Parasitic Infections of skin
Parasites on the skin are small insects or worms that burrow into the skin, live there and lay their eggs. Some parasites live in the skin for part of their life cycle; others would be permanent residents. There are many types of parasitic skin infections that require clinical care by a healthcare professional.. Listed below are the most common ones:
- Creeping eruption is a skin infection caused by hookworms, which normally are found on dogs and cats. The parasite spreads to humans through skin contact with the eggs found in dog and cat feces on the ground. Characterized by severe itching, the infection usually appears on the feet, legs, buttocks, or back. Creeping eruption may be treated with liquid thiabendazole and other topical treatments.
- Body lice spread through direct contact between people, or through contact with their bedding or clothing. Treatment of this infection includes using lice-killing shampoo or lotion applied over the entire body.
- Scabies is an infestation of mites. This highly contagious infection often spreads through skin contact between people or when they share towels, bedding, or clothing. The infection is characterized by small, red bumps and intense itching that becomes seemingly unbearable at night. Scabies is treatable and usually all members in a family are treated at the same time. Treatment may include applications of prescription creams and lotions, such as permethrin and lindane solutions and oral antihistamine medication. In addition, it is important to wash all clothes and bedding in hot water and dry in a hot dryer. Clothing and other objects that cannot be washed (i.e., pillows, stuffed animals) should be placed in a plastic bag for at least one week.