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 having penetrated into 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 protozoa, the main carrier for which is a person, are divided into two main groups:
- Cutaneous
- Subcutaneous.
The first includes such insects as: lice, fleas, bedbugs. They live in the hair and on the skin of a person, feeding on his blood and are able to carry 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 breed their offspring inside it. Therefore, it is much more difficult to deal with skin parasites in humans than with skin parasites.
A lot of protozoa and helminths live under human skin, which can lead to the development of various kinds of diseases, such as:
- Filariasis
- Dracunculiasis
- Schistosomiasis
- Ankylostomiasis
- Cysticercosis
- Scabies.
And the most unpleasant thing about this is that it is often very difficult to make a correct diagnosis, since the symptoms of such diseases often resemble a normal allergic reaction. Consequently, it takes a very long time to treat dermatoses.
In order for you to have an idea of what subcutaneous parasites a person can 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 to get infected 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, in this type of dermatoses 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 may develop. In some cases, they may be accompanied by a slight malaise, headaches, fever, which allows us to conclude that the patient has contracted 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 arthrosis and vision problems.
The use of mosquito repellents will help to avoid infection. By treating open areas of the skin with it and thus protecting yourself from the bites of blood-sucking insects, you will protect yourself from infection with filariasis.
Dracunculiasis
This disease is caused by round subcutaneous worms - guinea worms. Adults of these parasites living under human skin can reach a length of more than a meter. A feature of this species is that not only a person can serve as a carrier for them, but also domestic animals: 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 body of the carrier, and after 1. 5 months they penetrate into the subcutaneous regions. The larva will develop into an adult only after one year.
The symptoms of infection with rishta are difficult to confuse with another disease. Initially, an elongated swollen area appears on the skin in the area of \u200b\u200bthe legs, resembling a small lace. Then a bubble forms in its place, inside of which are the eggs of the helminth. And when water gets in, it bursts, making 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 skin parasite, it consists in its removal from the skin tissues. Moreover, this process can take several days if a large individual parasitizes in the patient's body. The only condition is not to break the worm.
To avoid infection with dracunculiasis, you must drink only disinfected water and do 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 being infected. This variety of helminths parasitizes 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 drugs based on antimony. But it is better to avoid infection by adhering to simple rules: refuse to bathe in stagnant water and use only boiled water.
Ankylostomiasis
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 limbs and remain 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 unpleasant thing about infection is the fact that this disease is treated quite difficult and it is not always possible to achieve a positive result.
Cysticercosis
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 helminth-infected food or water. But still, cases of their development under the skin are not uncommon, and there they can live for years.
Symptoms of infection with cysticercosis are swelling and neoplasms in the place where the parasite has entered. Over time, they thicken. In rare cases, infection may be accompanied by hives.
The only way to get rid of them is surgical intervention 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 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 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, 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 are determined by obvious signs, such as clearly visible passages, crusts in the places of scratching, rashes, itching, which intensifies at night. With untimely treatment, scabies can lead to the development of dermatitis and eczema, which worsen in the autumn periods of time.
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 in order to avoid re-infection, it is necessary to boil the linen and clothes of the patient and iron it 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 more accurately help determine the location of the lesion and the number of parasites.
Parasitic skin diseases are diagnosed:
- Taking a scraping and a 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 medications that can destroy the parasite.
Treatment methods depend on the type of disease. In some cases, even surgery may be required. But most often it is possible to get by 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, undercooked meat products and close contact with infected people.