There are many protozoa that can only exist within the host body.For most people, the primary vector is people.These organisms have infiltrated the body and can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are thought to be the most common.They can cause the most unpleasant moments, including complications, so at the first signs of infection you should consult a doctor.
Types of parasites that live under the skin
Protozoa, whose main carrier is humans, are divided into two categories:
- skin
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects such as lice, fleas, and bed bugs.They live in human hair and skin, feed on human blood, and can spread a variety of dangerous diseases.Despite this, skin parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous parasites.The latter lives in human skin, not only feeding on human skin cells but also reproducing in them.Therefore, fighting human skin parasites is much more difficult than fighting skin parasites.
There are a large number of protozoa and worms living under the human skin, which can cause various diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Guinea worm disease
- Schistosomiasis
- hookworm disease
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
Most unpleasantly, making a correct diagnosis is often very difficult, as the symptoms of such diseases often resemble common allergic reactions.Therefore, treating skin diseases takes a long time.
To give you an idea of which subcutaneous parasites a person may have and how they manifest, let's consider the signs of infection with each of the parasites mentioned above.
Filariasis
This species does not exist in our country, but it is easily infected when traveling to Africa, South America and Asia.Infection occurs when a person is bitten by a blood-sucking insect such as a mosquito.As for the incubation period, this type of skin disease can last up to 7 years.
The first symptoms of this parasitic skin disease usually include mild fever and hives, so it is often ignored.
Only after a few years, the following began to appear on the skin:
- ulcer
- wart
- Nodules
- Papules.
Over time, eczema may develop.In some cases, mild discomfort, headache, and fever may be present, leading to the conclusion that the patient is infected with filariasis.This disease is caused by nematodes.
But if steps are not taken promptly, parasitic skin diseases can lead to complications such as joint disease and vision problems.
Using mosquito repellent will help avoid infection.By using it on exposed skin to protect yourself from bites of blood-sucking insects, you will protect yourself from filariasis infection.
Guinea worm disease
The disease is caused by the round subcutaneous worm Guinea worm.Adults of these parasites, which live under human skin, can reach over a meter in length.The special thing about this species is that not only humans, but also pets: cats, dogs can serve as their carriers.These parasites are most commonly found in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body through consumption of untreated water.After 2 weeks, they begin to pass through the host's body, and after 1.5 months, they penetrate into the subcutaneous area.The larvae develop into adults after only one year.
The symptoms of Guinea worm infection are difficult to confuse with other illnesses.Initially, elongated, swollen areas appear on the skin of the legs, resembling small laces.Then in its place a bubble forms, containing worm eggs.When water enters, it breaks open, allowing new larvae to emerge into the environment.
If treatment of the disease is not started in time, complications in the form of:
- joint inflammation
- gangrene
- Sepsis, caused by an abscess forming on the skin.
As for fighting this human skin parasite, it needs to be removed from the skin tissue.Moreover, if a large individual inhabits the patient's body, the process may last several days.The only condition is not to destroy the worm.
To avoid contracting dracunculiasis, you must drink only sterilized water and do not swim in open water.
Schistosomiasis
This disease is also caused by worms.They live in the waters of Asia and Africa, so swimming in them puts yourself at risk of infection.This worm not only lives on human skin, but also in the urogenital organs.In the initial stages of development, the disease manifests itself as rash, itching, and dermatitis.Later, signs of kidney damage appear, and the liver may become enlarged.
This disease can be treated with antimony-based drugs.But it's best to follow simple rules to avoid infection: avoid swimming in stagnant water and drink only boiled water.
hookworm disease
These parasites penetrate the skin through cracks on the soles of the feet or wounds elsewhere on the body.But in most cases, they still affect the lower limbs and remain there without migrating throughout the body.
Ankylosingiasis presents with the following symptoms:
- severe itching where the parasite is;
- skin changes;
- The appearance of anemia.
The most unpleasant thing about the infection is that the disease is difficult to treat, and the results are not always positive.
Cysticercosis
Pork tapeworm larvae can also live under human skin.The primary habitat of these parasites in the human body is the internal organs, where they invade through food or water contaminated with worms.But there are still often cases where they develop under the skin, and they can survive there for years.
Symptoms of cysticercosis infection are swelling and new growth in the area where the parasite has invaded.Over time, they become more dense.In rare cases, the infection may be accompanied by hives.
The only way to get rid of them is through surgical intervention and the administration of anti-parasitic drugs.
scabies
Today, this disease is fairly rare, but 50 years ago it was actually one of the most common diseases caused by parasites.It appears when tiny scabies mites penetrate under a person's skin.Furthermore, it prefers to settle in the deeper layers of the skin, where it feeds on the epidermis and lays eggs therein.
The adult life span does not exceed two months.But during this time, the female is capable of laying more than a dozen eggs.Most commonly, ticks affect the hands, folds, armpits, and soles of the feet.But it can also be found on the breasts and genitals.
Infection with this parasite can lead to the development of scabies, which has telltale symptoms such as clearly visible passages, crusting on scratches, rash, and itching that worsens at night.If left untreated, scabies can lead to dermatitis and eczema that worsen in the fall.
This disease can be treated with sulfur ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulfur soap.For extensive lesions, antibiotics may be prescribed.But to avoid reinfection, the patient's sheets and clothes need to be boiled and ironed on both sides with a hot iron.Therefore, it is easier to maintain personal hygiene and avoid contact with infected people - which will help avoid getting sick.
Detection and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
In most cases, you can tell if a person is infected by sight.In any case, however, the patient will undergo an examination, which will more accurately help determine the location of the lesions and the number of parasites.
Diagnosis of parasitic skin diseases:
- Mucosal scrapes and smears;
- A blood test to check for the presence of antibodies.
Only after receiving all the results can the doctor determine the treatment plan and prescribe drugs that will eliminate the parasites.
Treatment options depend on the type of disease.In some cases, surgery may even be necessary.But in most cases, it can be obtained through the use of various medications.
disease prevention
Because it can take years to clear some types of worms from the body, parasitic skin diseases are easier to prevent.To do this, you need to avoid drinking raw water, poorly fried meat products, and close contact with infected people.