Skin parasites in humans infect different areas of the body, causing irritation and various health problems. Read on to know what the symptoms and treatment options are for such infections.
Saptakee Sengupta
Skin parasites are infectious agents that can cause irritation and itching. Sometimes, we are not even aware of being infected until the symptoms become evident. Human body is vulnerable to more than 1000 species of parasites and the contribution of skin parasites is meager.
Intestinal parasites are the most dangerous, having the ability to degrade your body completely. Tapeworm and ringworm are the most common ones residing in human intestine. In the following segment, you shall come to know the various types of skin parasites infecting human beings the most.
Types
The parasites normally grow in population by laying eggs. They carry diseases and can spread them if you are not aware of their presence. From the types of parasites, the list below has sorted out the specific ones for skin.
Scabies:Scabies, also known as itch mites, reside on surface of skin, where they lay eggs. The skin develops bump-like projections, causing itching and scratching.
Ticks:Human beings are often bitten by ticks, sucking blood and causing infection. Tick infection comes from woods. You can remove the parasite from your skin by pulling it out by its head.
Lice: It's the most common form of skin parasite, mostly affecting kids. Head lice is more common than body lice. Crab lice is contagious and can infect armpits, pubic hair, and beards.
Fleas: Fleas infect humans as well. They sting on the skin, causing terrible itching and subsequent infection. Fleas are often carriers of diseases like typhus and plague.
Ringworm:Ringworm (Tinea) is actually a fungus that normally attacks inner thighs, head, feet, and nails. The red ring is the sign of infection and is extremely contagious.
Symptoms
Symptoms of parasitic infection can be from mild to severe. The infection gives rise to further complications if left untreated. It gradually spreads throughout the body, causing terrible discomfort. Epidermal parasitic infection can also give rise to internal health complications. Inflammation of intestine is one of the most prominent symptom.
Following are some of the most commonly observed symptoms:
Irritation
Itching
Rashes
Red bumps
Allergies
Swellings
Lack of appetite
Indigestion
Fever
Muscle pain
Muscle fatigue
Bloating
Diarrhea
Teeth grinding
Numb hands
Insomnia
Mood swings
Constipation
Treatment
Treatment for skin parasites is mostly concerned with a thorough body cleansing. For example, tick infection normally comes from people residing in the woods. If you have paid a recent visit to such a place, make sure that you wash your clothes and inspect your hair.
The irritation can be brought under control by cleaning the body with soap and water. There are also many topical creams available over-the-counter that are capable of relieving you from the irritation and rashes. Tea tree oil is a wonderful natural agent to cure parasitic infections.
Ringworm infection is highly contagious, and the best treatment is application of diluted bleach over the rashes several times a day for quick healing. There are ample products available at the drug stores in the form of medicated oils and shampoos, effective in eradicating lice.
However, special attention should be paid to crab lice. Other home remedies include application of aloe vera gel and oatmeal bath. A paste of turmeric and neem (Azadirachta indica) acts as natural antibiotic, effective in healing the infection. Sandalwood is also an effective remedy, both for healing and keeping the itching at bay.
The aforementioned types of skin parasites in humans can be avoided by maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness. Wash your body with antiseptic soaps everyday if you are prone to infections. Keep your hair clean to avoid infestation of lice.
Wash your clothes and undergarments daily to prevent any type of contamination. Do not share your personal belongings (clothes, handkerchief, soap, towel, comb, brush, etc.) with anyone.
Make sure that you wash your hands before eating and after returning from outdoor work. Practice these habits religiously to prevent yourself falling into prey of skin parasites. Pay a visit to a dermatologist if the infection is severe.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.