The most unpleasant symptoms, in the form of itching and rashes, can cause subcutaneous parasites in people of all ages. Any invasion brings many health problems due to complications. Worm species with a long incubation period of several months are especially dangerous.
Types of parasites that live under the skin.
A subcutaneous worm can enter the human body: with tactile contact with infected people; of blood-sucking insects that carry larvae of animal parasites.
The main characteristic of such an invasion is the difficulty to recognize the pathology, since at first the infection can be disguised as other somatic diseases.
Having trapped under the thickness of the skin, the parasite over time can move to any internal organ and cause its functional disorders. Helminths feed on blood and use it to hatch larvae.
The main signs of the presence of this type of parasites in the body are severe weakness, decreased performance, constant desire to scratch the skin. When these signs appear, it is advisable to go to a specialist: therapist, dermatologist, allergist, infectious disease specialist. The joint work of doctors and the diagnostic methods they use in their work help in time to recognize the presence of subcutaneous invasion in the body.
Of the diagnostic methods, studies of feces, blood, scalp scrapings and epidermis are mandatory.
The most common infection with subcutaneous helminths occurs in countries with a very hot climate: Central Asia, Africa, South America. Therefore, when returning from tourist trips across the continents, you should pay special attention to your health.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to treat yourself with medical and home remedies; This can aggravate the situation and poison the body. It is necessary not to delay the visit to the doctor and strictly follow the prescribed course of medication.
There are many types of worms that live on the skin. The invasive species listed below are the main ones.
Filariasis
The subcutaneous helminths of this species are represented by filamentous nematodes, common in tropical states. This type of parasite can live on the skin for several years in a row and, after its own adaptation, migrates through the body in search of another habitat.
The signs of the disease that appear at the beginning are skin rashes in the form of hives and spots, accompanied by itching. Then the temperature is added.
Serious signs of filariasis include eczema, ulcers and warts, subcutaneous nodules, severe headache, drowsiness, subcutaneous nodules, and increased fever.
Often times, an ophthalmologist can find the parasite on examination, as it loves to live in the mucous membrane of the eye.
Important! With an untimely visit to a doctor, filariasis contributes to the appearance of eye diseases and leads to complete loss of vision.
Schistosomiasis
The parasite of this species lives in warm freshwater rivers and lakes in countries with hot climates. Infection can occur while bathing or drinking raw water.
The parasite simultaneously affects the skin and the urinary system. Toxic substances that enter the blood strongly poison the body and this leads to various disorders of the work of many organs and systems.
Signs of infection with a parasite are: rash in the form of dermatitis and redness of the skin, excruciating itching, night sweats, enlarged liver, functional disorders of the renal system, sudden increase in temperature.
Schistosomiasis, which occurs with damage to the genitourinary system, obstructs the outlet and inlet ducts of the bladder.
Important! In order not to become infected with this helminth, you cannot swim in stagnant bodies of water in the tropics and drink raw water from unknown natural sources.
Dracunculiasis
The disease is caused by rishta, roundworms, parasites, reaching a length of 80 cm. Infection with worms, which are home to countries with a tropical climate and Central Asia, can be due to the use of raw water or contact with cats and dogs that are carriers of the worm.
The incubation period from the time of infection with the parasite's eggs and migration through the body is 1. 5 months. Parasites develop and grow throughout the year.
Guinea worm mainly affects the skin of the lower extremities. The parasite can twist and unfold, forming a long lump on the skin and then a several-centimeter bubble. As soon as the bubble comes into contact with water, it immediately bursts, releasing the larvae, causing symptoms of intense internal itching.
Important! If the therapy and the fight against this type of parasites is not carried out, the person begins to develop sepsis, gangrenous inflammation or immobility of the joints.
Scabies
The type of mites up to 0. 4 mm is to blame for the development of scabies. Parasites can become infected by contact with the sick person's body or things, if the person has severely reduced immunity. Infection occurs when hygiene rules are not followed.
Small parasites that come into contact with the skin first enter the epidermis, then the deep layer, and can infect the entire body with toxins. Parasites gnaw through the passageways where they lay eggs.
The clinical symptoms of the pathology appear in the form of a red rash, small blisters and peeling of the skin on: hands, thighs, elbows, knees and hair. If you treat the rash sites with an iodine solution, you can see the ticks.
Due to the active development and reproduction of the parasite, a person is tormented by intolerable itching, intensifying at night, the desire to scratch the skin, as well as after contact with water.
Complications of scabies include the development of furunculosis, eczema, dermatitis, and vesicular skin lesions.
Important! In order not to get scabies, you must adhere to hygiene rules and avoid contact with people infected with scabies.
Demodecosis
This disease, caused by a microscopic mite, is seasonal in nature and appears most often in the fall. The formation of excess oil on the skin in summer and the negative effects of ultraviolet rays undermine local immunity, contributing to the spread of this species of mite.
Parasites can become infected through tactile contact with a sick person, as well as through the use of their personal belongings and care items.
The pathology, according to clinical signs, is very similar to acne, which is conquering more and more territories. Pink and red papules abundantly dot the face and back, leaving rough scars after healing. A person can develop inflammation of the eyelids, vasodilation and peeling of the eyebrows.
Important! Demodectic mange develops over the years. For an accurate diagnosis of a person, a scraping of the skin is taken. Healing therapy can last up to 3 months.
Dirofilariasis
The invasion is considered a dangerous parasitic disease, caused by heartworm, which reaches 30 cm in adulthood, this type of parasite affects the subcutaneous areas, as well as the ocular tissue and can cause a total loss of vision.
The incubation period for the development of heartworm is several years. A person can become infected by the bite of mosquitoes, which carry parasite eggs from sick dogs and cats.
A seal grows on the skin, accompanied by pain, excruciating itching, and hyperemia. The seal can grow to the size of an average egg, in which the coiled helminth lives.
Basically, the parasite lives on the skin, but can sometimes get into the eye, leading to visual impairment and vision loss.
In order not to get infected with these types of worms, you need to fight mosquitoes by all possible methods and use repellants in everyday life.
How to get rid of subcutaneous parasites?
The fight against worms that develop under the skin is based on the use of superficial and pharmacological methods, as well as surgical operations.
Antiparasitic therapy for each type of helminth can be presented in the form of a table:
| Helminthiasis type | Applied methods |
|---|---|
| Filariasis | Anthelmintic drug for the treatment of filariasis. In severe cases, surgery. |
| Schistosomiasis | Antimony and surgical techniques are used. At the same time, the restoration of the affected organs is necessary. |
| Dracunculiasis | Orderly surgical removal of worms. |
| Scabies | Local remedies: salicylate ointments and sulfuric soap; soap and water suspension; hydrochloric acid solution for 1 week. Immunological preparations. Thorough disinfection of the patient's clothing and household items. Antibiotics are sometimes used. |
| Demodecosis | External agents are used: camphor alcohol, as well as thorough cosmetic care (cleaning, masks, peels), the use of hyaluronic acid, alginates. Immunostimulants, vitamin complexes, anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Be sure to treat concomitant pathologies of disorders of the digestive tract and metabolism. A healthy diet and physical therapy are essential. |
| Dirofilariasis | Surgical treatment. The eyeball may need to be removed. |
In most cases, you can get rid of subcutaneous types of helminths thanks to surgery and an intensive course of chemotherapy.
Surface treatment
Surface action methods are used to combat helminths that live in the epidermis (eg scabies and demodicosis).
External antiparasitic drugs are rubbed into scabies skin. These drugs are rubbed all over the body at night. The course lasts for 2 weeks. People who have been in contact with an infected person are advised to perform the same procedures.
With demodicosis, suspensions, ointments, solutions, gels, scrubs, cryotherapy are used, which reduce the secretion of sebum, deprive food and reduce the negative effects of the parasite.
With other types of helminths, external manifestations are eliminated with the help of steroid and antibiotic ointments.
All specially selected ointments by doctors relieve inflammation, deprive parasites of motor activity and kill them.
Local procedures should be applied sparingly, avoiding skin damage, so as not to alter the acid-base balance and exclude the adhesion of pathogenic microbes to the pathology.
Important! When starting a course of therapy at a high temperature, it is necessary to wash clothes and warm pillows in the bright sun.
Medicines
For each type of helminth, its own drug is applied, which is prescribed by a doctor, according to the stage of the disease.
Some drugs completely kill parasites, others immobilize them and prevent reproduction.
When the helminth dies, a person may experience signs of intoxication - headache, nausea, vomiting, so drugs are carefully selected. The intake of enterosorbents is allowed.
The main diseases are necessarily treated with pathologies of other organs. Symptomatic therapy is used.
Surgical methods
Surgeons intervene to remove the parasite through the incision.
The operation is performed as usual under local anesthesia. A surgeon must be a virtuoso and a master of his trade, so that when removing a helminth, he removes it completely, without dividing it into parts.
Rehabilitation methods after surgery include antibacterial drug therapy, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antiparasitic drugs.
Helminthiasis infection prevention.
With caution, it is quite possible to prevent subcutaneous worms from entering the body.
Necessarily necessary:
- undergo annual medical exams;
- consult a doctor for various types of ailments;
- wash your hands thoroughly after going to public places and having tactile contact with strangers and stray animals;
- boil raw water and do not drink it from natural sources;
- do not swim in stagnant bodies of water, especially in hot countries;
- fight blood-sucking insects using repellants and protective devices;
- perform routine and general cleaning of the house, and maintain order.
When traveling to epidemic-endangered states, you should observe safety measures and make sure you get all the information on how to protect yourself on the trip.
It is necessary to improve immunity by leading a healthy lifestyle, eating well, hardening and taking vitamin complexes several times a year.
Fighting subcutaneous parasites requires patience and effort. If all the doctor's prescriptions are followed, the person will make a full recovery.