There are a number of protozoa that can only exist in the host's body.The main carriers for most of them are people.Having penetrated the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common.They are the ones that cause the most unpleasant moments, including the development of complications, and therefore you should consult a doctor at the first signs of infection.
Types of parasites that live under the skin
Protozoa, the main carriers of which are humans, are divided into two main groups:
- Leather
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects such as lice, fleas, and bedbugs.They live in human hair and skin, feed on his blood and can carry various dangerous diseases.But still, skin parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous parasites.The latter living in the human skin not only feed on its cells, but also grow their own offspring inside it.Therefore, the control of skin parasites in humans is much more difficult than the control of skin parasites.
A large number of protozoa and helminths live under the human skin, which can cause the development of various diseases, for example:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculosis
- Schistosomiasis
- Bloodworm disease
- Cysticercosis
- itching.
And the most unpleasant thing about it is that it is often very difficult to make a correct diagnosis, because the symptoms of such diseases often resemble a common allergic reaction.As a result, the treatment of dermatosis takes a very long time.
Let's review the symptoms of infection with each of the above to have an idea of what kind of subcutaneous parasites a person may have and how they manifest themselves.
Filariasis
This species does not live in our country, but it is easy to get infected when visiting 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, it can reach 7 years for this type of dermatosis.
Early symptoms of this parasitic skin disease often include mild fever and hives, so they are often ignored.
And only after a few years, the following begin to appear on the skin:
- ulcers
- warts
- Knots
- Papules.
Eczema can develop over time.In some cases, they may be accompanied by mild malaise, headaches and fever, which leads to the conclusion that the patient is infected with filariasis.This disease is caused by stem nematodes.
However, if timely measures are not taken, parasitic skin diseases can cause complications in the form of arthrosis and vision problems.
Using mosquito repellent will help prevent infection.By treating the exposed skin with it and thus protecting yourself from the bites of blood-sucking insects, you will protect yourself from filariasis infection.
Dracunculosis
This disease is caused by round subcutaneous helminths - guinea worms.Adults of these parasites, which live under human skin, can reach a length of more than one meter.The peculiarity of this species is that not only people, but also domestic animals: cats, dogs can serve as carriers for them.These parasites are most common in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body through raw, untreated water.After 2 weeks, they begin to travel through the body of the host, and after 1.5 months, they penetrate the subcutaneous areas.The larva will turn into an adult only after a year.
It is difficult to confuse the symptoms of guinea worm infection with any other disease.First, an elongated, swollen area that looks like a small lace appears on the skin in the leg area.Then a blister appears in its place, which contains helminth eggs.When water enters, it explodes and creates conditions for new larvae to emerge into the environment.
If the treatment of the disease is not started on time, the complications appear in the following form:
- Joint inflammation
- Gangrene
- Sepsis caused by an abscess forming on the skin.
As for the fight against this parasite of the human skin, it consists in removing it from the skin tissue.Moreover, if a large individual parasitizes the patient's body, this process can last several days.The only condition is not to crack the worm.
To avoid contracting dracunculiasis, you should drink only 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, so swimming in these waters puts you at risk of infection.This type of helminth parasitizes not only the human skin, but also the genitourinary organs.In the initial stage 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 is treated with antimony-based drugs.But it is better to avoid infection by following simple rules: avoid swimming in stagnant water bodies and drink only boiled water.
Bloodworm disease
These parasites penetrate the skin through cracks on the soles of the feet or wounds on other parts of the body.But most often they still affect the lower extremities and stay there without migrating throughout the body.
Ankylostomosis is expressed by the following symptoms:
- severe itching at the site of the parasite;
- changes in the skin;
- appearance of anemia.
The most unpleasant thing about the infection is that it is quite difficult to treat this disease and it is not always possible to get a positive result.
Cysticercosis
Pig tapeworm larvae can also parasitize under human skin.The main habitats of these parasites in the human body are the internal organs, which they penetrate with food or water contaminated with helminths.However, there are still frequent cases of their development under the skin and they can live there for years.
Symptoms of infection with cysticercosis are swelling and new growths in the area where the parasite has penetrated.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 surgical intervention and taking antiparasitic drugs.
itching
Today this disease is quite rare, but literally 50 years ago it was one of the most common diseases caused by parasites.Its appearance is caused by the penetration of a microscopic itch mite under the skin of a person.Moreover, it prefers to settle in the deep layers of the skin, where it feeds on the epithelium and lays eggs there.
The life cycle of an adult is no more than two months.However, during this period, the female manages to lay more than ten eggs.Most often, the tick affects the hands, folds, armpits and soles of the feet.However, it can also be found in the mammary glands and genitals.
Infection with this parasite leads to the development of scabies, which manifests itself with obvious symptoms such as clearly visible patches, crusts in the itchy areas, rashes, and itching that worsens at night.If the treatment is not carried out in time, itching can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsens in the fall.
This disease is treated with sulfur ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulfur soap.Antibiotics may be prescribed for extensive lesions.However, to prevent re-infection, the patient's linen and clothes should be boiled and ironed with a hot iron on both sides.Therefore, it is easier to follow the rules of personal hygiene and avoid contact with an infected person - this will help not to get sick.
Detection and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
You can often visually determine whether a person is infected.However, in any case, the patient will be prescribed an examination, which will help to more accurately determine the location of the lesion and the number of parasites.
Parasitic skin diseases are diagnosed:
- Taking scrapings and smears from the mucous membrane;
- A blood test to check the presence of antibodies.
And only after receiving all the results, the doctor can determine the treatment regimen and prescribe drugs that can destroy the parasite.
Treatment options depend on the type of disease.In some cases, even surgery may be required.But it is often possible to get it by using different drugs.
Disease prevention
Since some types of helminths can take several years to be removed from the human body, it is easier to prevent parasitic skin diseases.For this, it is necessary to avoid drinking raw water, poorly fried meat products and close contact with infected people.