There are many protozoa that can only exist in the host's body.For most of them, the main agent is people.And 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, at the first signs of infection, you should consult a doctor.
Types of parasites that live under the skin
Protozoa, the main carrier of which are humans, are divided into two main groups:
- Leather
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects such as lice, fleas, bed bugs.They live in human hair and skin, feed on his blood and are capable of carrying various dangerous diseases.However, skin parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous ones.The latter, living in the human skin, not only feed on its cells, but also raise their offspring inside it.Therefore, combating skin parasites in humans is much more difficult than combating skin parasites.
Under the human skin live several protozoa and helminths that can lead to the development of various diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculiasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Hookworm disease
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing about it is that the correct diagnosis is often very difficult, since the symptoms of such diseases often resemble a common allergic reaction.Consequently, it takes a long time to treat skin diseases.
To get an idea of what subcutaneous parasites a person may have and how they manifest themselves, let's look at the signs of infection with each of the above.
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, for this type of skin disease it can reach 7 years.
The initial symptoms of this parasitic skin disease often include a 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
- Nodules
- papules.
Over time, eczema may develop.In some cases, they may be accompanied by slight malaise, headaches and fever, which leads to the conclusion that the patient is infected with filariasis.This disease is caused by thread nematodes.
But if timely measures are not taken, parasitic skin diseases can lead to complications in the form of joints and vision problems.
Using mosquito repellent will help prevent infection.By treating the exposed skin with it and thereby protecting yourself from the bites of blood-sucking insects, you will protect yourself from filariasis infection.
Dracunculiasis
This disease is caused by round subcutaneous helminths - tapeworms.Adults of these parasites that live under the human skin can reach a length of more than a meter.The peculiarity of this species is that not only people, but also domestic animals: cats, dogs can serve as carriers for them.These pests are most commonly found in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body by eating raw, untreated water.After 2 weeks they begin their journey into the host's body and after 1.5 months they penetrate the subcutaneous areas.The larva will develop into an adult only after a year.
The symptoms of Indian tongue worm infection are difficult to confuse with any other disease.First there is an elongated, swollen area on the skin in the leg area, which looks like a little lace.Then a bubble is formed in its place, inside which are helminth eggs.And when water gets in, it bursts, allowing new larvae to emerge into the environment.
If the treatment of the disease is not started in time, complications appear in the form of:
- Inflammation of the joints
- Gangrene
- Sepsis, which is caused by abscesses forming on the skin.
As far as combating this human skin parasite is concerned, it consists in removing it from the skin tissue.In addition, this process can last for several days if a large individual parasitizes the patient's body.The only condition is that the worm does not break.
To avoid infection with dracunculiasis, you should drink only disinfected water and not swim in open water.
Schistosomiasis
This disease is also caused by helminths.They live in the waters of Asia and Africa, so by swimming in them you put yourself at risk of contamination.This type of helminth parasitizes not only the human skin, but also the urogenital organs.In the initial stage of development, the disease manifests itself as rashes, itching and dermatitis.Then, 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 contamination by following simple rules: avoid swimming in stagnant bodies of water and drink only boiled water.
Hookworm disease
These parasites enter the skin through cracks in the soles or wounds in other parts of the body.But most often they still affect the lower extremities and remain there, without migrating throughout the body.
Hookworm is expressed by the following symptoms:
- severe itching in the place where the parasite is located.
- skin changes;
- occurrence of anemia.
The most unpleasant thing about the infection is the fact that this disease is quite difficult to treat and it is not always possible to achieve a positive result.
Cysticercosis
Larvae of the pork tapeworm can also parasitize under the human skin.The main habitats of these parasites in the human body are the internal organs, where they penetrate with food or water contaminated with helminths.But there are still frequent cases of their growth under the skin, and there they can live for years.
Symptoms of cysticercosis infection are swelling and new growths in the area where the parasite has penetrated.Over time they become denser.In rare cases, the infection may be accompanied by hives.
The only way to get rid of them is surgery and taking antiparasitic drugs.
Scabies
Today this disease is quite rare, but literally 50 years ago it was one of the most common among those caused by parasites.Its appearance is caused by the penetration of a tiny scabby mite under the skin of a person.In addition, it prefers to settle in the deep layers of the skin, where it feeds on the epithelium and lays eggs in it.
The life cycle of an adult does not exceed two months.But during this period the female manages to lay more than a dozen eggs.Most often, the tick affects the hands, folds, armpits and 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 is indicated by obvious signs, such as clearly visible passages, crusts in places where scratches, rashes and itching that worsen at night.If not treated in time, scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen in the fall.
This disease is treated with sulphurous ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulphurous soap.For extensive lesions, antibiotics may be prescribed.But to prevent re-infection, it is necessary to boil the linen and clothes of the patient and iron them with a hot iron on both sides.Therefore, it is easier to maintain personal hygiene and avoid contact with an infected person - this will help you not to get sick.
Detection and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
Most of the time, you can determine whether or not a person is infected visually.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 mucosa.
- 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 required.But most of the time it is possible to get it using various drugs.
Disease prevention
Since the removal of some types of helminths from the human body can take several years, it is easier to avoid parasitic skin diseases.To do this, you need to avoid drinking raw water, poorly fried meat products and close contact with infected people.