Helminths are subcutaneous parasites that live in the human body. They feed on the host's cells, releasing toxic substances. Infection with parasites can lead to serious illness, in the worst case, death. Depending on the type of worms, the places of their dislocation differ. Some reproduce in organs, some live under human skin, causing the development of dermatoses.
Varieties of subcutaneous parasites and methods of infection
Parasitic dermatoses are not common pathologies. Despite this, cases of illness have been reported. They are most likely after visiting Asian regions and countries with hot climates. Parasites in the human body cause an allergic reaction, which is accompanied by unbearable itching.
In medicine, worms are divided into two types:
- Subcutaneous. Helminths are difficult to diagnose. After the infection and the maturation phase, the parasites move around the human body. The most common types of subcutaneous helminths are: iron, scabies mites, filaria, rishta.
- Dermal. After contact with human skin, the parasites migrate to different parts of the body. As a result of infection with parasites of the skin, inflammation of the pancreas occurs, the development of scaly lichen, eczematosis and diabetes mellitus.
Common cases include infection with a tick located in the sebaceous glands. It is distinguished by an exit to the surface of the epidermis during the day to nourish the secretions of the cutaneous channels.
Filariasis
Filariasis is the defeat of a person by parasites of the nematodosis type. It is found in countries of the Asian region, as well as in places with a tropical climate. The most likely mode of infection is by visiting resort areas. The main danger of parasites is the long incubation period. Without showing symptoms, the worms can live under the skin for 5 to 7 years. Parasites are distinguished by excessive vital activity, which causes symptoms of intoxication in the patient.
In the early stages, the disease shows signs of urticaria. As the worms grow and multiply, there is loss of vision, the formation of motile seals, and fever. In later stages, the localization of worms is determined with the naked eye.
Dracunculiasis
Dracunculiasis is a disease caused by infection with subcutaneous helminths. They are able to live in open water. Human infestation occurs during the journey, by drinking raw water from unverified sources. In an infected person, the larvae are located under the upper layer of the epidermis. The presence of a single parasite without proper treatment results in death. In world practice, adult helminths with a length of 100 centimeters have been recorded. They are able to occupy the entire space of the stomach, liver or block the airways.
Most often, helminths are localized in the lower extremities of a person.
The main symptoms of an injury include:
- rashes on the legs;
- the formation of fluid-filled blisters;
- intolerable itching;
- the appearance of bumps;
- purulent formations.
The main treatment is to surgically remove the helminths from the body.
Schistosomiasis
The disease causes a number of types of helminths which are found in bodies of water. The infection occurs while swimming in rivers and lakes in the African and Asian region. Another route of infection is untested drinking water. It is the source of the spread of parasite eggs and larvae. Initially, the helminths are localized under the epidermis. An allergic rash forms on the skin, which is itchy. As the disease develops, the larvae penetrate deep into the body. The patient's kidneys and liver are severely affected. The disease is accompanied by night fevers, profuse sweating. An enlarged liver and deformed kidneys can help diagnose an infection.
Cysticercosis
Cysticercosis is a disease associated with human infection with pork tapeworm. The parasite belongs to the category of stubborn, lives in Asian countries. For the development of an adult in the human body, the penetration of 1 larva or part of a worm is sufficient. The parasites are highly regenerating, which complicates the treatment process.
The main signs of damage include hives, itching, general weakness, pain. Often the worms are localized under the skin, in muscles, eyes, internal organs and the brain. During the development of an adult, a tubercle or induration forms under the skin. Over time, this can increase, it brings inconvenience. The main breeding sites for pork tapeworm are the shoulder, chest, upper arm, and palm area.
Dirofilaire
The main method of worm infestation is the entry of larvae through insect bites or contact with animals. The temporary carriers of larvae are cats and dogs, mosquitoes play the role of carriers. The female worm is 30 centimeters long, the male 10 centimeters long.
The development of parasites occurs under the top layer of the epidermis.
The eggs stay on human skin with a mosquito bite. The hatched larva penetrates deep into the skin through the injured area of the skin. There, she goes through all the stages of her growth. The disease is accompanied by unbearable itching. Seals are noted in the worm location areas. The patient feels the movement of adults under the skin. Vision loss is possible if it is affected by helminths.
Treatment of worms is carried out by an operative method. After the operation, patients are shown drugs that restore the affected skin and organs.
Scabies
Scabies is an infection of a person with a scabies mite. The disease gets its name from the severe and unbearable itching all over the body. In places where ticks are localized, people develop redness and spots.
Tick infestation occurs through bodily contact with an infected person or their personal effects. The diagnosis is based on a visual examination of the skin and laboratory tests.
At home, the diagnosis can be made with iodine. When it comes into contact with the affected skin, a spider web becomes noticeable - the path of tick movement under the skin of an infected person.
The main symptoms of scabies include:
- itching and redness of the skin;
- the formation of fluid-filled blisters 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.
Demodecosis
Demodectic mange is a human infection with ticks under the skin. They are localized in the sebaceous glands of the infected. In the early stages, the disease can be easily confused with acne. As the mites multiply, the rash gets bigger and spreads all over your face. Eyelash loss begins.
The diagnosis of demodicosis is straightforward. For this, a visual examination is carried out and a number of laboratory tests are carried out. The treatment of the disease is long term. In some cases, it takes several years. Tick infection occurs through direct contact with the patient, the use of personal effects or cosmetics of the infected person. Successful reproduction of ticks is facilitated by an unstable hormonal background, a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of the disease
Modern medicine distinguishes several types of subcutaneous parasites. They provoke the development of skin dermatitis and disruption of internal organs. Depending on the pathogen in a person, the symptoms appear in a particular way. Despite this, there are a number of signs, when they appear, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
You can learn more about worms in the body by a number of signs:
- general weakness;
- temperature rise to 39 ° C;
- itching of the skin of varying intensity;
- the appearance of rashes;
- upset gastrointestinal tract;
- the formation of seals on the skin.
It is important to note that an early visit to the doctor can quickly rid the body of parasites living under human skin.
Diagnostic features
Subcutaneous parasites in humans are difficult to diagnose. For this reason, at the first suspicion of a lesion, it is necessary to consult a specialist. The complexity of the diagnosis is directly related to the latent course of the disease. Basically, sharp symptoms appear only a few years after the defeat, which negatively affects health.
A number of symptoms indicate helminthic invasion, but there is no general clinical picture of manifestation. It is necessary to exclude the defeat of the patient with helminths in case of redness of the skin areas, the appearance of constant itching, various seals on the skin.
A visit to several specialists makes it possible to make the correct diagnosis:
- dermatologist;
- neuropathologist;
- allergist;
- specialist in infectious diseases;
- psychologist.
A consultation with a psychologist takes place if no deviation has been observed in the direction of other specialists.
To clarify the diagnosis, patients undergo laboratory tests:
- blood test for antigens;
- examination of a skin sample;
- defame;
- secret research;
- scratching of the affected area.
The results of laboratory tests can detect parasites under the skin. If in the last six months before the onset of symptoms there has been travel to Asian countries or other tropical regions, this fact should be reported to the doctor.
Diagnosis of subcutaneous parasites requires the appointment of a competent treatment regimen. In this situation, the use of drugs or methods of traditional medicine not recommended by the attending physician is prohibited. Violation of the treatment regimen can lead to deterioration and poisoning of the body.
Effective treatments
In medical practice, there are two methods of treating parasites: medicinal and surgical. Depending on the complexity of the lesion, the doctor uses one method or both in combination. The choice of therapeutic methods of treatment depends on the risk to the health of the patient and the characteristics of the parasites.
The choice of the therapeutic method is influenced by:
- the number of parasites in the patient's body;
- regenerative capacity of the worm;
- reproduction rate;
- localization of parasites;
- allergic reactions of the patient;
- the severity of the disease;
- possible or existing complications.
Drug treatment consists of following a course of medication. The action of drugs involves exposure in several directions:
- Destruction of adult worms and larvae in the body, prevention of their reproduction. For this, anthelmintic drugs are used.
- Removal of inflammation and destruction of foci of infection. For this, a course of antibiotic therapy is carried out.
- Accelerating the elimination of toxins and elimination of an allergic reaction. The patient is prescribed a course of antihistamines and glucocorticoids.
- Healing of affected areas of the skin. To accelerate the regenerative function of the epidermis, creams and ointments are used.
Surgical treatment of subcutaneous parasites is recommended in cases where there are serious complications and a particular localization of the worm is present. The operation has shown great effectiveness in cases where it is known that the body is affected by only one individual. Most often, surgery is used for dracunculiasis. The internal fluid of the worm contains toxic substances that can cause anaphylactic shock. In this case, a holistic extraction of the parasite is shown.
Prevention methods
Infection with skin parasites in humans requires prolonged treatment. The problem can be avoided by following a number of preventive measures:
- Respect for hygiene rules. Hands should be washed under running water with soap or antiseptic. Especially after contact with unknown or stray animals. Scratches, cuts and other skin damage should be treated with an antiseptic.
- Product processing. Fresh vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly rinsed under running water before use. It is recommended to reheat fish, poultry and meat. Avoid eating raw or semi-raw meat.
- Use of proven water sources. Water from unknown sources must be treated. Open water bodies and springs deserve special attention.
- Systematic vaccination. Before traveling to tropical countries, it is necessary to be vaccinated against the main diseases.
- General use of makeup. Women should avoid sharing makeup, even with close friends.
- Swimming in open water. It is forbidden to swim in polluted or untested bodies of water. During the hot season, preference should be given to bodies of water where the water quality has been tested.
Responsible attitude to own health and observance of preventive measures help prevent parasitic skin diseases.