The most unpleasant symptoms, in the form of itching and redness, can cause subcutaneous parasites in people of all ages. Each invasion brings many health problems due to complications. Worm types 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: by tactile contact with infected people; from blood-sucking insects that carry parasite larvae from animals.
The main feature of such an invasion is the difficulty in recognizing the pathology, since at first the infection can be disguised as other somatic diseases.
Once caught under the thickness of the skin, the parasite over time is able to move into any internal organ and cause their functional disorders. Helminths feed on blood and use it to hatch larvae.
The main signs of the presence of this type of parasite in the body are severe weakness, decreased performance, constant desire to scratch the skin. When these signs appear, it is advisable to see a specialist: a therapist, dermatologist, allergist, infectious disease specialist. The joint work of physicians and the diagnostic methods they use in their work help in time to recognize the presence of subcutaneous invasion in the body.
From diagnostic methods, studies of feces, blood, scalp and skin scrapings are mandatory.
The most common infection with subcutaneous helminths occurs in countries with a very warm climate - Central Asia, Africa, South America. Therefore, when returning from tourist trips across the continents, you should pay special attention to your health.
Important! Strictly forbidden to treat yourself with medical and folk remedies - it can worsen 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
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 adaptation, it migrates through the body and seeks 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 rises.
Severe signs of filariasis include eczema, ulcers and warts, subcutaneous nodules, severe headache, drowsiness, subcutaneous nodules, and fever.
Often the parasite can be found during examination by an ophthalmologist, as he likes to live in the mucosa of the eye.
Important! With an early 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 rivers and freshwater lakes in places with hot climates. Infection can occur while washing or drinking raw water.
The parasite affects the skin and urinary system simultaneously. Toxic substances that enter the bloodstream 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 skin rash, unbearable itching, night sweats, enlarged liver, functional disorders of the renal system, sudden rise in temperature.
Schistosomiasis, which occurs with damage to the genitourinary system, blocks the exit and entry channels of the bladder.
Important! To avoid becoming infected with this helminth, you can not swim in the stagnant water bodies of the tropics and drink raw water from unknown natural sources.
Dracunculiaza
The disease is caused by new - round worm parasites, reaching a length of 80 cm. Worm infection, which is home to countries with a tropical climate and Central Asia, may 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 moment of infection with the parasite eggs and migration through the body is 1. 5 months. Parasites develop and grow throughout the year.
Dracunculosis mainly affects the skin of the lower extremities. The parasite is able to twist and unfold, forming a long bulge in the skin, and then a blister a few centimeters. As soon as the bubble comes in contact with water, it immediately explodes, releasing the larvae, which cause symptoms of severe internal itching.
Important! If therapy and the fight against this type of parasite is not carried out, then the person begins to develop sepsis, gangrenous inflammation or joint immobility.
Scabies
The type of mites up to 0. 4 mm is to blame for the development of scabies. Parasites can be infected by contact with a sick person's body or his belongings if the person has severely reduced immunity. Infection occurs when hygiene rules are not followed.
Small parasites that enter the skin first enter the epidermis, then the deep layer and are able to infect the whole body with toxins. The parasites dig through the paths in which they lay their eggs.
Clinical symptoms of the pathology appear in the form of a red rash, small blisters and skin rash on: hands, thighs, elbows, knees and hair. If you treat the rash sites with an iodine solution, then you can see the ticks.
Due to the active development and reproduction of the parasite, a person is tortured by intolerable itching, which intensifies 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! To avoid scabies, you should adhere to the rules of hygiene and avoid contact with people infected with scabies.
Demodekoza
This disease, caused by a microscopic spider, is seasonal in nature and most often appears in the fall. The formation of excess fat on the skin during the summer and the negative effects of ultraviolet rays undermine local immunity, contributing to the spread of this species of mites.
Parasites can be infected through tangible contact with a sick person, as well as the use of his personal belongings and care items.
The pathology, according to clinical signs, is very similar to acne, which covers more and more territories. Pink and red papules abundantly penetrate the face and back, leaving sharp scars after healing. A person may develop eyelid inflammation, vasodilation and peeling eyebrows.
Important! Demodectic mange develops over the years. For an accurate diagnosis of a person, a removal is taken from the skin. Healing therapy can last up to 3 months.
Dirofilariaza
Infection is considered a dangerous parasitic disease, which is caused by worms dirofilaria, reaching 30 cm in adulthood. This type of parasite affects the subcutaneous areas as well as the eye tissues and can cause complete loss of vision.
The incubation period for the development of dirofilariasis is several years. A person can be infected by mosquito bites, which carry parasitic eggs from sick dogs and cats.
A seal grows on the skin, accompanied by soreness, unbearable itching and hyperemia. The seal can grow to the size of an average egg, in which the coiled helminth lives.
In principle, the parasite lives on the skin, but sometimes they can crawl into the eye, which leads to vision impairment and vision loss.
To avoid getting infected with this type of worm, you need to fight against mosquitoes with all possible methods and use detergents in daily life.
How to get rid of subcutaneous parasites?
The fight against worms that develop under the skin is based on the use of superficial methods and medicines, as well as surgical operations.
Antiparasitic therapy for each type of helminth can be presented in the form of a chart:
| Type of helminthiasis | Methods applied |
|---|---|
| filariasis | Anthelmintic drug for the treatment of filariasis. In severe cases, surgery. |
| Schistosomiasis | Antimony and surgical techniques are used. At the same time, restoration of the affected organs is necessary. |
| Dracunculiaza | Regular surgical removal of worms. |
| Scabies | Local remedies: salicylate ointment and sulfur soap; soap-water suspension; hydrochloric acid solution for 1 week. Immunological preparations. Complete disinfection of the patient's clothing and household items. Antibiotics are sometimes used. |
| Demodekoza | External agents are used: camphor alcohol, as well as complete cosmetic care (cleansing, masks, peels), use of hyaluronic acid, alginates. Immunostimulants, vitamin complexes, anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Be sure to treat the accompanying pathologies of digestive tract and metabolism disorders. A healthy diet and physical therapy are essential. |
| Dirofilariaza | Surgical treatment. The baby eye may need to be removed. |
In most cases, you can get rid of the subcutaneous types of helminths thanks to surgery and an intensive course of chemotherapy.
Surface treatment
Surface action methods are used to combat helminths living in the epidermis (for example, scabies and demodicosis).
External antiparasitic drugs are rubbed into the skin with scabies. These medicines are rubbed all over the body at night. The course lasts 2 weeks. Persons who have been in contact with an infected person are advised to perform the same procedures.
With demodicosis are used suspensions, oils, solutions, gels, cleansers, cryotherapy, which reduce the secretion of sebum, deprive food and reduce the negative effects of the parasite.
With other types of helminths, the external manifestations are removed with the help of steroid oils and antibiotics.
All oils specially selected by doctors relieve inflammation, deprive parasites of motor activity and kill them.
Local procedures should be applied in moderation, avoiding damage to the skin, so as not to upset the acid-base balance and exclude the union of pathogenic microbes in the pathology.
Important! When starting a course of therapy in a hot temperature, it is necessary to wash clothes and warm pillows in the bright sun.
medicaments
For each type of helminth, its medicine is applied, which is prescribed by a doctor, according to the stage of the disease.
Some drugs completely kill the parasites, others immobilize them and prevent reproduction.
When the helminth dies, a person may experience signs of intoxication - headaches, nausea, vomiting, so medications are chosen carefully. Enterosorbents are allowed.
The main diseases are necessarily treated with pathology from other organs. Symptomatic therapy is used.
Surgical methods
Intervention by surgeons is necessary to remove the parasite through incision.
The operation is performed as usual under local anesthesia. A surgeon must be a virtuoso and master of his craft, so that when you remove a helminth, you pull it completely, without splitting it into parts.
Postoperative rehabilitation methods include therapy with antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as antiparasitic drugs.
Prevention of helminthiasis infection
With care, it is quite possible to prevent subcutaneous worms from entering the body.
Necessarily necessary:
- undergo annual medical examinations;
- consult a doctor for different types of diseases;
- wash your hands well after going to public places and tactile contact with strangers and stray animals;
- boil raw water and do not drink it from natural sources;
- do not swim in stagnant water bodies, especially in hot places;
- to fight blood-sucking insects using repellents and defenses;
- perform routine and general cleaning of the house and maintain order.
When traveling to dangerous epidemic countries, you should observe safety precautions and make sure you find all the information on how to protect yourself while traveling.
It is necessary to improve immunity by leading a healthy lifestyle, eating well, getting stronger 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 recover completely.