Signs of parasites living under human skin

Unfortunately, parasites can penetrate and live not only in the internal organs of man, but also under the skin. It causes a number of diseases with specific characteristics. It is important to identify the cause of the unpleasant symptoms in time and start treatment before the parasitic worms cause great damage to the body. Most subcutaneous parasites can only be transmitted in tropical latitudes: swimming in stagnant ponds, drinking unboiled water, or falling prey to blood-sucking insects. But some individuals "settle" in their bodies without leaving home.

red spots with subcutaneous parasites

Various diseases and parasites

Medicine distinguishes a number of diseases, the diagnosis of which shows subcutaneous worms in humans.

  1. Cysticercosis. Its causative agent is the larvae of pig tapeworms. They often enter the body with unboiled water or food. These worms are localized in the internal organs, eyes, brain, muscles and under the skin (they are observed on the shoulders, palms, chest). Such parasites can live in humans for years, thickening and swelling under the epidermis, which thickens over time. The diagnosis is somewhat facilitated by urticaria, which is always manifested by skin rashes.
  2. Schistosomiasis. The disease is caused by helminths living in the waters of Africa and Asia. Worms affect the genitourinary system and skin. The main symptoms are itching, rash, dermatitis, heavy night sweats, kidney damage, enlarged liver.
  3. Filariosis. These are thread-like 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 number of skin pathologies: ulcers, eczema, nodules, papules, rashes. Complications in the form of osteoarthritis, glaucoma, cataracts can develop if a person does not pay attention to constant headaches, drowsiness, sleep disorders and general weakness.
  4. signs of parasites under human skin
  5. itching. Half a century ago, itchy ticks were very common. Located in the deep layers of the epithelium, it feeds on it and lays eggs there. The female parasite lives for about two months, but is able to lay several dozen eggs under the skin. The tick breaks the passages in the epithelium, which causes severe itching. Localization - wrinkles on the body, sides of the thighs, mammary glands, armpits, genitals and hair. Human skin is covered with puffy rashes, acne, boils and other complications.
  6. Dirofillaria. These are parasites that can affect not only the subcutaneous, but also the pupil. The females are up to 30 cm long and the males are up to 10 cm long. Carriers of this type of worms are dogs and cats, and mosquitoes that bite them carry microfilaria larvae to humans. In this case, the development of an adult in the body can take years. According to statistics, most of the removal of the eyelids leads to the diagnosis of dirophilia to blindness after complete deterioration of vision. Underneath the skin, itchy, reddish, egg-sized seals form. The adult worm is in them.
  7. Dracunculosis (guinea worm). These are round worms up to 120 centimeters long. It is more common in tropical climates. In addition to humans, cats and dogs are also affected. You can infect them by drinking unboiled water and bathing in contaminated water. Once a larva in the body, the worm reaches adulthood after living in only one person for a year. The feet often suffer from this disease: they are prone to complications such as the development of contractures, inflammation of the joints. In addition, the presence of guinea worms in a person is fraught with gangrene and blood poisoning.
  8. Hookworm. The causative agent of worms lives in tropical and subtropical climates. Through the slightest damage to the skin (usually the feet), hookworms enter under a person's skin and remain there to parasitize. The disease manifests itself with symptoms such as severe itching, sometimes with cough, anemia, signs of damage to internal organs.
  9. Demodicosis. This is one of the most common dermatological diseases. This is due to the penetration of the subcutaneous tick. It is a non-helminthic disease, but the pest also lives in the layers of the epidermis (meibomian ducts and sebaceous glands). Symptoms of parasites: abundant, clear pimples on the face, cheeks, forehead and around the eyes, sometimes there is a loss of lashes.
symptoms of subcutaneous parasitic demodex on the face

Diagnosis, symptoms and signs

If you suspect subcutaneous worms and parasites, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, because some people live in humans for several years before they are "happy" with the symptoms. Therefore, at the time of detection, the parasites have time to harm their health.

Because the clinical picture of worms and other subcutaneous inhabitants is very vague and many symptoms appear individually, there is usually no clear list of symptoms. There are a number of indicators that can indicate subcutaneous parasites: constant itching, skin irritation, seals of various sizes, rashes, small blisters on the surface of the epithelium, indirectly - sleep disturbances, fatigue. To study the etiology of such manifestations and to rule out helminthic invasion, you should consult a number of specialists, including:

  • dermatologist;
  • neuropathologist;
  • allergist;
  • infectious disease specialist;
  • psychologist (if previous specialists did not find pathologies in their profiles).

Depending on the symptoms, the diagnosis is made in several ways:

  • blood test for antigens;
  • examination of the epidermis sample;
  • ointment;
  • take a secret;
  • scratch.

It is these indicators that can determine the presence or absence of parasites on human skin.

spots on the hands with subcutaneous ticks

Traditional pest control methods

Treatment directly depends on the type of parasitic worm. In each individual case, appropriate therapy is selected, taking into account the age of the problem and the stage of indifference. Most drugs are quite toxic not only to worms, but also to the human body.

  • Drakunculosis can be cured only by surgery;
  • itching parasite is effectively removed with hydrochloric acid and sulfur soap;
  • antimony drug will help with schistosomiasis;
  • The body is relieved of demodicosis with a cosmetic line for skin care (special soap, cream for washing).

In addition to traditional medical treatment, the patient should tighten hygiene procedures, carefully monitor the cleanliness of the body, buildings, clothing, and avoid unnecessary contact with people. In some cases, you need diet food, skin care cosmetics.

Prevention of subcutaneous worms

Extreme care must be taken with helminthic infestations, as parasites are very simple to locate in the body and can take years to properly diagnose and treat.

To minimize the risk of subcutaneous worm infections, doctors recommend the following rules:

  1. should be vaccinated before traveling to countries with tropical climates;
  2. 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;
  3. women should not use someone else's cosmetics because they are at high risk of getting parasitic larvae (or ticks) on their skin;
  4. fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before use, but it is better to pour over boiling water, expose the meat to long-term thermal effects, boil water for drinking;
  5. treat any skin lesions carefully with antiseptics, especially in the tropics;
  6. do not swim in dirty and questionable waters.

If the parasites are 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 expects to receive conservative therapy, including antihelminthic drugs and other drugs that relieve the symptoms of the disease in humans.