Symptoms of parasites in the human skin

26 February 2022

Often when we hear about parasites, we certainly imagine helminths, but in fact their numbers are now large.

Many of them can also occur in the upper layers of the epidermis and subcutaneous fat and remain invisible to the carrier.

The subcutaneous worm can enter the human body: by touching infected people; from blood-sucking insects carrying parasitic larvae of animal origin.

The main feature of such an invasion is the difficulty in recognizing the pathology, as the infection can first be disguised as other somatic diseases.

The main signs of the presence of these types of parasites in the body are severe weakness, decreased performance, and a constant desire to scratch the skin. When these signs appear, it is advisable to consult a specialist: a therapist, dermatologist, allergist, infectious disease specialist. The joint work of doctors and the diagnostic methods they use in their work help to detect the presence of subcutaneous invasion in the body in a timely manner.

Types of helminth samples

There are many subcutaneous worms that can cause a lot of trouble with their appearance. Their presence can be detected by paying attention to certain symptoms. By diagnosing the disease in time, it will be much easier to get rid of unwanted guests.

In order to have an idea of how to quickly recognize their presence, we recommend that you meet the most popular representatives:

Filariasis

This type of helminthiasis is found exclusively in tropical areas. Therefore, when traveling you should be as careful as possible, it will not be difficult to pick up.

Pathogens are a major threat as the incubation period can be 5-7 years while actively reproducing. They show no signs of their presence, they are constantly absorbing nutrients and vitamins in the body over the years.

Dracunculiasis

Parasitosis may catch up with the prospective carrier in helminth-infected water. The presence of parasite larvae in the water cannot be detected with the naked eye, and neither the device nor special analyzes will be able to determine it. The danger is that a striking larvae can reach a meter when they are mature. Dracunculiasis infection usually leads to death.

It is to be understood that death is due to the fact that a one-meter-long adult helminth occupies most of the stomach and easily penetrates the lungs, thereby blocking access to oxygen supply. But pathogens are usually found in the lower extremities, so deaths are quite rare in modern medicine.

Scabies

This type of disease is by far the most popular. It is no exaggeration that perhaps every second inhabitant of the planet has already encountered this unpleasant disease. The main symptom of this disease is constant itching of the skin.

If you look closely, you can determine exactly where the worms are, and you can notice redness and irritation at the site where they are found. In addition to intense itching, no more unpleasant symptoms are observed in the infected person.

For a comment.Infection is done from patients to healthy people through physical contact and using the same things.

Diagnosis is almost impossible without special equipment, only the location of mass accumulation can be determined, as mentioned earlier. The cause of the irritation is explained by the fact that the parasitic mites disturb the upper layer of the epithelium and get under the epithelium, thus leaving noticeable traces.

demodicosis

Pathogens prefer sebaceous glands as habitat. Their appearance is accompanied by purulent formations on the face that are so easily confused with acne. The more intensely the parasite develops, the more noticeable it is on the face. In addition to abscesses, there is another symptom that can seem even more unpleasant - the loss of lashes.

Attention.Diagnosis of this parasite is fairly straightforward compared to other species. An experienced doctor does not even prescribe special tests to determine the presence of helminthiasis, it is enough to perform only a visual examination of the patient. It is also unpleasant that the treatment lasts for several years. Getting rid of the disease is quite difficult, so it can take more than a year, even with continuous treatment.

symptoms of subcutaneous parasitosis demodicosis

dirofilariasis

These parasites are transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infected animal, which is usually carried by our pets. Cylindrical worms enter the human body fairly quickly, and a mosquito can be one of its carriers.

It is quite simple to notice, the bite becomes dense, inflammation and itching occurs. The parasite settles in the body and begins an active life. The most important symptom that allows an immediate diagnosis to be made immediately is the feeling of agitation.

This is due to the fact that adults can move freely. Cases have been reported in which infected people saw an intestinal worm that could escape through the mucous membranes of the eye.

Strongyloidiasis

The larvae of this parasite easily penetrate the epidermis, all you have to do is walk barefoot on the ground.

In addition to severe itching, redness, and noticeable inflammation, the skin of an infected person is covered with red blisters.

strongyloidiasis in subcutaneous parasites

Schistosomiasis

The pathogen is found in Africa and Asia and lives exclusively in freshwater. It easily penetrates the human body. It is more in the human skin or urinary system. It emits toxic products to humans throughout its life. Toxins cause severe damage to the body and cause severe poisoning.

The appearance of this or that parasite is associated with certain symptoms, so it is usually diagnosed by an experienced doctor before the results of a full medical examination are received. The purpose of the survey is not only to confirm its presence, but also to determine its exact location and approximate number of individuals.

schistosomiasis with subcutaneous parasites

Symptoms

The onset of symptoms depends on which parasites the person is infected with. There are significant differences, but most symptoms are characteristic of subcutaneous worms. Let's look at the main symptoms:

Skin change. It can manifest as a severe rash, redness, acne, severe itching, and in some cases traces of worms.
General malaise. Not only can toxic waste products affect a patient’s general condition, it should be understood that worms feed on nutrients from the carrier’s body while the carrier’s body does not receive useful substances. In this regard, weakness increases, one quickly gets tired, fever and insomnia are observed.
Worms often invade other vital organs, disrupting their work.
Among subcutaneous helminth samples, there are quite often individuals whose movement is well felt by the carrier.

Filariasis

The primary symptoms that may occur in the first few years are:

hives with extensive red spots;
severe itching;
temperature rise;
feverish condition.

After a certain period of time, the primary symptoms are replaced by more severe manifestations, such as:

eczema, warts, ulcers;
sleep disturbance (increased drowsiness, insomnia);
persistent migraine;
subcutaneous nodes;
some people become noticeable when examining the patient’s eyes.

For information.Such a condition requires serious medical intervention, as the long-term presence of the pathogen can lead to vision loss and the development of a tumor.