Fleas, Mites and Chiggers in Children

Fleas, mites and chiggers are bugs that are so small you often need a microscope to see them. They aren’t dangerous. But their bites cause a very strong urge to scratch your child's skin.

Exposure to places (indoor or outdoor) that are infested with these different bugs is the main reason people are bitten.

• Fleas. They generally live in floors and rugs. They are often found in homes with pets.
• Mites. These bugs are so small they can’t be seen without a magnifying glass. Crowded living conditions raise the risk for mite infestations. Mites can affect people of any age and income level.
• Chiggers. Chigger bites are due to infestation with chigger babies (larva). They can be found in grasslands and forests, and around lakes and streams.

The bites are not serious. It may be hard to figure out which type of insect caused the bite, or if the rash was caused by something else.

Symptoms may be a bit different for each person. Symptoms may include:

• Small, raised skin bumps
• Pain or itching
• Allergic reactions with swelling or blistering

Call your healthcare provider if the symptoms don't go away or if you have any concerns or questions.

Call 911 or your local emergency medical service (EMS) if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction. The signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Tightness in the throat or chest
• Feeling faint
• Feeling dizzy
• Raised, red, itchy bumps (hives) over a large part of the body
• Nausea and vomiting

• Flea bites. These are often identified when many small bumps are grouped together on the skin. They are often seen on parts of the skin where clothes fit tightly and on the lower extremities
• Mite bites. A healthcare provider may think you have mites based on your health history and a physical exam. Intense itching and many small, red bumps, like pimples, are seen. Burrows may also be seen. These look like thin, wavy lines.
• Chigger bites. These are diagnosed based on the type of rash, and your recent history of being outside in an area likely to have chiggers.

The flea, mite, or chigger bites may look like other conditions or health problems. You may be diagnosed with general insect bites. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Treatment may include:

• Cleaning the area well with soap and water.
• Using an antihistamine, if needed, for itching. This can be in the form of a pill, liquid, cream or ointment.
• Applying cool compresses or an ice pack to the area to decrease itching and swelling. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.
• Using other creams for swelling or pain.
• Taking over the counter pain medicines, as directed, for mild pain. Talk with your healthcare provider before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease or have ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Lasting pain or itching
• Signs of infection at the site of the bite, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling or drainage
• Fever

• Talk with your healthcare provider about a safe insect repellant that you can use.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants outdoors when possible.
• Don't use heavily scented soaps, lotions or other products.
• Use products to protect your pets from fleas.

Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• Pain or itching that lasts
• Signs of infection at the site of the bite, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling or fluid leaking
• Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider