Not sure how much help/comfort this is, but it's certainly informative, in a disturbing sort of way...
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Chiggers
Chiggers: aka harvest mites, red bugs, jiggers, berry bugs or bracken bugs. They put in an appearance during the late summer and early fall. Orange in color, they are barely visible to the human eye. Chiggers are not true insects; they are mites belonging to the Arachnid group that includes spiders, ticks and scorpions. Chiggers maintain a home deep within tall grassy areas, lawns and underbrush.
For chiggers to become mature mites they must first feed off a warm-blooded animal. They lie in wait while their prey (humans or other animals including pets) work or play blissfully unaware of the torment about to befall them. Chiggers tend to attach themselves within protective body creases or crevices, where they can proceed to feast in safety.
However, chiggers do not feed off of blood. This is a myth. It is likely this misconception arose from the chiggers orange coloration. Chiggers are barely visible to the naked eye, but en masse, they impart an orange color to the skin when attached in large numbers.
Chiggers have mouthparts similar to ticks and affix themselves to the skin with their strong jaws. They inject their saliva into the epidermis initially causing skin to harden around the mouthpart, creating a straw through which it feeds. The saliva actually liquefies the skin cells. It is this cellular soup that provides nourishment, not blood. Feeding lasts for 2 to 3 days and then the chigger drops back to the ground to complete its life cycle. Chiggers do not burrow beneath the skins surface or set up permanent residence upon its hapless victim. These again are common myths.
After a chigger has matured into the adult stage, nourishment is limited to vegetation.
The host animal will ultimately experience a delayed reaction to the proteins in the chiggers saliva which results in intense itching, ranging from 24-48 hours after the chigger has bitten. In fact, the chigger may be long gone by the time the itching has begun. With this in mind, treatment is aimed at helping soothe the discomfort, not trying to smother a non-existent chigger.
Once the discomfort has begun, its time to rely upon antihistamines to provide general itching relief such as Benadryl. Topical cortisone creams (OTC version such as Cortaid or Rx options available from your doctor can also help reduce the inflammation and control the itch. For rapid relief, apply a topical anesthetic such as LMX 4% Topical Anesthetic Cream - 30gm, PrameGel or Caladryl Clear Lotion.
Controversy still exists on the benefits of applying clear nail polish to active red bumps. Since the chigger is gone, the nail polish doesnt kill the mite; however, some reports still support the palliative nature of this treatment. If you were prone to sensitive skin, Id recommend skipping this option.
As with all open skin, bacteria may take advantage of the situation and a secondary bacterial infection may arise. Keep all open wounds clean with hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial ointment (like Polysporin). And dont scratch! Apply your topical relief instead.
From a preventative vantage, apply an insect repellant before going outdoors. Dont miss potential problem areas such as the underarms or ankles. Upon your return, change into fresh clothing (wash the dirty ones) and take a shower. Applying rubbing alcohol to vulnerable areas may be helpful.
Try to keep lawn mowed and grassy areas cleaned up. For known chigger infested areas, Premethrin Pro can often be safely used on the lawn check first with your local lawn and garden center.
