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Overview
Chiggers live in grass.
Itching peaks in 1 to 2 days.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayInfected bites.
See a doctor soonNot usually urgent.
Causes
Caused by chiggers.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause itchy red bumps at the waistband or sock line after being outdoors. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Chigger bitesOften treated at home
Very itchy red bumps from tiny mites in grass and woods, often where clothing is tight, like the waistband, sock line, or behind the knees.
What you can do at home
- Shower after outdoors.
- Anti-itch cream.
Medicines
Hydrocortisone.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Outdoors
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Use repellent.
- Tuck pants into socks
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.