There are numerous protozoa that can only exist in the host's body.For most of them, the main vector is people.And having penetrated the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common.It is they who 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, whose main vector is man, are divided into two main groups:
- Cutaneous
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects such as lice, fleas, bedbugs.They live in human hair and skin, feed on his blood and are capable of carrying various dangerous diseases.However, cutaneous parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous ones.The latter, living in human skin, not only feed on its cells, but also raise their offspring inside it.Therefore, fighting skin parasites in humans is much more difficult than fighting skin parasites.
Numerous protozoa and helminths live under the human skin and can lead to the development of various diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculiasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Hookworm disease
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing is that making a correct diagnosis is often very difficult, since the symptoms of such diseases often resemble a common allergic reaction.As a result, the treatment of dermatoses takes a long time.
To get an idea of what subcutaneous parasites a person may have and how they manifest themselves, let's consider the signs of infection with each of the above.
Filariasis
This species does not live in our country, but it is easy to contract the infection when visiting Africa, South America and Asia.The 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 dermatosis it can reach 7 years.
The initial symptoms of this parasitic skin disease often include mild fever and hives, so they are often ignored.
And only after a few years they 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, headache and fever, which leads to the conclusion that the patient has contracted 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 arthrosis and vision problems.
Using mosquito repellent will help avoid infection.By treating exposed skin with it and thus protecting yourself from the bites of blood-sucking insects, you will protect yourself from heartworm infection.
Dracunculiasis
This disease is caused by round subcutaneous helminths: Guinea worms.Adults of these parasites living under human skin can reach a length of more than one meter.The peculiarity of this species is that not only humans, but also pets: cats and dogs can act as carriers for them.These parasites are most often found in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body by eating 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 larva will develop into an adult only after a year.
Symptoms of guinea worm infection are difficult to confuse with another disease.Initially, an elongated, swollen area appears on the skin in the leg area, resembling a small lace.Then in its place a bubble is formed, inside which helminth eggs are located.And when the water enters, it bursts, allowing new larvae to emerge into the environment.
If treatment of the disease is not started on time, complications appear in the form of:
- Joint inflammation
- Gangrene
- Sepsis, caused by abscesses forming on the skin.
As for the fight against this human skin parasite, this consists in eliminating it from the skin tissue.Also, this process can last several days if a large individual parasitizes the patient's body.The only condition is not to break the worm.
To avoid dracunculiasis infection, 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 swimming in them runs the risk of contracting the infection.This type of helminths parasites not only on human skin, but also in the genitourinary organs.In the initial stage of development, the disease manifests itself as skin rashes, itching and dermatitis.Signs of kidney damage later appear and the liver may become enlarged.
This disease is treated with antimony-based drugs.But it is better to avoid contagion by respecting simple rules: avoid swimming in stagnant water 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 very often they still affect the lower extremities and remain there, without migrating throughout the body.
Ankylostomiasis is expressed by the following symptoms:
- severe itching in the place where the parasite is located;
- changes in the skin;
- the appearance 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
Pork tapeworm larvae can also parasitize under human skin.The main habitats of these parasites in the human body are internal organs, where they penetrate with food or water contaminated with helminths.But cases of their development under the skin are still frequent and they can live there for years.
Symptoms of cysticercosis infection are swelling and new growths in the area where the parasite has entered.Over time they become denser.In rare cases, the infection may be accompanied by hives.
The only way to get rid of them is through 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 microscopic scabies mite 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 its eggs there.
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.In most cases, the tick affects 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 indicated by obvious signs, such as clearly visible passages, scabs where you scratch, skin rashes, and itching that worsens at night.If not treated promptly, scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen in autumn.
This disease is treated with sulfur ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulfur soap.For large lesions, antibiotics may be prescribed.But to avoid reinfection, it is necessary to boil the patient's linen and clothes 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 not to get sick.
Identification and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
Most often, it is possible to visually determine whether a person is infected or not.However, in any case, the patient will be 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:
- Taking a scraping and smear from the mucosa;
- A blood test to check for antibodies.
And only after receiving all the results the doctor can determine a treatment regimen and prescribe drugs capable of destroying the parasite.
Treatment options depend on the type of disease.In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.But very often it is possible to cope 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 prevent parasitic skin diseases.To do this, you need to avoid drinking raw water, lightly fried meat products and close contact with infected people.