Which type of bite causes extremely pruritic, discrete bites forming bright red papules?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Chigger bites are known to cause extremely pruritic, discrete bites that typically present as bright red papules on the skin. Chiggers, which are the larval stage of certain mite species, inject a digestive enzyme into the skin, leading to an intense inflammatory response that results in the characteristic itching and redness. The bites tend to occur in areas where clothing is tight against the skin, such as around the waist, ankles, or areas of tight socks.

The itch and papular appearance are largely due to the body's allergic reaction to the saliva of the chigger, which can provoke a severe itching sensation that can persist for several days. The discrete and raised nature of the papules, coupled with the intensely itchy sensation, helps to distinguish chigger bites from other types of insect bites.

In summary, the specific presentation of discrete, bright red papules and extreme pruritus makes chigger bites a recognizable and specific entity in dermatological presentations of insect bites.

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