Skin Parasites in Humans

Skin parasites are infectious agents that can cause irritation and itching. Sometimes we are not even aware of being infected with the parasites, unless 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 parasites 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 of Human Skin Parasites

The skin parasites normally grow in population by laying eggs. They carry disease and can spread, 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 the surface of the skin where they lay eggs. The skin develops bump like projections causing immense itching and scratching.
• Ticks: Often human beings are bitten by ticks, sucking blood and causing infection. Tick infection comes from woods. You can remove the parasite from the 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 armpit, pubic hair and beards.
• Fleas: Fleas infect humans as well. It stings 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 of Infections

Symptoms of parasitic infection can range from mild to severe. The infection gives rise to further complications, if left untreated. It gradually spreads throughout the body causing terrible discomfort. Parasitic infection on skin might also give rise to internal health complications. Inflammation of intestine is one of the most prominent symptom of parasitic infection. Check out the symptoms enlisted below.

• Irritation
• Itching
• Rashes
• Red bumps
• Allergies
• Swellings
• Lack of appetite
• Indigestion
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Muscle fatigue
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Teeth grinding
• Numb hands
• Sleep disorder
• Mood swings
• Constipation

Treatment for Infections

Skin parasites treatment is mostly concerned with a thorough body cleansing act. For example, tick infection normally comes from people residing in the woods. If you have paid a recent visit to such places, make sure you wash your clothes and inspect your hair. The irritation can be brought under control by cleansing the body area with soap and water. There are 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 infections of skin parasites. Ringworm infection is highly contagious. 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 well-known for its healing properties.

The aforementioned types of skin parasites in humans could be avoided by maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness. Wash your body with antiseptic soaps everyday, if you are prone to infection. Keep your hair clean to avoid infestation of lice. Wash your clothes and undergarments daily to prevent any form of contamination. Do not share your personal belongings (clothes, handkerchief, soap, towel, comb, brush, etc) with anyone. Make sure you wash your hands before eating and wash them after returning from outdoor work. Practice these habits religiously to prevent yourself falling into prey of skin parasites. Pay a visit to a skin doctor if the infection is severe.