The most uncomfortable symptoms in the form of itching and rashes can cause subcutaneous parasites in people of all ages. Each invasion brings with it many health problems due to complications. Species of worms with a long incubation period of several months are particularly dangerous.
Types of parasites that live under the skin
A subcutaneous worm can enter the human body: through tactile contact with infected people; of blood-sucking insects that carry parasite larvae from animals.
The main feature of such an invasion is the difficulty of identifying the pathology, since the infection can initially be disguised as other somatic diseases.
After the parasite gets caught under the thickness of the skin, over time it can move into all internal organs and cause their dysfunction. Helminths feed on blood and hatch larvae from it.
The main signs of the presence of this type of parasite in the body are severe weakness, decreased performance and a constant desire to scratch the skin. When these signs appear, it is advisable to visit a specialist: a therapist, dermatologist, allergist, specialist in infectious diseases. The joint work of doctors and the diagnostic methods that they use in their work will help to timely detect the presence of subcutaneous invasion in the body.
Of the diagnostic methods, examinations of feces, blood, scalp and epidermal scrapes are mandatory.
The most common infection with subcutaneous helminths occurs in countries with a very warm climate - Central Asia, Africa, South America. Therefore, when you return from tourist trips across continents, you need to take special care of your health.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to treat yourself with medicinal and folk remedies - this can aggravate the situation and poison the body. It is necessary not to delay the visit to the doctor and strictly adhere to the prescribed course of the drug.
There are many types of worms that live in the skin. The invasive species listed below are the most important.
Filariasis
Subcutaneous helminths of this type are represented by filamentous nematodes that are common in tropical states. This type of parasite can live in the skin for several years in a row and, after adapting itself, migrates through the body looking for another habitat.
Signs of the disease that appear at the beginning are rashes in the form of hives and spots, accompanied by itching. Then the temperature is added.
Severe signs of filariasis include eczema, ulcers and warts, subcutaneous nodules, severe headache, drowsiness, subcutaneous nodules, and increased fever.
Often the parasite can be found on examination by an ophthalmologist, as it likes to live in the mucous membrane of the eye.
Important! With an early visit to the 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 attacks the skin and the urinary system at the same time. Toxic substances that get into the blood strongly poison the body, which leads to various disruptions in the work of many organs and systems.
Signs of infection with a parasite are: rash in the form of dermatitis and reddening of the skin, unbearable itching, night sweats, an enlarged liver, dysfunction of the kidney system, sudden increase in temperature.
Schistosomiasis, which occurs with damage to the genitourinary system, clogs the ducts of the bladder entering and exiting.
Important! In order not to get infected with this helminth, one must not swim in stagnant waters of the tropics and drink raw water from unknown natural sources.
Dracunculosis
The disease is caused by Rishta roundworm parasites that can grow to be 80 cm in length. Infection with worms, which are home to countries with tropical climates and Central Asia, may result from 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 eggs of the parasite and migration through the body is 1. 5 months. Parasites develop and grow all year round.
Dracunculosis mainly affects the skin of the lower extremities. The parasite can twist and unfold, forming a long bulge on the skin and then a bubble several centimeters. As soon as the bladder comes in contact with water, it bursts instantly, releasing the larvae, which cause symptoms of severe internal itching.
Important! If therapy and the fight against this type of parasite are not carried out, the person will begin to develop sepsis, gangrenous inflammation, or immobility of the joints.
scabies
The mite species up to 0. 4 mm is the culprit for the development of scabies. Parasites can be infected through contact with the sick person's body or belongings if the person has severely weakened immunity. Infection occurs when hygiene rules are not followed.
Small parasites that get on the skin are introduced first into the epidermis, then into the deeper layer, and can infect the whole body with toxins. Parasites gnaw through the ducts where they lay eggs.
Clinical symptoms of the pathology appear in the form of a red rash, small blisters and peeling of the skin: hands, thighs, elbows, knees and hair. If you treat the areas of rashes with an iodine solution, you can see the ticks.
Due to the active development and reproduction of the parasite, a person is tormented by unbearable itching, which intensifies at night, the desire to scratch the skin, as well as after contact with water.
Complications of scabies are the development of furunculosis, eczema, dermatitis, and vesicular skin lesions.
Important! In order not to get scabies, you need to follow hygiene rules and avoid contact with people infected with scabies.
Demodecosis
Caused by a microscopic mite, this disease is seasonal and is more common in the fall. The formation of excess fat on the skin in summer and the negative effects of ultraviolet rays undermine local immunity and contribute to the spread of this species of mite.
Parasites can be infected through tactile contact with a sick person, as well as through the use of their personal belongings and personal care products.
The pathology, according to clinical signs, is very similar to acne, which is encompassing more and more areas. Pink and red papules abundantly line the face and back, leaving rough scars after healing. A person can develop inflammation of the eyelids, vasodilation, and peeling of the eyebrows.
Important! Over the years, demodectic mange develops. For an accurate diagnosis of a person, a scrape is taken from the skin. The healing therapy can last up to 3 months.
Dirofilariasis
The invasion is considered a dangerous parasitic disease caused by Dirofilaria worms, which can reach 30 cm in adulthood. This type of parasite affects the subcutaneous tissue as well as the eye tissues and can lead to complete loss of vision.
The incubation period for the development of dirofilariasis is several years. A person can become infected by the bite of mosquitoes that carry parasite eggs from sick dogs and cats.
A seal grows in the skin, accompanied by pain, excruciating itching, and hyperemia. The seal can grow to be the size of an average egg in which the coiled helminth lives.
Basically, the parasite lives in the skin, but sometimes they can crawl into the eye, causing visual impairment and loss of vision.
In order not to get infected with this type of worm, 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 the worms that develop under the skin is based on the use of superficial and medicinal methods, as well as surgical interventions.
Antiparasitic therapy for each type of helminth can be presented in the form of a table:
| Type of helminthiasis | Applied methods |
|---|---|
| Filariasis | Anthelmintic used to treat filariasis. In severe cases, surgery. |
| Schistosomiasis | Antimony and surgical techniques are used. At the same time, it is necessary to restore the affected organs. |
| Dracunculosis | Surgical clean worm removal. |
| scabies | Local remedies: salicylate ointments and sulfur soap; Soap and water suspension; Hydrochloric acid solution for 1 week. Immunological preparations. Thorough disinfection of the patient's clothing and household items. Sometimes antibiotics are used. |
| Demodecosis | External means are used: camphor alcohol, as well as thorough cosmetic care (cleaning, masks, scrubs), the use of hyaluronic acid, alginates. Immunostimulants, vitamin complexes, anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Be sure to treat accompanying 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 species of helminths thanks to surgery and intense chemotherapy.
Superficial treatment
Methods of superficial action are used to combat helminths living in the epidermis (for example, scabies and demodicosis).
External anti-parasitic drugs are rubbed into the skin with scabies. These drugs are rubbed all over the body at night. The course lasts 2 weeks. People who have had contact with an infected person are advised to follow the same procedures.
In demodicosis, suspensions, ointments, solutions, gels, scrubs and cryotherapies are used, which reduce sebum secretion, deprive them of food and reduce the negative effects of the parasite.
With other types of helminths, external manifestations are removed with the help of ointments with steroids and antibiotics.
All ointments specially selected by doctors soothe inflammation, deprive parasites of motor activity and kill them.
Local procedures must be used in moderation to avoid damaging the skin, not to disturb the acid-base balance and to exclude the attachment of pathogenic microbes to the pathology.
Important! If you start therapy at a hot temperature, you need to wash clothes and warm the pillows in the bright sun.
Medication
A separate medicine is used for each species of helminth, prescribed by a doctor depending on the stage of the disease.
Some drugs kill parasites completely, while others immobilize them and prevent them from reproducing.
If the helminth dies, a person may experience signs of intoxication - headache, nausea, vomiting, so drugs are carefully selected. The ingestion of enterosorbents is allowed.
The main diseases are necessarily treated with pathologies from other organs. Symptomatic therapy is used.
Surgical methods
Surgery will be required to remove the parasite through the incision.
The operation is carried out as usual under local anesthesia. A surgeon must be a virtuoso and a master of his craft in order to fully pull out a helminth when removing it without breaking it into pieces.
Rehabilitation methods after the operation include therapy with antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic drugs.
Prevention of infection with helminthiasis
With caution, it is quite possible to prevent subcutaneous worms from entering the body.
Indispensable:
- undergo annual medical examinations;
- consult a doctor for different types of ailments;
- Wash your hands thoroughly after visiting public places and making tactile contact with strangers and stray animals;
- boil raw water and do not drink it from natural sources;
- do not swim in standing water, especially in hot countries;
- control blood-sucking insects with repellants and protectants;
- Do routine and general cleaning of the house and keep things tidy.
When traveling to epidemically dangerous countries, you must observe safety measures and obtain all information on protection during 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 takes patience and effort. If all medical prescriptions are followed, the person will make a full recovery.