Parasites are the organisms which depend on other living things for their food and their survival. Human beings are host to many parasites; it may be in their intestine or on the skin.
Skin parasite infection is more commonly in socio-economical backward class due to lack of personal hygiene, and overcrowding.
There are three skin parasites common in humans; they are Lice, Scabies and Tinea.
Symptoms of Skin Parasites
- Severe itching
- Rash and redness of the skin.
- Secondary infection.
- Burning pain, with bumps and lesions on head.
- Oozing of serous liquid from the scratched site.
Types of Skin Parasites or Worms
- Lice: most common skin parasite, it infests head and scalp. Children are more prone to head lice because they play in close proximity to each other, this make easy for the lice to travel from head to head.
- Pubic lice are present in pubic area and are infested by close contact generally sexual contacts cause spread of pubic lice.
- Scabies: this skin parasite burrows and lays egg in superficial skin, especially in between webs of finger, on genitals and gluteal regions.
- Ring worm: it is a type of fungal infection. Site of infection is, between the thighs, head, feet, nails etc.
- It forms a ring, with plain surface in the centre.
Treatment of Skin Parasite
- Sulfur based soaps help in reducing inflammation, itching in skin parasite infection.
- Apply castor oil on skin surface of infestation, it relieves burning and itching.
- Tea tree oil is important natural cure in skin parasitic infection, especially in scabies and lice. Pour 20 drops of tea tree oil in a bath tub and soak for 15 minutes in the tub; it helps to kill the skin parasite. Tea tree oil can also be applied directly on the ring worm.
- Maintaining personal hygiene reduces chances of skin parasitic infection.
I am suffering a skin condition which even the doctors are not able to diagnose. According to one doctor it is ring worm. One says it is staphylococcus infection and the third opinion is an allergic skin ailment. I have tried all the medicines, but there is no relief. What is it that I am suffering from? There is no itching on the affected region.I am not able to feel warmth or pinprick in that area.
It is difficult to diagnose only on the history, as clinical examination is also necessary. Search for a good dermatologist in your vicinity. Once you are examined by a dermatologist, it will be easy for the diagnosis of the condition. Meanwhile you can apply coconut oil on the affected area. Besides eat foods that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E as well as vitamin A. They contain antioxidants which are beneficial to cure skin ailments. Also maintain personal hygiene.