There are a number of protozoa that can only exist in the host's body. For most of them, the main vector is people. And after penetrating the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common. It is they who 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 vector for which a person is, are divided into two main groups:
- Cutaneous
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes such insects as: lice, fleas, bedbugs. They live in a person's hair and skin, feed on her blood and are capable of carrying 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 reproduce 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
- Dracuncoliasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Ankylostomiasis
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
And the most unfortunate 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. 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 it manifests itself, consider the signs of infection with each of the above.
Filariasis
This species does not live in our country, but it is easy for them to become infected when they visit Africa, South America and Asia. Infection occurs when a person is bitten by a bloodsucking insect, such as a mosquito. As for the incubation period, in 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
- nodules
- papules.
Over time, eczema can develop. In some cases they may be accompanied by a slight malaise, headache, fever, which makes it possible to conclude 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 osteoarthritis and vision problems.
Using mosquito repellents will help avoid infection. By treating open areas of the skin with it and thereby protecting yourself from the bites of bloodsucking insects, you will protect yourself from infection with filariasis.
Dracuncoliasis
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. A feature of this species is that not only a person can act as a carrier for them, but also pets - cats, dogs. 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 wearer's body and after 1. 5 months they penetrate the subcutaneous regions. The larva will only develop into an adult after one year.
The symptoms of rishta 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 a bubble is formed in its place, inside of which are helminth eggs. And when the water enters, it explodes, making it possible for new larvae to enter the environment.
If you do not start the treatment of the disease on time, 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 parasite of the human skin, it consists in its removal from the skin tissues. Also, this process can take several days if a large individual parasites into the patient's body. The only condition is not to break the worm.
To avoid dracunculiasis infection, you should only drink 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 getting infected. This variety of parasitic helminths not only on human skin, but also in the genitourinary organs. At the initial stage of development, the disease is manifested by rashes, itching, dermatitis. In the future, signs of kidney damage appear, and the liver may increase.
This disease is treated with antimony-based drugs. But it is better to avoid contagion by sticking to simple rules: refuse to bathe in standing water and use only boiled water.
Ankylostomiasis
These parasites get under the skin through cracks in the soles of the feet or wounds on other parts of the body. But most of the time they still affect the lower limbs and stay there without migrating through the body.
Ankylostomidosis is expressed by the following symptoms:
- severe itching in the place where the parasite is located;
- change in the skin;
- the appearance of anemia.
The most unfortunate thing about the infection is the fact that this disease is treated quite difficult and it is not always possible to get a positive result.
Cysticercosis
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 helminth-infected 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 are swelling and neoplasms where the parasite entered. Over time they thicken. In rare cases, the infection can be accompanied by hives.
The only way to get rid of it 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 of those caused by parasites. Its appearance is caused by the penetration under the skin of a person with a microscopic size of a scabies mite. In addition, 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 time, the female manages to lay more than a dozen eggs. Most often, the tick affects the hands, folds, armpits, 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 determined by obvious signs, such as clearly visible passages, scabs in the places of scratches, rashes, itching, which intensifies at night. With premature treatment, scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen in the autumn.
Such a disease is treated with sulfuric ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and the use of sulfuric soap. For 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 observe personal hygiene and avoid contact with the infected - this will help not to get sick.
Identification and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
Most often, you can determine whether a person is infected or not visually. However, in any case, the patient will be assigned 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 a scraping and smear from the mucous membrane;
- A blood test for the presence of antibodies in it.
And only after receiving all the results, the doctor can determine the treatment regimen and prescribe drugs that can destroy the parasite.
Methods of treatment depend on the type of disease. In some cases, surgery may also be required. But most often it is possible to get by with the use of various drugs.
Disease prevention
Since removing 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, undercooked meat products, and close contact with infected people.