteristic raised and fluid-filled center {{clear}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Medical resources | DiseasesDB = | ICD10 = {{ICD10|B|88|0|b|85}} (ILDS B88.010) | ICD9 = {{ICD9|133.8}} | ICDO = | OMIM = | MedlinePlus = | eMedicineSubj = | eMedicineTopic = | MeshID = D014323 | GeneReviewsName = }} {{Mite-related diseases and infestations}}
Category:Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin Category:Arthropod infestations