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Signs of parasites living under human skin

Unfortunately, parasites can not only live and feed on a person’s internal organs, but can also penetrate under the skin. It causes a number of diseases that have their own characteristics. It is important to diagnose the cause of the unpleasant symptoms in time and start treatment before the parasitic worms cause great damage to the body. Most parasites that live under the skin can only become infected in tropical latitudes: they can swim in a stagnant pond, invade unboiled water, or fall prey to a blood-sucking insect. However, some individuals "settle" in their bodies without leaving their homes.

red spots with subcutaneous parasites

Types of diseases and parasites

Medicine distinguishes a number of diseases whose diagnosis indicates subcutaneous worms in humans.

  1. Cysticercosis. Its pathogens are larvae of the porcine earthworm. They are most commonly ingested with unboiled water or food. These worms are localized in the internal organs, eyes, brain, muscles and under the skin (observed on the shoulders, palms, chest). Such parasites can live in humans for years, and thickenings and swellings develop under the epidermis, which thicken over time. The diagnosis is somewhat facilitated by hives, which are constantly manifested by skin rashes.
  2. Schistosomiasis. This disease is provoked by helminths living in the waters of Africa and Asia. Worms affect the urinary system and skin. The main symptoms are itching, rash, dermatitis, heavy night sweats, kidney damage, and enlarged liver.
  3. Filariasis. These are filamentous nematodes that live in South America, Asia, and Africa. Blood-sucking insects are distributed. The disease develops for a very long time (up to seven years), but it provokes many pathologies of the skin: ulcers, eczema, lumps, papules, rashes. If a person does not pay attention to constant headaches, drowsiness, sleep disturbances and general weakness, complications can develop in the form of arthrosis, glaucoma, cataracts.
    4. symptoms of parasites under human skin
  4. Scabies. Scabies mites were quite common half a century ago. It settles in the deep layers of the epithelium, feeds on it, and lays eggs there. The female parasite lives for about two months, but can lay dozens of eggs under the skin. The tick breaks through the passages of the epithelium and this is what causes severe itching. Locations - folds on the body, sides of the thighs, mammary glands, armpits, genitals and hair. Human skin is covered with blistering rashes, acne, boils and other complications.
  5. Dirofillaria. These are parasites that can not only exist subcutaneously but can also affect the eyeball. Females of these worms reach 30 cm and males reach 10 cm. The worms of the species are carried by dogs and cats and bite them, the mosquitoes carry microfilaria larvae to humans. In this case, the development of the adult in the body can take years. According to statistics, much of the removal of eyeballs is precisely diagnosed with dirofillaria, after complete deterioration of vision, all the way to blindness. Seals form under the skin that itch, turn red, and reach the size of an egg. They contain the adult worm.
  6. Dracunculosis (guinea worm). These are round worms that reach 120 centimeters in length. It is more common in tropical climates. In addition to humans, cats and dogs are also affected. You can become infected by drinking unboiled water and swimming in polluted reservoirs. Once in the larval form, the worm reaches adulthood after only one year of human life. Most often, the feet suffer from this disease: they are prone to complications such as the development of contractures, arthritis. In addition, the presence of the guinea worm in one person is fraught with gangrene and sepsis.
  7. Ankylostomiasis. The pathogens of the worms live in tropical and subtropical climates. Hookworms get under the skin of a person through the slightest damage to the skin (usually the legs) and stay there to parasitize. The disease presents with symptoms such as severe itching, sometimes coughing, anemia, and signs of damage to internal organs.
  8. Demodicosis. It is one of the most common dermatological diseases. Occurs due to subcutaneous tick infestation. It is a non-helminthic disease, but the pest also lives in the layers of the epidermis (the ducts and sebaceous glands of Meibom). Symptoms of parasites: copious, pronounced pimples on the face, face, forehead and around the eyes, sometimes lashes also occur.
symptoms of subcutaneous parasite demodex on the face

Diagnosis, symptoms and signs

If subcutaneous worms and parasites are suspected, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible, as some individuals live in humans for several years before they can "enjoy" the symptoms.

Because the clinical picture of worms and other subcutaneous organisms is rather ambiguous and many symptoms occur individually, there is usually no clear list of signs. Several indicators can indicate subcutaneous parasites: constant itching, skin irritation, seals of various sizes, rashes, small blisters on the surface of the epithelium, indirectly - sleep disturbances, fatigue. To understand the etiology of such manifestations and to rule out helminthic invasion, you should consult a number of professionals, including:

  • dermatologist;
  • neuropathologist;
  • allergist;
  • infectious disease specialist;
  • psychologist (if previous professionals did not find a pathology in their profile).

Depending on the symptoms, the diagnosis is made in several ways:

  • blood test for antigens;
  • examination of the epidermal sample;
  • anointed;
  • take a secret;
  • scraping.

These indicators are able to detect the presence or absence of parasites on a person’s skin.

spots on the hands with a subcutaneous tick

Traditional pest control methods

Treatment depends directly on the type of parasitic worm. In each case, the appropriate therapy is selected, taking into account the age of the problem and the stage of neglect. Most drugs are toxic not only to worms but also to the human body.

  • the relief of dracunculiasis is possible only through surgery;
  • the scabies parasite is effectively expelled by hydrochloric acid and sulfur soap;
  • in schistosomiasis, the antimony drug helps;
  • the body is relieved of demodicosis by a cosmetic line for the care of the facial skin (special washing soap, cream).

In addition to traditional medication, the patient should tighten hygiene procedures, carefully monitor the cleanliness of the body, premises, clothing, and avoid unnecessary contact with people. In some cases, you will need diet food and skin care cosmetics.

Prevention of subcutaneous worms

Helminthic invasion requires extreme caution because it is very easy for parasites to settle in the body and it can take years for a correct diagnosis and recovery.

To minimize the risk of infection of subcutaneous worms, doctors advise you to remember the following rules:

  1. be vaccinated before traveling to countries with a tropical climate;
  2. always follow the rules of hygiene: wash your hands after contact with a large number of people, money, after going to the toilet, before eating;
  3. women should not use someone else’s cosmetics as there is a high risk of bringing parasitic larvae (or ticks) on their skin;
  4. fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before use, but poured with better boiling water, the meat should be exposed to heat for a long time, boiling water should be boiled;
  5. treat skin damage carefully with antiseptics, especially in the tropics;
  6. do not swim in dirty and doubtful waters.

If the parasites have settled under the skin, this is a reason to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. You will be able to determine the type of worm and prescribe appropriate treatment. In most cases, the patient is waiting for conservative therapy, including taking anthelmintic drugs and other medications that relieve the symptoms of the disease in humans.