There are some protozoa that can only exist within the host body.For most of them, the carrier is the person.And after entering the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common.They are the cause of 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 live under the skin
Protozoa, the main carriers of human pathogens, are divided into two main groups:
- skin
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects such as lice, fleas, and bedbugs.They live on human hair and skin, suck human blood and are capable of carrying many different dangerous diseases.However, cutaneous parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous parasites.The second type, living in human skin, not only eats its cells, but also reproduces offspring inside it.Therefore, fighting skin parasites in humans is much more difficult than fighting skin parasites.
Under the human skin there are quite a few protozoa and helminths that can lead to the development of various diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Ascariasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Hookworm disease
- Helminth disease
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing about this is that the correct diagnosis is often very difficult, since the symptoms of such diseases often resemble an ordinary allergic reaction.Therefore, treating atopic dermatitis takes a lot of time.
So that you know what types of subcutaneous parasites a person can have and how it manifests itself, let's look at the signs of infection with each of the above types.
Filariasis
This species does not live in our country but 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.Regarding the incubation period, for this type of dermatological disease it can be up to 7 years.
The initial symptoms of this parasitic skin disease are usually mild fever and hives, so they are often overlooked.
And only after a few years do the following signs begin to appear on the skin:
- ulcers
- warts
- nodules
- papules.
Over time, eczema can develop.In some cases, they may be accompanied by mild discomfort, headache and fever, leading to the conclusion that the patient has a heartworm infection.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 arthritis and vision problems.
Using mosquito repellent will help avoid infection.By treating open skin with it and thereby protecting yourself from bites of blood-sucking insects, you will protect yourself from infection with threadworms.
Ascariasis
This disease is caused by subcutaneous roundworms - guinea worms.Adults of these parasites that 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 and dogs can be carriers of the disease.These parasites are most commonly found in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body by ingesting raw, untreated water.After 2 weeks, they begin their journey through the host's body and after 1.5 months they penetrate the subcutaneous areas.The larvae will develop into adults after only one year.
Symptoms of guinea worm infection are difficult to confuse with another disease.Initially, a swollen, elongated bump appears on the skin of the leg area, resembling a small lace mark.Then, in its place, a bubble will form, inside which will be helminth eggs.And when water enters, it bursts, allowing new larvae to appear in the environment.
If treatment of the disease is not started on time, complications appear in the form of:
- Arthritis
- gangrene
- Sepsis, caused by an abscess forming on the skin.
As for the fight against this human skin parasite, it consists in eliminating it from skin tissue.Furthermore, this process can last several days if a large individual parasitizes the patient's body.The only condition is that the worm cannot be destroyed.
To avoid contracting dracunculosis, you should only drink disinfected water and do not swim in open water.
Schistosomiasis
This disease is also caused by helminths.They live in Asian and African waters, so when swimming in them you risk being infected.This type of helminth is not only parasitic on human skin but also in the genital organs.In the initial stages of development, the disease is manifested by 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 infection by following simple rules: avoid swimming in stagnant waters and drink only boiled water.
Hookworm disease
These parasites enter the skin through cracks in the soles of the feet or wounds on other parts of the body.But most of them still affect the lower limbs and stay there without moving throughout the body.
Ankylostomosis is manifested by the following symptoms:
- severe itching in the place where the parasite is located;
- changes in the skin;
- appearance of anemia.
The most unpleasant thing about infection is that the disease is quite difficult to treat and does not always achieve a positive result.
Helminth disease
Pork tapeworm larvae can also parasitize under human skin.The main habitat of these parasites in the human body is the internal organs, where they enter with food or water infected with helminths.But there are still frequent cases where they grow under the skin and they can live there for many years.
Symptoms of hydatid cyst infection are swelling and the development of new tumors in the area where the parasite has entered.Over time they become denser.In rare cases, the infection may be accompanied by a rash.
The only way to remove them is surgical intervention and anti-parasitic drugs.
Scabies
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 due to the penetration of microscopic scabies under the skin of a person.Furthermore, it prefers to settle in the deep layers of the skin, where it feeds on the epithelium and lays eggs in it.
The life span of an adult is no more than two months.But during this time, the female can lay more than a dozen eggs.Most often, ticks affect the hands, folds, armpits and soles of the feet.But it can also be found on the mammary glands and genitals.
Infection with this parasite leads to the development of scabies, which is manifested by clear signs, such as clear tracks, scabs in places of scratching, rashes and itching that is worse at night.If not treated promptly, scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen in the fall.
This disease is treated with sulfur ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulfur soap.For widespread damage, antibiotics may be prescribed.But to avoid re-infection, it is necessary to boil the patient's linen and clothes and then iron them with a hot iron on both sides.So it will be easier to maintain personal hygiene and avoid contact with infected people - this will help not to get sick.
Detect and diagnose subcutaneous parasites
Usually, you can determine if a person is infected with the naked eye.However, in all cases, 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:
- Take a scratch and smear from the mucous membrane;
- Blood test to check for the presence of antibodies.
And only after receiving all the results can the doctor determine the treatment regimen and prescribe drugs that can destroy the parasites.
Treatment options depend on the type of disease.In some cases, surgery may even be required.But most often it can be achieved using various medications.
Disease prevention
Since eliminating some types of helminths from the human body can take several years, it is easier to prevent parasitic skin diseases.To do this, you need to avoid drinking raw water, poorly fried meat products and avoid close contact with infected people.