When a person has subcutaneous parasites, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and diagnose the problem. It is also necessary to choose a regimen of therapy that takes into account the type of worms and their location. What parasites can live in human skin, what symptoms are simultaneously bothering the patient, what diagnostic measures will help in establishing the disease and what drug treatment will be carried out if the diagnosis is confirmed?
Reasons for appearing
Subcutaneous helminths that penetrate the human body cannot show themselves for years. As the worm matures, the infected person will develop severe symptoms that suggest something is wrong with the body and that medical attention is needed. The larvae of the worm enter the host's body in the following ways:
- from the bites of infected insects;
- when drinking the water in which the larvae are located;
- through skin contact with an infected person.
To determine what type of parasite has got under a person's skin, it is necessary to contact an infectious disease doctor who will send the patient for examination. After a series of diagnostic tests, the doctor will identify the type of worm and prescribe appropriate treatment. Removing subcutaneous parasites on your own is not recommended as it can worsen the condition and cause life-threatening complications.
Types of subcutaneous helminths, symptoms and localization
Drrankulose
Drrankulosis - worms under the human skin that enter the body when drinking dirty water live in countries with warm climates. Parasites are located on the back, abdomen and legs, namely in the subcutaneous layer. Adults reach heights of up to 150 cm and pets can also be carriers. When the larvae enter the human body, they migrate through the bloodstream, penetrate the internal organs and the subcutaneous layer. Adults reach sexual maturity after 12 months.
Due to the fact that skin parasites in a patient secrete their waste products, the skin in the place of their localization swells, itches and bursts when the tumor becomes large in size, and releases new larvae. The larvae in the leg cause complications such as blood poisoning, joint problems, and suppuration in the parasite's habitats.
Dirofilaria
Dirofilaria - skin parasites in humans that penetrate the host's body through insect bites, often mosquitos. The main host of Dirofilaria is a pet that is bitten by a mosquito and transfers the larvae into the human body with the bite. The incubation period lasts 2-3 years, during which the infected person has no symptoms. In addition to infecting a person's skin, the subcutaneous Dirofilaria worm invades the sclera of the eyes, causing visual impairment and, if treated prematurely, complete loss. In addition, the worm can live in the scrotum and affect other genital organs of the patient.
During vital activity, intradermal parasites secrete toxic waste products that cause itching and burning sensation. As the parasite grows, so does the area of the lesion on the skin. To remove the worm, the affected area is resected with the extraction of the Dirofilaria.
Scabies mite
Scabies mites are parasites that live under the skin and can only be seen under a microscope. The mite settles in the subcutaneous layer and develops a vital activity that damages the integrity of the dermis, causing the patient to worry about severe itching. The tick feeds on the human epithelium, develops completely in the patient's body, and lays eggs when it reaches puberty. Most often, the parasite is localized on the back, on the hands and fingers, on the soles of the legs, the outside of the thigh, on the chest, in the armpits, on the genitals, on the scalp. Infection with a scabies mite is clearly visible, and if the disease is not treated, complications such as furunculosis, dermatitis, eczema develop.
Filariasis
The main vectors of the disease are infected insects, which infect a person when they are bitten. When the larva enters the human body, symptoms of fever develop, which are accompanied by a rash. After that, the disease does not make itself felt for several years. When the larvae are formed, a person experiences symptoms such as a deterioration in general well-being, weakness, and a rise in temperature. Rashes in the form of eczema, ulcers, warts and lump growths appear on the neck, torso and back. If the disease is not treated in a timely manner, the person will suffer from visual disturbances and osteoarthritis worries.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis - subcutaneous worms that enter the human body on contact with contaminated water. Worms infect the patient's genitals, causing itching, allergic rashes, and dermatitis. In schistosomiasis, the kidneys and liver are affected. Parasites in the testicles and scrotum cause inflammation, lumps, and itching. It is important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and begin drug treatment.
Cysticercosis
Cysticercosis is caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm, which enter the human body when drinking contaminated water and meat from a sick animal. Helminths live under the skin, in the eyes, in the tissues of internal organs, muscles, and even in the head. If the larvae are located in the muscles and under the skin, there is pain and burning sensation. The affected area under the skin, where the helminth is located, grows and gradually becomes denser.
diagnosis
Subcutaneous parasites in humans are diagnosed directly in the office of an infectious disease doctor who examines the patient. The doctor assesses the lesions that determine the neglect of the disease. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient is referred for blood tests and scratch samples. For a more detailed diagnosis, instrumental methods are used that will help determine the location of the parasites and the number of adults in the body. When the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will develop a treatment regimen.
Treatment of subcutaneous parasites in humans
Treatment for parasites that attack the skin is based on the use of a broad spectrum anthelmintic. If there is inflammation, it is indicated to use antibiotics, a vasoconstrictor, and antihistamines.
In dirofilariasis, when the worm is concentrated in one place and its movement is restricted, an operation is prescribed to make an incision in the affected part and, with the help of a doctor, the worms to emerge through the skin. Surgical removal is indicated in cases of massive damage from large worms to the internal organs, the sclera of the eyes and the brain. You should not try to cure this type of helminthiasis yourself using popular methods, since with strong invasion they are generally ineffective and, in some cases, can harm the patient.
prophylaxis
Since subcutaneous worms and mites get into the human body through the skin, the first thing to do when coming into contact with an infected carrier is to observe the rules of hygiene: Always wash your hands before eating, keep the room clean, change underwear and bedding regularly, giveno mosquitoes and other insects in the apartment building.
If a person prefers to relax in countries with a tropical climate, then it is worth taking care of the quality of the drink, food and resting place in advance. If insects and animals that cause parasitic disease live in the selected area, you should consult with your doctor about safety rules that will help prevent infection.