There are a number of protozoa that can only exist within the host's body.For most of them, the main carrier 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 provoke 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 is humans, are divided into two main groups:
- Dermal
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects like lice, fleas, bedbugs.They live in human hair and skin, feed on his blood and are capable of transmitting various dangerous diseases.However, skin parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous parasites.The latter, living in human skin, not only feed on its cells, but also raise their offspring in them.Therefore, fighting skin parasites in humans is much more difficult than fighting skin parasites.
Under human skin live numerous protozoa and helminths that can lead to the development of various diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculiasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Hookworm
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing is that it is often very difficult to make a correct diagnosis, because the symptoms of these diseases often resemble a common allergic reaction.Therefore, the treatment of dermatoses is very long.
To give you an idea of what subcutaneous parasites a person can have and how they manifest, 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 become infected during visits to 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 dermatoses it can reach 7 years.
The first 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 can develop.In some cases, they may be accompanied by slight malaise, headache and fever, which allows us to conclude that the patient has been infected with filariasis.This disease is caused by thread-like 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 mosquito repellent will help avoid infection.By treating exposed skin with it and thereby protecting yourself from blood-sucking insect bites, you will protect yourself from filariasis infection.
Dracunculiasis
This disease is caused by subcutaneous round helminths - Guinea worm.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, dogs can serve as carriers.These parasites 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 through the host's body, and after 1.5 months, they enter the subcutaneous areas.The larva will only become an adult after a year.
The symptoms of guinea worm infection are difficult to confuse with another illness.Initially, an elongated, swollen area appears on the skin on the legs, resembling small lace.Then, in its place, a bubble forms, inside which there are helminth eggs.And when 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 that form on the skin.
As for the fight against this human skin parasite, it consists of eliminating it from skin tissues.In addition, 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 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 run the risk of becoming infected.This type of helminths parasitizes not only human skin, but also the genitourinary organs.At the initial stage of development, the disease manifests itself with rashes, itching and dermatitis.Subsequently, signs of kidney damage appear and the liver may enlarge.
This disease is treated with drugs based on antimony.But it is better to avoid infection by following simple rules: avoid swimming in stagnant bodies of water and only drink boiled water.
Hookworm
These parasites enter 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 limbs and remain there, without migrating throughout the body.
Hookworm is expressed by the following symptoms:
- severe itching where the parasite is located;
- changes in the skin;
- the appearance 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 habitats of these parasites in the human body are internal organs, where they enter with food or water contaminated with helminths.But there are still common cases of developing under the skin, where they can live 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 medications.
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 caused by the penetration of a microscopic scabies mite under a person's skin.In addition, it prefers to settle in the deeper 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 time, 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 on the mammary glands and genitals.
Infection with this parasite leads to the development of scabies, which is manifested by obvious signs, such as clearly visible passages, crusts in the places of scratching, rashes and itching that worsens at night.If not treated quickly, scabies can lead to the appearance of dermatitis and eczema, which worsens in the fall.
This disease is treated with sulfur ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and using sulfur soap.In case of extensive 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.
Detection and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
Most often, you can visually determine whether a person is infected or not.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 dermatoses are diagnosed:
- Take a scraping and smear of 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 rid of it using various medications.
Disease prevention
Since it can take several years to eliminate some types of helminths from the human body, it is easier to prevent parasitic skin diseases.To do this, you should avoid drinking raw water, poorly fried meat products and close contact with infected people.