Parasitic Infections

Infections are abnormal invasions and the growth of germs in your body that result in skin rashes, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They can infect your skin and other body parts like the lungs, liver, and brain. You can acquire a parasitic infection from contaminated water, food, or surfaces, bug bites, and eating undercooked food. Parasitic infections are often treated with the help of antiparasitic drugs prescribed by your dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails). 

Read this informative blog below to learn more about parasitic infections, their types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. 

What Are Parasitic Infections?

Parasitic infections are conditions or illnesses caused by parasites living and reproducing in your body. Parasites are microorganisms that require a host cell to get the nutrients they need for survival. 

Parasitic infections can affect your skin or other body parts, such as the internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain. Depending on the location, they can develop a series of symptoms. 

What Are the Types of Parasitic Infections?

Three main types of parasites cause infections in humans. These include:

• Protozoa
• Helminths 
• Ectoparasites 

Protozoal Infections

• Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can infect your blood, gut, brain, skin, eyes, and body parts. 

Helminth Infections

• These parasitic worms are flakes, tapeworms, roundworms, and thorny-headed worms.
• They usually infect your intestinal tract.

Ectoparasitic Infections

• Ectoparasites are insects and spider-like bugs that burrow into your skin and live there. 
• These include ticks, lice, mites, and fleece.
• They usually do not spread to infect other parts of your body. 

What Are the Most Common Types of Parasitic Infections?

The most common parasitic infections include:

• Malaria 
• Head lice
• Toxoplasmosis 
• Pinworms 
• Trichomoniasis 
• Cyclosporiasis 
• Scabies 
• Tapeworm infections
• Chagas disease 

How Do You Get Parasitic Infections?

You can get parasitic infections from the following:

• Drinking contaminated water 
• Eating undercooked food
• Mosquito bites 
• Tick bites
• Contaminated surfaces
• Unprotected sex 
• Contaminated soil
• The womb of an infected woman to her fetus 
• Using the personal belongings of an infected person 

What Are the Risk Factors for Parasitic Infections?

Anyone can get parasitic infections; however, you are more prone to developing them due to certain risk factors. These include:

• Young children or their parents 
• People with compromised immune systems, which include HIV, cancer 
• Taking immunosuppressive medications 
• Live or travel in tropical or subtropical regions of the world 
• Lack of a clean supply of drinking water 
• Work with soil regularly, like gardening 

What Are the Symptoms of Parasitic Infections?

Symptoms of parasitic infections depend on the area of your body being infected. 

Common Symptoms 

• Fever 
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes  
• Fatigue 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal cramps 
• Weight loss
• Dehydration 

Based on The Location

Neurological Symptoms

• Severe headaches 
• Disorientation
• Seizures

Sexually Transmitted Symptoms

• Itching
• Redness 
• Irritation 
• Unusual discharge from genitals 

Skin Symptoms

• Rashes 
• Redness
• Itching 
• Soreness 

How Are Parasitic Infections Diagnosed?

Doctors or dermatologists can diagnose parasitic infections by detecting parasites in body fluids or tissues. 

Your doctor might use the following samples for testing:

• Stool
• Phlegm
• Skin or other affected tissues
• CNS fluid (fluid around your brain and spinal cord)

Other diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood test
• An endoscopy or colonoscopy is indicated if the stool tests are inconclusive. 

Furthermore, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to diagnose parasitic infections.

How Are Parasitic Infections Treated?

Your treatment plan will depend on your specific diagnosis. A combination of medications is usually effective for parasitic infections. 

These include:

• Antiparasitics
• Anthelmintics
• Antiprotozoals
• Antibiotics
• Antifungals 

Other supportive care tips include:

• Plenty of rest
• Drinking an adequate amount of water 
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced, nutritious diet
• Using alcohol-free moisturizers to manage skin rashes 
• Topical steroid creams to manage skin inflammation 

How Can You Prevent Parasitic Infections?

There are several steps to take that can reduce your risk of contracting a parasitic infection:

• Wash your hands and feet regularly, especially after handling feces or uncooked food
• Bath or shower regularly with an antiseptic soap or body wash 
• Wash your bedding, clothing, and other personal items with hot water and detergent. Dry them thoroughly. 
• Always cook food at the recommended temperature
• Practice safe sex; remember to use a condom 
• Drink clean water 
• Avoid drinking water from lakes, streams, or ponds 
• Avoid cat litter or feces when pregnant 
• Do not swim in a public pool while suffering from diarrhea. Wait for at least two weeks 
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating 
• Wear protective clothing, use a big spray, and sleep under mosquito netting if required 

Bottom Line 

Parasitic infections can affect millions of people globally. Some of you may show no symptoms of infection, while others can experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and so on. Untreated parasitic infections can even be life-threatening. Most doctors treat parasitic infections through appropriate medications. You can even take preventive steps to reduce your risk of developing parasitic infections, especially while traveling. If you notice any symptoms of parasitic infection, seek help from an experienced doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation. 

FAQs

1. When should you consider going to the emergency room if suffering from parasitic infection?

You must go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fever more than 104 F
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Seizures 
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes 
• Dehydration symptoms like extreme thirst, peeing sparingly, high heart rate, and weakness

2. Are parasites contagious?

The parasites are contagious and can easily spread to other people through exposure to an infected person's blood. For example, by blood transfusion or by sharing needles contaminated with blood.

3. What foods can help clear parasites from your digestive tract?

The following foods help clear parasites from your digestive tract:

• Fiber 
• Carrots 
• Beets
• Raw garlic 
• Honey 
• Pumpkin seeds 

4. Can parasites go away on their own?

Some parasites can go away independently, especially if you have a healthy immune system and lifestyle with a well-balanced diet and adequate hydration. However, some may require medical intervention.