Uninvited Guests: 5 Parasites That Can Infest Your Skin

Parasites that breed on or in the skin can cause a variety of skin problems and diseases. Here are five examples of parasites that can infest the skin:

1. Scabies: Scabies is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the skin and lays its eggs. The resulting rash is intensely itchy and can spread rapidly from person to person through close contact.
2. Demodex mites: Demodex mites are tiny mites that live in the hair follicles and oil glands of human skin. While they are usually harmless, in some cases they can cause a condition called demodicosis, which leads to itchy, red skin and hair loss.
3. Head lice: Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They are most common in school-aged children, but can affect people of all ages. Symptoms include itching, redness, and small bumps on the scalp.
4. Ticks: Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They can carry a range of diseases, including Lyme disease, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.
5. Botfly larvae: Botfly larvae are the larvae of botflies, which are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The larvae burrow into the skin of humans and animals, where they develop into maggots. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and the appearance of a small hole in the skin where the botfly entered.

If you suspect that you may have a parasite infestation, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.