There are a number of protozoa that can only exist in the host body. For most of them, the main carrier is the people. And once they have penetrated the human body, these creatures can live anywhere, but subcutaneous parasites are considered the most common. They are the ones who give 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 for which a person is, are divided into two main groups:
- cutaneous
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes insects such as: lice, fleas, bedbugs. They live in a person's hair and skin, feeding on his blood and are capable of carrying various dangerous diseases. But still, skin parasites are considered less dangerous than subcutaneous ones. The latter, living in human skin, not only feed on its cells, but also grow their offspring within 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
- Ankylostomia
- cisticerosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing about this is that it is often very difficult to make an accurate diagnosis, as the symptoms of such diseases often resemble a normal allergic reaction. Consequently, it takes a very long time to treat dermatoses.
In order 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 for them to become infected when they visit Africa, South America and Asia. Infection occurs when a person is bitten by a blood-sucking insect, such as a mosquito. In terms of incubation period, in this type of dermatosis can reach 7 years.
The initial symptoms of this parasitic skin disease are often mild fever and urticaria and are often ignored.
And only after a few years on the skin begin to appear:
- ulcers
- wen
- nodes
- papules.
Over time, eczema can develop. In some cases, they may be accompanied by a slight 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.
Using mosquito repellent medication will help avoid infection. By treating exposed areas of skin with it and protecting it from the bites of bloodsucking insects, you will protect yourself from filariasis 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. A feature of this species is that not only a person can serve as a carrier for them, but also pets: cats, dogs. These parasites are most commonly found in Central Asia.
Guinea worm larvae enter the human body by eating raw and untreated water. After 2 weeks, they begin their journey through the carrier body and after 1. 5 months penetrate the subcutaneous regions. The larva will develop into an adult only after one year.
The symptoms of newly infected infection are difficult to confuse with another disease. Initially, an elongated swollen area appears on the skin in the foot area, resembling a small lace. Then in its place a bubble is formed, inside which are the helminth eggs. And when water enters, it explodes, allowing 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 parasite of human skin, it consists in its removal from the skin tissues. Moreover, this process can take several days if a large individual parasitizes on the patient's body. The only condition is that the worm does not break.
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 puts you at risk of becoming infected. This variety of helminths parasitizes not only the human skin but also the genitourinary organs. In the initial stage of development, the disease is manifested by redness, itching, dermatitis. In the future there are signs of kidney damage and the liver may grow.
This disease is treated with antimony-based drugs. But it is better to avoid infection by adhering to simple rules: refuse to wash in stagnant water and use only boiled water.
Ankylostomia
These parasites enter under the skin through cracks in the soles of the feet or wounds in other parts of the body. But more often they still touch the lower limbs and remain there without migrating through the body.
Ankylosing spondylitis is manifested by the following symptoms:
- severe itching at the site of the parasite;
- change in 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.
cisticerosis
The larvae of tapeworms can also parasitize under human skin. The main habitats of these parasites in the human body are the internal organs, where they penetrate with food or water infected with helminths. But still, cases of their development under the skin are not uncommon, and there they can live for years.
Symptoms of cysticercosis infection are swelling and neoplasms at the site where the parasite has entered. Over time, they thicken. In rare cases, the infection may be associated with urticaria.
The only way to get rid of it is to have surgery on the complex and take 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 scabies mite. Moreover, he prefers to settle in the deep layers of the skin, where he feeds on the epithelium and lays eggs in it.
The life cycle of an adult is not more than two months. But during this time, the female manages to lay more than a dozen eggs. Most often, ticks affect the hands, folds, armpits, soles of the feet. But it can also be found in the mammary glands and genitals.
Infection with this parasite leads to the development of scabies, which are defined by visible signs, such as visible passages, crusts at the sites of scratches, redness, itching, which intensifies at night. With premature treatment scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen in the autumn periods.
Such a disease is treated with sulfur ointment or hydrochloric acid solution and with the use of sulfur soap. For extensive lesions, antibiotics may be prescribed. But to avoid reinfection, it is necessary to seize 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 infected people - this will help keep you from getting sick.
Identification and diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites
Most often, you can determine if a person is visually infected or not. 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:
- Getting an itch and a stain from the mucosa;
- 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 medications that can destroy the parasite.
Treatment methods depend on the type of disease. In some cases, surgery may be required. But more often it is possible to cope with the use of different drugs.
Disease prevention
Since the removal of certain species 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, uncooked meat products and close contact with infected people.