There are a number of protozoa that can only exist in the body of the host. For most of them, the main carrier is people. And once they have penetrated the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common. They deliver the most unpleasant moments, including the development of complications, and therefore at the first signs of infection it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Types of parasites that live under the skin
The simplest, the main carrier of which is man, are divided into two main groups:
- Leather
- Subcutaneously.
The first includes such insects as: lice, fleas, bedbugs. They live in a person's hair and skin, feeding on his blood and are able to transmit various dangerous diseases. However, skin 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, it is much more difficult to deal with skin parasites in humans than with skin parasites.
Many protozoa and helminths live under human skin, which can lead to the development of various types of diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculiasis
- schistosomiasis
- hookworm disease
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing about this is that it is often very difficult to make a correct diagnosis, as the symptoms of such diseases often resemble a normal allergic reaction. Therefore, the treatment of dermatoses takes a long time.
To have an idea of what subcutaneous parasites a person may have and how it manifests, consider the signs of infection with each of the above.
Filariasis
This species does not live in our country, but it is easy to catch 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, with this type of dermatosis it can reach 7 years.
The initial symptoms of this parasitic skin disease are often mild fever and hives and are often ignored.
And only after a few years on the skin begin to appear:
- ulcers
- Warts
- nodes
- papules.
Eczema can develop over time. In some cases, they may be accompanied by mild malaise, headache, fever, which allows us to conclude that the patient is infected with filariasis. This disease is caused by filamentous nematodes.
But if measures are not taken in time, then parasitic skin diseases can lead to complications in the form of osteoarthritis and vision problems.
The use of mosquito repellents will help avoid infection. By treating exposed areas of the skin with it and thus protecting yourself from blood-sucking insect bites, you will protect yourself from contracting filariasis.
Dracunculiasis
This disease is caused by round subcutaneous helminths - sea worms. Adults of these parasites, living under human skin, can reach a length of more than a meter. Characteristic of this species is that not only a person can serve as a carrier, but also pets: cats, dogs. These parasites are most common in Central Asia.
The larvae of the sea worm enter the human body by eating raw, untreated water. After 2 weeks they begin their journey through the body of the carrier and after 1. 5 months penetrate the subcutaneous areas. The larva will develop into an adult in just one year.
The symptoms of scabies infection are difficult to confuse with another disease. Initially, an elongated swollen area resembling a small lace appears on the skin in the area of the feet. Then a bubble forms in its place, inside which are the helminth eggs. And when the water enters, it bursts, which makes it possible for new larvae to enter the environment.
If you do not start treatment of the disease in time, then complications appear in the form of:
- Inflammation of the joints
- gangrene
- Sepsis, which is caused by abscesses formed on the skin.
As for the fight against this human parasite on the skin, it consists in its removal from the skin tissues. In addition, this process can take several days if a large individual parasitizes the patient's body. The only condition is not to break the worm.
To avoid contracting 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 swimming in them puts you at risk of infection. This variety of helminths parasitizes not only on human skin but also in the genitourinary system. In the initial stage of development the disease manifests itself with rashes, itching, dermatitis. In the future, there are signs of kidney damage and the liver may increase.
This disease is treated with antimony-based drugs. But it is better to avoid infection by following simple rules: refuse to bathe in stagnant water and use only boiled water.
hookworm disease
These parasites enter under the skin through cracks in the soles of the feet or wounds on other parts of the body. But most often they still affect the lower extremities and remain there without migrating through the body.
Hookworm disease is characterized by the following symptoms:
- severe itching at the site of the parasite;
- skin change;
- 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
Tapeworm larvae can also parasitize under human skin. The main habitats of these parasites in the human body are the internal organs, where they penetrate with helminth-contaminated food or water. However, cases of their development under the skin are not uncommon and they can live there for years.
Symptoms of cysticercosis infection include swelling and neoplasms where the parasite has entered. Over time, they thicken. In rare cases, the infection may be accompanied by hives.
The only way to get rid of them is surgery in the complex 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 penetration under the skin of a person with a microscopic size of a cucumber. 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 is no more than 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, 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 determined by obvious signs, such as clearly visible passages, crusts at the sites of scratching, rashes, itching, which intensifies at night. With untimely treatment, scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen during the autumn periods.
Such a disease is treated with sulfur ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulfur soap. Antibiotics may be prescribed for extensive lesions. But in order to avoid re-infection, it is necessary to boil the patient's underwear and clothes and iron them with a hot iron on both sides. Therefore, it is easier to observe personal hygiene and avoid contact with the infected - this will help keep you from getting sick.
Identification and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
Most often you can determine whether a person is infected or not visually. However, in each case the patient will be assigned an examination that will help to more accurately determine the location of the lesion and the number of parasites.
Parasitic skin diseases are diagnosed:
- Scraping and smearing of the mucosa;
- Blood test for antibodies.
And only after receiving all the results, the doctor can determine the treatment regimen and prescribe drugs that can destroy the parasite.
The methods of treatment depend on the type of disease. In some cases, surgery may even be necessary. But most often it is possible to cope with the use of 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, avoid drinking raw water, under-processed meat products and close contact with infected people.