Ectoparasites: Mites, Fleas And More
We have all heard of parasites. They are organisms that live inside or on the surface of another living being, obtaining certain benefits at the cost of causing problems for the being they take advantage of. Ectoparasites, in particular, are those that live on the outer surface of others.
These types of beings often produce diseases called parasitosis . They are frequent, both in animals and in humans. In our case, these types of pathologies tend to appear in summer and cause skin damage.
Some ectoparasites can be the route of transmission of serious systemic infections with disastrous consequences. Furthermore, its eradication is not so easy. Therefore, in this article we explain the most important data on ectoparasites, emphasizing mites and fleas.
What are the most common ectoparasites?
Ectoparasites are small organisms that live off other living things. In the case of humans, this broad group includes a range of arthropods that are dissimilar to each other.
As a general rule, these types of beings adhere to the surface of the skin and remain there for a period of time that can be prolonged as long as the body wishes. They can even penetrate it, staying in more internal layers of the dermis. Once inside, the symptoms are of itching and even allergic reactions.
Although hematophogous arthropods are included within ectoparasites, it is easier to separate them into two different groups. Hematophogous arthropods are those insects, such as mosquitoes, that feed on the blood of humans. Their behavior is different and the diseases they transmit as well.
The biggest problem with all ectoparasites, and especially blood-sucking arthropods, is that they can act as vectors. That is, they are carriers of pathologies such as malaria or typhus.
Scabies or scabies
Scabies is one of the most frequent and known parasites. It is produced by a type of mite called Sarcoptes scabiei . Infections usually occur in the form of epidemics, since this mite is transmitted from person to person very easily.
In addition, it can persist on clothing or sheets, so it is often difficult to eradicate. This ectoparasite digs small tunnels in the skin. It produces characteristic lesions that cause itching and that, in addition, predominate at night.
The diagnosis of scabies does not represent a great challenge in general, but sometimes it is necessary to use some microscopy technique to detect the parasite. Still, doctors often find injuries at first glance.
Mites
Mites are a large group within ectoparasites. We have just mentioned a specific type of mite, the one that causes scabies. However, when most people talk about mites, they are usually referring to the allergy triggers.
In this case, the family of parasites is called Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. It is a species that usually lives in the dust present in the furniture of any house. This is a really small arthropod that is actually harmless to humans.
The only negative effect they cause are allergies, constituting the most frequent cause of reactions after pollen. The origin is in the dead mites or in their droppings, which form a very fine and easy to inhale dust.
The fleas
Fleas are small ectoparasites that feed on blood when they are adults. It is very common to find them in dogs and cats, especially in those that live on the street or in the field.
They can act as vectors for many diseases. The most important are typhus and bubonic plague. However, those present in dogs and cats often transmit others, such as tapeworms. In addition, its bite causes itching and redness of the skin.
Attention to ectoparasites!
What we must remember is that ectoparasites encompass a very wide range of organisms. It is important to bear in mind that, if we have animals at home, deworming is an essential procedure to ensure both their health and ours.
If you have itching, itching, skin allergies, or signs of tiny, tiny lesions on the epidermis, you should see a doctor. Many ectoparasites are detected immediately on the first professional visit, and treatment can be started immediately.
