Unfortunately, parasites can live and feed not only on a person's internal organs, but also penetrate under the skin. This causes a number of diseases that have their own specifics. It is important to diagnose the cause of the unpleasant symptoms in time and start treatment before the parasitic worms cause major damage to the body. Most parasites that live under the skin can only be infected in the tropics: by swimming in a stagnant pond, by drinking unboiled water, or by falling prey to a blood-sucking insect. But some individuals are "placed" in their body without leaving home.
Varieties of diseases and parasites
Medicine distinguishes a variety of diseases, the diagnosis of which shows subcutaneous worms in humans.
- Cysticercosis. Its causative agents are larvae of swine flu. Most often they enter the body with undigested water or food. These worms are located in the internal organs, eyes, brain, muscles and under the skin (observed on the shoulders, palm, chest). Such parasites can live in humans for years, thickening and swelling form under the epidermis, which thicken over time. The diagnosis is slightly facilitated by urticaria, which is constantly manifested by redness of the skin.
- Schistosomiasis. This disease is provoked by helminths living in the waters of Africa and Asia. Worms affect the genitourinary system and the skin. The main symptoms are itching, redness, dermatitis, heavy sweating at night, kidney damage, enlarged liver.
- Filariaza. These are filamentous nematodes that live in South America, Asia, and Africa. They are spread by blood-sucking insects. The disease develops for a very long time (up to seven years), but provokes a variety of skin pathologies: ulcers, eczema, joints, papules, rashes. If a person does not pay attention to persistent headaches, drowsiness, sleep disturbances and general weakness, complications in the form of osteoarthritis, glaucoma, cataracts can develop.
- Scabies. Scabies myth half a century ago was quite common. It settles in the deep layers of the epithelium, feeding on it and laying eggs there. The female parasite lives for about two months, but manages to lay several dozen eggs under the skin. The tick penetrates through the passages in the epithelium, and this is what provokes severe itching. Locations - folds on the body, sides of the thighs, mammary glands, armpits, genitals and hair. Human skin is covered with blisters, acne, boils and other complications appear.
- Dirofilaria. These are parasites that can exist not only subcutaneously, but also affect the head of the eye. Females of these worms reach a length of up to 30 cm, and males - up to 10. Carriers of worms of this species are dogs and cats, and by biting them, mosquitoes carry to humans microfilaria larvae. In this case, the development of an adult in the body can take years. According to statistics, most of the eye's head removal falls exactly on the diagnosis of dirofillaria, after a total deterioration of vision, up to blindness. Seals form under the skin, which itch, redden and can reach the size of an egg. It is in them that the adult worm is located.
- Dracunculosis (gini worm). These are roundworms, reaching a length of up to 120 centimeters. Most common in tropical climates. In addition to humans, cats and dogs are also affected. You can become infected with them by drinking raw water, swimming in contaminated reservoirs. Once it enters the body in the form of a larva, the worm reaches adulthood only after one year living in a person. Most often, the feet suffer from this disease: are those who are prone to complications such as the development of contractures, inflammation of the joints. Moreover, the presence of guinea worm inside a person is fraught with gangrene and blood poisoning.
- Ankylostomia. Worm-causing agents live in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. Breastworms get under a person's skin through the slightest damage to the skin (usually the feet) and remain there to become parasitic. The disease is manifested by symptoms such as severe itching, sometimes there is a cough, anemia, there are signs of damage to internal organs.
- Demodicosis. This is one of the most common dermatological diseases. Occurs due to penetration of the causative agent of subcutaneous ticks. It is a non-helminthic disease, but the pest also lives in the layers of the epidermis (in the meibomian ducts and sebaceous glands). Symptoms of parasites: abundant acne, pronounced on face, cheeks, forehead and around eyes, sometimes there is loss of eyelashes.
Diagnosis, symptoms and signs
If worms and subcutaneous parasites are suspected, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, because some individuals live in humans for several years before "satisfying" the symptoms. Therefore, at the time of detection, the parasites already have time to cause damage to health.
Since the clinical picture of worms and other subcutaneous inhabitants is quite vague and many symptoms appear individually, there is usually no clear list of signs. There are a number of indicators that can indicate subcutaneous parasites: persistent itching, skin irritation, seals of various sizes, redness, small blisters on the surface of the epithelium, indirectly - sleep disturbances, fatigue. To discover the etiology of such manifestations and to rule out helminthic invasion, you should visit a number of specialists, among them:
- dermatologist;
- neuropathologist;
- allergist;
- infectious disease specialist;
- psychologist (if previous specialists have not found pathology in their profile).
Diagnosis is made in several ways, depending on the symptoms:
- blood test for antigens;
- examination of the epidermis sample;
- staining;
- getting a secret;
- itching.
It is these indicators that can detect the presence or absence of parasites on a person's skin.
Traditional pest control methods
Treatment depends directly on the type of parasitic worm. In each individual case, an appropriate therapy is chosen, taking into account the age and stage of neglect of the problem. Most medicines are quite toxic not only to the worm but also to the human body.
- get rid of dracunculiasis is possible only through a surgical operation;
- The scabies parasite is effectively expelled from hydrochloric acid and sulfuric soap;
- with schistosomiasis, an antimony drug will help;
- the body is freed from demodicosis by a cosmetic line for facial skin care (special washing soap, cream).
Along with traditional medication treatment, 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, skin care cosmetics.
Prevention of subcutaneous worms
With helminthic infestations you have to be extremely careful because the placement of parasites in the body is quite simple and it can take years for an accurate diagnosis and cure.
To minimize the risk of infection with subcutaneous worms, doctors advise you to remember the following rules:
- before traveling to countries with tropical climates, you should be vaccinated;
- 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;
- women should not use someone else's cosmetics, as there is a high risk of bringing parasite larvae (or ticks) to their skin;
- fruits and vegetables should be washed well before use, but it is better to pour over boiling water, subject the meat to prolonged thermal effects, boil water for drinking;
- carefully treat any skin damage with antiseptics, especially in the tropics;
- do not swim in dirty and dubious waters.
If the parasites have settled under the skin, this is a reason to contact a dermatologist as soon as possible. He will be able to determine the type of worm and prescribe adequate treatment. In most cases, the patient is awaiting conservative therapy, including taking anthelmintic drugs and other medications that relieve the symptoms of the disease in humans.