Helminths are subcutaneous parasites that live in the human body. They feed on the host's cells, releasing toxins. Infection with parasites can lead to serious illness and, in the worst case, death. Depending on the type of worm, their location is different. Some multiply in the organs, some live under human skin, causing the development of dermatoses.
Types of subcutaneous parasites and methods of infection
Parasitic skin diseases are not common types of pathologies. However, cases have been reported. Most likely, they visit after visiting Asian regions and countries with warm climates. Parasites in the human body cause an allergic reaction accompanied by intolerable itching.
In medicine, worms are divided into two types:
- Subcutaneous. Helminths are difficult to diagnose. After infection and maturation, parasites move in the human body. The most common types of subcutaneous helminths are: iron, itchy ticks, filariae, ringworm.
- Leather. After contact with human skin, parasites migrate to different parts of the body. Infection with skin parasites causes inflammation of the pancreas, the development of scaly lichen, eczematosis, diabetes.
Common cases include tick-borne infections in the sebaceous glands. It is distinguished by its access to the surface of the epidermis during the day to nourish secretions from the skin ducts.
Filariosis
Filariasis is the defeat of a person by nematode-type parasites. It is found in the countries of the Asian region, as well as in places with tropical climates. The most common way of infection is to visit resort areas. The main danger of parasites is a long incubation period. Asymptomatic worms can live under the skin for 5-7 years. Pests are characterized by excessive vital activity that provokes symptoms of intoxication in the patient.
In the early stages, the disease has symptoms of urticaria. As the worms grow and multiply, there is loss of vision, the formation of mobile seals, and fever. In the later stages, the localization of the worms is determined with the naked eye.
Drakunkuloz
Draconiculosis is a disease caused by infection with subcutaneous helminths. They can live in open water. Human infection occurs during travel, drinking raw water from unverified sources. In an infected person, the larvae are localized under the upper layer of the epidermis. Even a parasite that is not treated properly can be fatal. In the world practice, adult helminths with a length of 100 centimeters have been recorded. They can cover the entire stomach or liver or block the airways.
Helminths are often localized in the lower extremities of a person.
The main symptoms of a lesion include:
- rash on the legs;
- formation of fluid-filled blisters;
- unbearable itching;
- appearance of bumps;
- purulent formations.
The main treatment is surgical removal of helminths from the body.
Schistosomiasis
The disease is caused by a number of helminth species in water bodies. The infection occurs while swimming in rivers and lakes in Africa and Asia. Another way of infection is untested drinking water. It is a source of parasites spreading eggs and larvae. Initially, helminths are localized under the epidermis. Allergic rash occurs on the skin, accompanied by itching. As the disease progresses, the larvae penetrate deep into the body. The patient's kidneys and liver are severely damaged. The disease is accompanied by night fever and profuse sweating. An enlarged liver and deformed kidneys can help diagnose the infection.
Cysticercosis
Cysticercosis is a disease associated with infection with swine tapeworm in humans. The parasite belongs to the category of tolerant, lives in Asian countries. For the development of an adult in the human body, it is enough for one larva or part of a worm to penetrate. Parasites are highly regenerative, which complicates the treatment process.
The main symptoms of damage include urticaria, itching, general weakness, pain. Worms are often localized under the skin, in muscles, eyes, internal organs and the brain. During the development of an adult, a tuberculosis or induration occurs under the skin. May increase over time, causing discomfort. The main breeding grounds for swine tapeworm are the shoulders, chest, arms and palms.
Dirofilaria
The main method of infection with worms is the penetration of larvae by insect bites or contact with animals. Temporary carriers of larvae are cats and dogs, and mosquitoes act as carriers. The female worm is 30 centimeters long and the male is 10 centimeters long.
The development of parasites occurs under the upper layer of the epidermis.
Eggs remain on human skin with mosquito bites. Washed larvae penetrate deep into the skin from the damaged area of skin. It goes through all the stages of growth there. The disease is accompanied by intolerable itching. Seals are recorded in the areas of worm localization. The patient feels the movement of adults under the skin. Loss of vision is possible when exposed to helminths.
Treatment of worms is carried out operatively. After the operation, patients are prescribed drugs that restore the skin and damaged organs.
itching
Itching is an infection of a person with an itchy tick. The disease is named for severe, unbearable itching throughout the body. Where ticks are localized, people develop redness and spots.
A tick infection occurs when a person comes in contact with an infected person or his or her personal belongings. Diagnosis is made by visual examination of the skin and laboratory tests.
Diagnosis at home can be made with iodine. When in contact with the affected skin, a spider web is noticeable - the way ticks move under the skin of an infected person.
The main symptoms of itching include:
- itching and redness of the skin;
- formation of fluid-filled bubbles when scratching the skin;
- localization of lesions on the hands and joints.
The treatment of the disease is long and laborious. It is almost impossible to completely eliminate parasites.
Demodectic mange
Demodectic mange is a human infection with a subcutaneous tick. They are localized in infected sebaceous glands. In the early stages, the disease can be easily confused with acne. As the ticks multiply, the rash grows and spreads all over the face. Eyelash loss begins.
The diagnosis of demodicosis is simple. For this, a visual examination is performed and a number of laboratory tests are performed. The treatment of the disease is long-term. In some cases, it takes several years. Infection with ticks occurs through direct contact with the patient, using the infected person's personal belongings or cosmetic products. Successful reproduction of ticks is facilitated by an unstable hormonal background, weakened immune system.
Symptoms of the disease
Modern medicine distinguishes several types of subcutaneous parasites. They cause the development of dermatitis and damage to internal organs. Depending on the pathogen in a person, the symptoms appear in a unique way. However, there are a number of symptoms, it is recommended to consult a specialist when they appear.
You can learn about worms in the body with a number of symptoms:
- general weakness;
- increase in temperature to 39 ° C;
- itching of the skin of varying intensity;
- appearance of skin rashes;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- formation of seals on the skin.
It should be noted that an early visit to the doctor allows you to quickly get rid of the body of parasites that live under the skin.
Diagnostic features
It is difficult to diagnose subcutaneous parasites in humans. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist at the first suspicion of injury. The complexity of the diagnosis is directly related to the latent course of the disease. In general, vivid symptoms appear only a few years after the defeat, which has a negative impact on health.
A number of symptoms indicate helminthic invasion, but there is no general clinical picture of the manifestation. In case of redness of the skin, constant itching, the appearance of various seals on the skin, it is necessary to exclude the defeat of the patient with helminths.
Visiting a number of specialists allows you to make a correct diagnosis:
- dermatologist;
- neuropathologist;
- allergist;
- infectious disease specialist;
- psychologist.
The consultation of a psychologist occurs when no deviations are found in the direction of other specialists.
To clarify the diagnosis, patients are prescribed laboratory tests:
- blood test for antigens;
- skin sample examination;
- ointment;
- covert investigation;
- itching from the affected area.
The results of laboratory tests can detect parasites under the skin. If you have traveled to Asian countries or other tropical regions in the last six months before the onset of symptoms, this fact should be reported to your doctor.
Diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites requires the appointment of an authorized therapeutic regimen. In this case, the use of drugs or traditional medicine that is not recommended by the attending physician is prohibited. Violation of the therapy regimen can lead to deterioration and poisoning of the body.
Effective treatment methods
In medical practice, there are two methods of treating parasites: medicinal and surgical. Depending on the complexity of the lesion, the doctor may use one method or both. The choice of therapeutic methods of treatment depends on the patient's health risk and the characteristics of the parasites.
The choice of therapy is influenced by:
- the number of parasites in the patient's body;
- regenerative ability of the worm;
- rate of reproduction;
- localization of parasites;
- allergic reactions of the patient;
- severity of the disease;
- possible or existing complications.
Drug treatment involves taking a course of medication. The effect of drugs affects in several ways:
- Destruction of adult worms and larvae in the body, prevention of their reproduction. Anthelmintic drugs are used for this purpose.
- Elimination of inflammation and destruction of foci of infection. For this, a course of antibiotic therapy is conducted.
- Accelerate the elimination of toxins and eliminate allergic reactions. The patient is prescribed a course of antihistamines and glucocorticoids.
- Healing of the affected areas of the skin. Creams and ointments are used to accelerate the regenerative function of the epidermis.
Surgical treatment of subcutaneous parasites is recommended in cases of serious complications and the presence of a special location of the worm. In cases where the body is known to be affected by only one individual, the operation has been shown to be highly effective. Surgical intervention is most often used for draconiculosis. The worm's internal fluid contains toxins that can cause anaphylactic shock. In this case, a single removal of the parasite is indicated.
Methods of prevention
Infection with skin parasites in humans requires long-term therapy. The problem can be prevented by following a number of preventive measures:
- Follow the rules of hygiene. Hands should be washed under running water with soap or antiseptic. Especially after contact with unfamiliar or stray animals. Scratches, cuts and other damage to the skin should be treated with antiseptic.
- Product processing. Fresh vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly under running water before use. It is recommended to heat fish, poultry and meat. Avoid eating raw or semi-raw meat.
- Use of approved water sources. Water from unknown sources must be purified. Open water basins and springs deserve special attention.
- Routine vaccination. It is necessary to be vaccinated against major diseases before traveling to tropical countries.
- General use of makeup. Women should avoid sharing such makeup even with close friends.
- Swim in open water. It is forbidden to swim in polluted or untested water bodies. In hot weather, preference should be given to water bodies that have been tested for water quality.
A responsible attitude to one's health and adherence to preventive measures help prevent parasitic skin diseases.