There are some protozoa that can only exist in the host body. For most of them, the main carrier is people. And having penetrated into the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common. It is they who present the most unpleasant moments, including the development of complications, and therefore, at the first signs of infection, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Types of parasites that live under the skin
The simplest, the main carriers of which a person, is divided into two main groups:
- Leather
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects such as: fleas, ticks, bedbugs. They live in a person’s hair and on his skin, feed on his blood and are capable of carrying various dangerous diseases. Nevertheless, skin parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous parasites. The latter, living in human skin, not only feed on its cells, but also reproduce their offspring in them. Therefore, it is more difficult to deal with skin parasites in humans than skin parasites.
Many protozoa and helminths live under human skin, which can lead to the development of various diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculiasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Ankylostomiasis
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing about this is that it is often very difficult to make a correct diagnosis, because the symptoms of the disease often resemble a common allergic reaction. As a result, it takes a very long time to treat dermatosis.
In order for you to have an idea of the subcutaneous parasites a person can have and how it manifests itself, consider the signs of infection with each of the above.
Filariasis
This species does not live in our country, but it is easily infected when visiting Africa, South America and Asia. Infection occurs when a person is bitten by a blood -sucking insect, such as a mosquito. For the incubation period, in this type of dermatosis it can reach 7 years.
The early symptoms of this parasitic skin disease are usually mild fever and itching, and are often overlooked.
And only after a few years on the skin begins to appear:
- ulcers
- Warts
- nodule
- papula.
Over time, eczema may develop. In some cases, they may be accompanied by slight malaise, headache, fever, which allows us to conclude that the patient has been infected with filariasis. The disease is caused by filamentous nematodes.
But if measures are not taken in time, then parasitic skin diseases can lead to complications in the form of arthrosis and vision problems.
The use of mosquito repellent will help prevent infection. By treating open areas of skin with it and thus protecting yourself from blood -sucking insect bites, you will protect yourself from filariasis infections.
Dracunculiasis
The disease is caused by a round subcutaneous helminth - a guinea worm. Adults these parasites live under human skin can reach a length of more than one meter. The feature of this species is that not only a person can serve as a carrier for them, but also domestic animals: cats, dogs. This parasite is most commonly found in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body by consuming untreated raw water. After 2 weeks, they begin their journey through the carrier body, and after 1. 5 months they penetrate into the subcutaneous area. The larvae will develop into adults only after one year.
The symptoms of rishta infection are difficult to confuse with other diseases. Initially, an elongated swollen area appears on the skin in the foot area, resembling small lace. Then a bubble forms in its place, inside of which there are helminth eggs. And when water enters, it breaks down, allowing new larvae to enter the environment.
If you do not start treatment of the disease on time, then complications appear in the form of:
- Inflammation of the joints
- Gangrene
- Sepsis, which is caused by an abscess that forms on the skin.
To combat this human skin parasite, it consists of its removal from the skin tissue. Moreover, this process can take several days if a large individual becomes a parasite in the patient’s body. The only condition is not to break the worm.
To prevent dracunculiasis infection, you must drink only disinfected water and do not swim in open water.
Schistosomiasis
The disease is also caused by helminths. They live in Asian and African waters, so swimming in them puts you at risk of getting infected. These various helminths are parasitic not only on human skin, but also in the genitourinary organs. In the early stages of development, the disease is manifested by rash, itching, dermatitis. In the future, signs of kidney damage appear and the liver may increase.
The disease is treated with drugs based on antimony. But it is better to prevent infection by following a simple rule: refuse to bathe in stagnant water and use only boiled water.
Ankylostomiasis
The parasite enters under the skin through cracks in the soles of the feet or wounds on other parts of the body. But often they still affect the lower limbs and remain there without migrating through the body.
Ankylostomidosis is indicated by the following symptoms:
- severe itching where the parasite is located;
- changes in the skin;
- the appearance of anemia.
The most unpleasant thing about the infection is the fact that the disease is treated quite difficult and it is not always possible to achieve a positive result.
Cysticercosis
Tapeworm larvae can also parasitize under human skin. The main habitat of this parasite in the human body is the internal organs, where it penetrates with food or water infected with helminths. But still, cases of their development under the skin are not uncommon, and there they can live for many years.
Symptoms of infection with cysticercosis are swelling and neoplasm in the place where the parasite has entered. Over time, they thicken. In rare cases, the infection may be accompanied by hives.
The only way to get rid of it is to intervene in the complex and take antiparasitic drugs.
Scabies
Today the disease is relatively rare, but literally 50 years ago it was one of the most common among those caused by parasites. Its appearance is due to the penetration under the skin of a person with the microscopic size of a scabies mite. Moreover, he prefers to settle in the inner layer of the skin, where he feeds on the epithelium and lays eggs in it.
The life cycle of an adult is not more than two months. But during this time, the females managed to lay more than a dozen eggs. Often, lice affect the hands, folds, armpits, soles of the feet. But it can also be found in the mammary glands and genitals.
Infection with this parasite leads to the development of scabies, which are determined by obvious signs, such as clearly visible passages, crusts at the site of scratching, rash, itching, which increases at night. With improper treatment, scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen in the autumn period.
Such diseases are treated with sulfuric ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulfuric soap. For extensive lesions, antibiotics may be prescribed. But to prevent re-infection, it is necessary to boil the patient's linen and clothes and iron them with a hot iron on both sides. Therefore, it is easier to adhere to personal hygiene and avoid contact with the infected - this will help not to get sick.
Identification and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
Often, you can determine whether a person is infected or not visually. However, in any case, the patient will be given an examination, which will help determine the location of the lesion and the number of parasites more accurately.
Parasitic skin diseases diagnosed:
- Takes abrasions and sweeps from mucous membranes;
- Blood test for the presence of antibodies in it.
And only after receiving all the results, the doctor can determine the treatment regimen and prescribe drugs that can destroy the parasites.
The method of treatment depends on the type of disease. In some cases, even surgery may be needed. But often it is possible to survive with the use of various medications.
Disease prevention
Since the removal of some types of helminths from the human body can take several years, it is easier to prevent parasitic skin diseases. To do this, avoid drinking raw water, undercooked meat products and close contact with infected people.