There are a number of protozoa that can only exist in the host's body.For most of them, humans are the main carrier.And having penetrated the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common.They cause the most unpleasant moments, including the development of complications.Therefore, you should see a doctor at the first signs of infection.
Types of parasites that live under the skin
Protozoa, the main carrier of which is humans, are divided into two main groups:
- Cutaneous
- Subcutaneous.
The first include insects such as lice, fleas and bedbugs.They live in the hair and skin of humans, feed on their blood and can transmit various dangerous diseases.Nevertheless, cutaneous parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous ones.The latter live in human skin and not only feed on its cells, but also breed their offspring in it.Therefore, controlling skin parasites in humans is much more difficult than controlling skin parasites.
Numerous protozoa and helminths live under the human skin, which can lead to the development of various diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculiasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Hookworm disease
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing is that it is often very difficult to make a correct diagnosis, since the symptoms of such diseases often resemble an ordinary allergic reaction.As a result, the treatment of dermatoses takes a very long time.
So that you have an idea of what subcutaneous parasites a person can have and how they manifest themselves, let's consider the signs of infection with each of the above.
Filariasis
This species is not found in our country, but can easily become infected when visiting Africa, South America and Asia.An infection occurs when a person is bitten by a blood-sucking insect, such as a mosquito.The incubation period for this type of dermatoses can be up to 7 years.
The first symptoms of this parasitic skin disease often include a mild fever and hives, which is why they are often ignored.
And only after a few years appear on the skin:
- Ulcers
- Warts
- nodules
- papules.
Eczema can develop over time.In some cases, mild malaise, headache and fever may occur, suggesting that the patient has been infected with filariasis.This disease is caused by filamentous nematodes.
But if measures are not taken in time, parasitic skin diseases can lead to complications in the form of osteoarthritis and vision problems.
Using a mosquito repellent helps prevent infections.By treating exposed skin with it and protecting yourself from the bites of blood-sucking insects, you protect yourself from infection with filariasis.
Dracunculiasis
This disease is caused by round subcutaneous helminths - Guinea worms.Adults of these parasites, which live under human skin, can reach lengths of more than a meter.The peculiarity of this species is that not only people, but also pets: cats and dogs can serve as carriers for them.These parasites are most commonly found in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body through consumption of raw, untreated water.After 2 weeks they begin their journey through the host's body and after 1.5 months penetrate the subcutaneous areas.Only after a year does the larva develop into an adult.
The symptoms of a Guinea worm infection are difficult to confuse with another disease.Initially, an elongated, swollen area resembling a small spike appears on the skin in the leg area.Then a bubble forms in its place, in which there are worm eggs.And when water gets in, it bursts, allowing new larvae to hatch into the environment.
If treatment of the disease is not started on time, complications arise in the form of:
- Joint inflammation
- gangrene
- Sepsis, which is caused by abscesses that form on the skin.
The fight against this human skin parasite is to remove it from the skin tissue.In addition, if a large individual parasitizes the patient's body, this process can take several days.The only condition is not to break the worm.
To avoid infection with drakunculiasis, you should only drink disinfected water and avoid swimming in open water.
Schistosomiasis
This disease is also caused by helminths.They live in the waters of Asia and Africa.Swimming in them puts you at risk of infection.This type of helminth parasitizes not only on human skin, but also in the urogenital organs.At the initial stage of development, the disease is manifested by skin rashes, itching and dermatitis.Signs of kidney damage then appear and the liver may enlarge.
This disease is treated with antimony-based drugs.But it is better to avoid infection by following simple rules: avoid swimming in stagnant water and drink only boiled water.
Hookworm disease
These parasites penetrate the skin through cracks in the soles of the feet or wounds on other parts of the body.However, most often they still affect the lower extremities and remain there without traveling through the body.
Ankylostomiasis is manifested by the following symptoms:
- severe itching in the place where the parasite is located;
- changes in the skin;
- the occurrence of anemia.
The most unpleasant thing about infection is the fact that this disease is quite difficult to treat and it is not always possible to achieve a positive result.
Cysticercosis
Pork tapeworm larvae can also parasitize under human skin.The main habitat of these parasites in the human body is internal organs, into which they invade with worm-contaminated food or water.However, it is still common for them to develop under the skin and live there for years.
Symptoms of cysticercosis infection include swelling and new growths in the area where the parasite has invaded.Over time they become denser.In rare cases, an infection can cause hives.
The only way to get rid of them is surgery and taking antiparasitic medications.
scabies
Nowadays this disease is quite rare, but 50 years ago it was literally one of the most common diseases caused by parasites.Its appearance is caused by the penetration of a microscopic scabies mite under the skin of a person.In addition, it prefers to settle in the deep layers of the skin, feeds on the epithelium there and lays eggs there.
The life cycle of an adult is no more than two months.But during this time the female manages to lay more than a dozen eggs.The tick most commonly attacks the hands, wrinkles, armpits and soles of the feet.But it also occurs on the mammary glands and genitals.
Infection with this parasite leads to the development of scabies, which is indicated by obvious signs such as clearly visible passages, crusts on scratch sites, rashes and itching that worsens at night.If scabies is not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsens in the fall.
This disease is treated with sulfur ointment or a solution of hydrochloric acid and the use of sulfur soap.Antibiotics may be prescribed for extensive lesions.However, in order to avoid re-infection, it is necessary to boil the patient's linen and clothes and iron them on both sides with a hot iron.Therefore, it is easier to maintain personal hygiene and avoid contact with an infected person - this will help not to get sick.
Detection and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
The most common way to determine whether a person is infected or not is visually.However, in any case, the patient is prescribed an examination that will help to more accurately determine the location of the lesion and the number of parasites.
Parasitic skin diseases are diagnosed:
- scraping and smearing from the mucous membrane;
- A blood test to check for the presence of antibodies.
And only after receiving all the results can the doctor determine a treatment regimen and prescribe drugs that can destroy the parasite.
Treatment options depend on the type of disease.In some cases, surgery may even be necessary.But most often it is possible to get away with 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 achieve this, you must avoid drinking raw water, poorly fried meat products and close contact with infected people.