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Bump that looks like a mosquito bite. Itchy Bumps on Skin: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

What causes itchy bumps that look like mosquito bites. How to identify different skin conditions causing itchy bumps. When should you see a doctor for itchy skin bumps. What are the best treatments for various types of itchy skin rashes.

Common Causes of Itchy Bumps on Skin

Itchy bumps on the skin that resemble mosquito bites can be caused by various conditions. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper treatment and relief. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Hives (Urticaria)

Hives, medically known as urticaria, are a common skin condition affecting approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives. These raised, itchy areas on the skin can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly.

What triggers hives? Common causes include:

  • Food allergies (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, seafood)
  • Latex
  • Pollen
  • Insect bites or stings
  • Certain plants
  • Medications (e.g., sulfa drugs, aspirin)

How can you identify hives? Hives typically appear as red, purple, or skin-colored itchy bumps that turn white or disappear when pressed. They can occur anywhere on the body and may change shape or location rapidly.

Bed Bug Bites: Recognizing the Signs

Bed bug bites can easily be mistaken for mosquito bites, but there are some key differences to look out for. How can you tell if your itchy bumps are from bed bugs?

  • Bites often appear in a straight line or clustered pattern
  • They may take up to 2 weeks to appear after the initial bite
  • Look for other signs of bed bugs, such as:
    • Actual bed bugs on mattresses or sheets
    • Dead bed bugs
    • Blood spots on bedding
    • A characteristic musty odor

Are bed bug bites dangerous? While bed bug bites are generally not harmful, they can cause significant discomfort and distress. In rare cases, some individuals may experience a severe allergic reaction.

Contact Dermatitis: When Your Skin Reacts to Allergens

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance it’s sensitive to. This condition can cause itchy bumps that may be mistaken for insect bites.

What are common triggers for contact dermatitis?

  • Latex
  • Certain metals (e.g., nickel)
  • Household products
  • Cosmetics and skincare products
  • Plants (e.g., poison ivy)

How long does contact dermatitis last? Symptoms typically develop within 1-2 days of exposure and may persist for 2-3 weeks. The affected area may not only itch but also hurt, and it may present with inflammation and blisters.

Scabies: The Microscopic Mite Menace

Scabies is a skin condition caused by the human itch mite. These tiny parasites burrow into the top layer of skin, causing intense itching and a distinctive rash.

What does a scabies rash look like? The most common symptom is itchy bumps on the skin, which can be easily confused with mosquito bites. In some cases, you may also notice thin, raised, crooked lines on the skin’s surface – these are the mite’s tunnels.

Where does scabies typically appear? Common areas include:

  • Between the fingers
  • In the armpits
  • Around the waist
  • Along the insides of the wrists
  • On the inner elbow
  • On the soles of the feet
  • Around the breasts
  • In the male genital area

Is scabies contagious? Yes, scabies is highly contagious and can spread through close skin-to-skin contact. It’s essential to seek treatment promptly to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Effective Treatments for Itchy Skin Bumps

The treatment for itchy bumps on the skin depends on the underlying cause. However, there are some general self-care practices that can provide relief in many cases:

  1. Avoid scratching the affected area
  2. Take frequent lukewarm baths
  3. Use gentle, hypoallergenic soaps
  4. Limit sun exposure
  5. Apply cold compresses
  6. Wear loose, comfortable clothing

Treating Hives

How can you manage hives effectively? Treatment options include:

  • Avoiding known triggers
  • Using anti-itch lotions
  • Taking over-the-counter antihistamines
  • For severe cases, prescription antihistamines or corticosteroids may be necessary

For individuals with severe allergies, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) may be crucial to prevent life-threatening reactions.

Managing Bed Bug Bites

How should you treat bed bug bites? Unless you have a severe allergic reaction, simple self-care measures are usually sufficient:

  • Resist the urge to scratch
  • Apply over-the-counter antiseptic ointments
  • Take antihistamines to reduce itching

Remember, treating the bites is only part of the solution. It’s crucial to eliminate the bed bug infestation to prevent future bites.

Relieving Contact Dermatitis

What are effective ways to manage contact dermatitis?

  • Apply cold compresses to the affected area
  • Use calamine lotion to soothe the skin
  • Take soothing baths (e.g., oatmeal baths)
  • For severe cases, prescription antihistamines or cortisone may be necessary

The most important aspect of managing contact dermatitis is identifying and avoiding triggers. Working with an allergist can help pinpoint specific allergens.

Treating Scabies

How is scabies treated? Scabies requires medical intervention. Treatment typically involves:

  • Prescription scabicide medications (usually applied to the entire body)
  • Treating all household members and close contacts simultaneously
  • Washing all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water
  • Vacuuming the entire home thoroughly

It’s important to follow the treatment regimen exactly as prescribed to ensure complete eradication of the mites.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Itchy Skin Bumps

While many cases of itchy skin bumps can be managed at home, there are instances when professional medical help is necessary. When should you consult a healthcare provider?

  • If the itching is severe and interferes with daily life or sleep
  • If the rash persists for more than a few weeks despite home treatment
  • If you develop signs of infection (e.g., fever, pus, increased pain)
  • If you suspect scabies or bed bugs
  • If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat)

A dermatologist or allergist can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options for persistent or severe cases of itchy skin bumps.

Preventing Itchy Skin Bumps: Tips and Strategies

While it’s not always possible to prevent itchy skin bumps, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. How can you minimize the occurrence of these uncomfortable skin conditions?

  • Identify and avoid known allergens
  • Use hypoallergenic soaps and detergents
  • Keep your skin moisturized
  • Wear protective clothing when outdoors to prevent insect bites
  • Regularly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs
  • Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of scabies
  • Manage stress, as it can trigger or exacerbate some skin conditions

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing itchy skin bumps.

Understanding the Impact of Itchy Skin Conditions on Quality of Life

Itchy skin conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. How do these conditions affect daily functioning and well-being?

  • Sleep disturbances due to nighttime itching
  • Decreased concentration and productivity at work or school
  • Social embarrassment or isolation due to visible skin symptoms
  • Anxiety or depression related to chronic skin conditions
  • Financial burden of ongoing treatments and medical visits

It’s important to address not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological and social impacts of itchy skin conditions. Support groups and counseling can be valuable resources for individuals dealing with chronic skin issues.

Coping Strategies for Living with Chronic Skin Conditions

For those dealing with recurrent or chronic itchy skin conditions, developing effective coping strategies is crucial. What are some ways to manage the ongoing challenges of these conditions?

  • Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
  • Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
  • Develop a consistent skincare routine
  • Keep a symptom diary to identify triggers and patterns
  • Work closely with healthcare providers to optimize treatment plans
  • Educate friends and family about your condition to foster understanding and support

By implementing these strategies, individuals can better manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life while living with chronic skin conditions.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Itchy Skin Conditions

The field of dermatology is constantly evolving, with new research providing insights into the causes and potential treatments for itchy skin conditions. What are some promising areas of research in this field?

  • Targeted biologics for chronic urticaria
  • Microbiome-based therapies for various skin conditions
  • Gene therapy approaches for inherited skin disorders
  • Novel antipruritic agents targeting specific itch pathways
  • Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and environmental factors

These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize the treatment of itchy skin conditions, offering hope for more effective and targeted therapies in the future.

The Role of Diet in Managing Itchy Skin Conditions

Emerging research suggests that diet may play a significant role in managing certain skin conditions. How can dietary changes potentially impact itchy skin?

  • Identifying and eliminating food allergens
  • Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., omega-3 rich fish, leafy greens)
  • Ensuring adequate hydration
  • Considering probiotic supplementation for gut health
  • Reducing intake of processed foods and added sugars

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between diet and skin health, many individuals find that dietary modifications can help manage their symptoms. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

In conclusion, itchy bumps on the skin can be caused by various conditions, each requiring a specific approach to diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the common causes, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical attention, individuals can effectively manage these uncomfortable skin issues. As research continues to advance, we can look forward to even more effective treatments and management strategies for itchy skin conditions in the future.

Itchy bumps on skin like mosquito bites: What are they?

Several skin conditions can cause itchy lumps that resemble bug bites. These include allergic reactions, infections, and chronic conditions.

Most people experience this symptom at some point. Itchy bumps can appear as a result of allergies, infections, insects, and, sometimes, nonidentified factors.

However, there is one general principle that the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommend people to follow when their skin itches: Do not scratch it.

Additional general self-care practices for itchy skin include:

  • bathing frequently in lukewarm water
  • using gentle, hypoallergenic soap
  • limiting exposure to the sun
  • applying cold compresses
  • avoiding tight clothing in areas where itchy bumps appear

Understanding the different conditions that can cause itchy bumps on the skin can help people get appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment can range from avoiding certain foods to taking prescription medications.

Keep reading to learn more about some common causes of itchy bumps that look like mosquito bites and how to treat them.

The medical term for hives is urticaria, and it describes a condition that produces raised itchy areas on the skin. If a person notices bumps on the skin that resemble mosquito bites but has not had any exposure to mosquitos, the cause is probably acute urticaria. The term “acute” means that the condition does not last longer than 6 weeks.

Hives are very common, affecting about 20% of people at some point in their lives. Certain kinds of foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood, cause hives in many people due to an allergic reaction. Latex, pollen, insects, various plants, and some medications, such as sulfa drugs or even aspirin, may also cause hives.

Hives cause characteristic red, purple, or skin colored itchy bumps that appear and disappear quickly anywhere on the body. These bumps typically turn white or disappear when a person presses them.

Treatment

The treatment for hives depends on the severity and cause of the rash, but it includes avoiding known triggers. People who are extremely allergic to a trigger — for example, peanuts or certain insects — may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an Epipen. This device can stop a potentially life threatening reaction if a person has accidental contact with a known allergen.

Anti-itching lotions and over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines can provide relief for mild symptoms, while more intense outbreaks may require stronger prescription versions of these drugs or corticosteroids.

Learn more about hives here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bug bites can resemble bites from other bugs, although they can take as long as 2 weeks to materialize.

People who notice itchy bumps on the skin that resemble mosquito bites should check for:

  • other signs of bed bugs
  • bed bugs themselves on a mattress or sheet
  • dead bed bugs
  • blood spots on a mattress or sheet
  • the characteristic musty smell associated with bed bugs

If the bites appear in a straight line, they are likely to be due to bed bugs. However, bed bug bugs can also appear in more random formations.

Treatment

Unless someone has a severe allergic reaction, experts recommend simple self-care practices to treat any bites. These include not scratching, applying OTC antiseptic ointments, and taking antihistamines.

Learn more about bed bugs here.

Contact dermatitis is essentially an allergic reaction that develops when a person’s skin comes into contact with something to which they are allergic, such as latex or certain metals or household products.

It can take 1–2 days for the reaction to develop and 2–3 weeks for symptoms to disappear. Contact dermatitis may hurt as much as it itches, and it may present with inflammation and blisters.

Treatment

Self-care with cold compresses, calamine lotion, and soothing baths can help provide relief.

Prescription medication, such as antihistamines and cortisone, may be necessary if the reaction is severe.

Working with healthcare professionals can help people identify their triggers, which can be complicated.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are more than 3,700 substances known to cause contact allergies. Avoiding triggers is a key part of managing contact dermatitis, along with thoroughly washing the affected area with soap and water after exposure happens.

Learn more about contact dermatitis here.

The human itch mite is responsible for scabies. This mite digs its way through the top layer of the skin and lays eggs. Its tunnels can sometimes be visible on the surface of the skin, where they appear as raised, crooked, skin colored lines. However, the most common symptom of scabies is itchy bumps on the skin. These are like mosquito bites, only smaller.

Sites of the body that this very itchy condition commonly affects include the wrists, the elbows, between the fingers, and behind the knees.

Treatment

Only a prescription lotion will treat scabies effectively, and individuals need to follow the application directions exactly. Anyone who has had extensive skin-to-skin contact with someone with scabies should also seek treatment.

It is very important that people with scabies thoroughly wash and dry all of their clothes, towels, sheets, bedding, and other household items. Other remedies for scabies may also help.

Learn more about scabies here.

Also known as atopic dermatitis, this common condition causes itchy, red, irritated skin that can sometimes develop bumps. In the long term, it can make the skin thicker, scaly, and flaky, as well as causing it to change color.

Scratching makes eczema worse and increases the risk of infection. Eczema occurs due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which prompt the immune system to overreact to certain triggers, such as laundry soap or sweating. It typically affects the face, elbows, knees, scalp, and backs of the hands.

Treatment

According to the National Eczema Association, treating eczema calls for a mix of self-care, OTC drugs, and prescription medications. People with eczema can identify and learn to manage or avoid triggers for their outbreaks.

Changing bathing practices and using moisturizer can also help. Prescription lotions, systemic medications, UVB light, and biologics can address more severe symptoms.

Learn more about the different types of eczema here.

Skin problems, such as itchy bumps on the skin similar to mosquito bites, can range from mild to severe.

Some issues, including bed bug bites, can be fleeting, while others, such as allergic reactions to certain foods, are signs of a permanent condition. However, most skin problems generally respond well to treatment.

If the symptoms do not improve with self-care practices, people should see a medical professional to determine what is causing the outbreak and how to treat it.

Itchy bumps on skin like mosquito bites: What are they?

Several skin conditions can cause itchy lumps that resemble bug bites. These include allergic reactions, infections, and chronic conditions.

Most people experience this symptom at some point. Itchy bumps can appear as a result of allergies, infections, insects, and, sometimes, nonidentified factors.

However, there is one general principle that the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommend people to follow when their skin itches: Do not scratch it.

Additional general self-care practices for itchy skin include:

  • bathing frequently in lukewarm water
  • using gentle, hypoallergenic soap
  • limiting exposure to the sun
  • applying cold compresses
  • avoiding tight clothing in areas where itchy bumps appear

Understanding the different conditions that can cause itchy bumps on the skin can help people get appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment can range from avoiding certain foods to taking prescription medications.

Keep reading to learn more about some common causes of itchy bumps that look like mosquito bites and how to treat them.

The medical term for hives is urticaria, and it describes a condition that produces raised itchy areas on the skin. If a person notices bumps on the skin that resemble mosquito bites but has not had any exposure to mosquitos, the cause is probably acute urticaria. The term “acute” means that the condition does not last longer than 6 weeks.

Hives are very common, affecting about 20% of people at some point in their lives. Certain kinds of foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood, cause hives in many people due to an allergic reaction. Latex, pollen, insects, various plants, and some medications, such as sulfa drugs or even aspirin, may also cause hives.

Hives cause characteristic red, purple, or skin colored itchy bumps that appear and disappear quickly anywhere on the body. These bumps typically turn white or disappear when a person presses them.

Treatment

The treatment for hives depends on the severity and cause of the rash, but it includes avoiding known triggers. People who are extremely allergic to a trigger — for example, peanuts or certain insects — may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an Epipen. This device can stop a potentially life threatening reaction if a person has accidental contact with a known allergen.

Anti-itching lotions and over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines can provide relief for mild symptoms, while more intense outbreaks may require stronger prescription versions of these drugs or corticosteroids.

Learn more about hives here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bug bites can resemble bites from other bugs, although they can take as long as 2 weeks to materialize.

People who notice itchy bumps on the skin that resemble mosquito bites should check for:

  • other signs of bed bugs
  • bed bugs themselves on a mattress or sheet
  • dead bed bugs
  • blood spots on a mattress or sheet
  • the characteristic musty smell associated with bed bugs

If the bites appear in a straight line, they are likely to be due to bed bugs. However, bed bug bugs can also appear in more random formations.

Treatment

Unless someone has a severe allergic reaction, experts recommend simple self-care practices to treat any bites. These include not scratching, applying OTC antiseptic ointments, and taking antihistamines.

Learn more about bed bugs here.

Contact dermatitis is essentially an allergic reaction that develops when a person’s skin comes into contact with something to which they are allergic, such as latex or certain metals or household products.

It can take 1–2 days for the reaction to develop and 2–3 weeks for symptoms to disappear. Contact dermatitis may hurt as much as it itches, and it may present with inflammation and blisters.

Treatment

Self-care with cold compresses, calamine lotion, and soothing baths can help provide relief.

Prescription medication, such as antihistamines and cortisone, may be necessary if the reaction is severe.

Working with healthcare professionals can help people identify their triggers, which can be complicated.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are more than 3,700 substances known to cause contact allergies. Avoiding triggers is a key part of managing contact dermatitis, along with thoroughly washing the affected area with soap and water after exposure happens.

Learn more about contact dermatitis here.

The human itch mite is responsible for scabies. This mite digs its way through the top layer of the skin and lays eggs. Its tunnels can sometimes be visible on the surface of the skin, where they appear as raised, crooked, skin colored lines. However, the most common symptom of scabies is itchy bumps on the skin. These are like mosquito bites, only smaller.

Sites of the body that this very itchy condition commonly affects include the wrists, the elbows, between the fingers, and behind the knees.

Treatment

Only a prescription lotion will treat scabies effectively, and individuals need to follow the application directions exactly. Anyone who has had extensive skin-to-skin contact with someone with scabies should also seek treatment.

It is very important that people with scabies thoroughly wash and dry all of their clothes, towels, sheets, bedding, and other household items. Other remedies for scabies may also help.

Learn more about scabies here.

Also known as atopic dermatitis, this common condition causes itchy, red, irritated skin that can sometimes develop bumps. In the long term, it can make the skin thicker, scaly, and flaky, as well as causing it to change color.

Scratching makes eczema worse and increases the risk of infection. Eczema occurs due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which prompt the immune system to overreact to certain triggers, such as laundry soap or sweating. It typically affects the face, elbows, knees, scalp, and backs of the hands.

Treatment

According to the National Eczema Association, treating eczema calls for a mix of self-care, OTC drugs, and prescription medications. People with eczema can identify and learn to manage or avoid triggers for their outbreaks.

Changing bathing practices and using moisturizer can also help. Prescription lotions, systemic medications, UVB light, and biologics can address more severe symptoms.

Learn more about the different types of eczema here.

Skin problems, such as itchy bumps on the skin similar to mosquito bites, can range from mild to severe.

Some issues, including bed bug bites, can be fleeting, while others, such as allergic reactions to certain foods, are signs of a permanent condition. However, most skin problems generally respond well to treatment.

If the symptoms do not improve with self-care practices, people should see a medical professional to determine what is causing the outbreak and how to treat it.

7 signs of skin cancer that no one pays attention to

Everyone knows that if a mole has changed size or color, you need to urgently run to an oncologist. But it happens that the body gives much less obvious signals that may indicate a malignant skin tumor.

16,000 British people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and 2,500 of them eventually die, reports the Mirror. The good news is that 80 to 100 percent of cases found in stage 1 or 2 are easily treatable. How not to overlook the tumor, said dermatologist Ross Perry.

1. Unexplained scars

Basalioma. Photo © Wikimedia Commons

If out of nowhere you have a scar that grows in size, this may be a sign of a basalioma. It occurs on areas of the skin that are exposed to intense sun exposure. The scar may look like a waxy thickening. This is the most common form of skin cancer, but, fortunately, the least dangerous if detected early.

2. Eruptions on the eyelids

Basalioma on the eyelid. Photo © BOPSS

Eyelid malignancies may be brown, black, red, or flesh-colored. They can be hard to the touch, itchy and painful, or shiny and waxy. It is important to record all the changes that occur to them. To protect your eyelids from ultraviolet light, you need to wear sunglasses or a hat, and use sunscreen.

3. Black spots under nails

Subungual melanoma. Video screenshot: YouTube / The Doctors

Subungual melanoma is easily confused with a common bruise. Most often, it occurs under the thumbnail as a result of regular injury to this area. If left untreated, subungual melanoma can spread to other parts of the body.

4. Itching of the scalp

Squamous cell carcinoma. Photo © Brown University

If your head is constantly itching, take a close look at the skin under your hair. Scalp cancer is more common in men and there are three types. Firstly, it is a basalioma, but it is rare and not so dangerous. The second form is squamous cell carcinoma. It affects fair-skinned people who are often exposed to the sun, and appears as scaly red spots, open sores, rough, thickened, or warty areas of the skin, and raised, dimpled growths. But the most dangerous form is melanoma, and it looks like a normal mole.

5. Non-healing ulcers

Basalioma. Photo © Wikimedia Commons

These sores can look lumpy, dry and scaly. They can also itch and bleed. All these signs indicate the risk of developing basalioma.

6. Non-healing “insect bites”

Site of mosquito bite. Photo © Wikimedia Commons

Red bumps, which in the warm season can easily be mistaken for mosquito bites, can actually be something much more serious. If they have not gone away even after a few weeks, you should go to the doctor to rule out the risk of developing skin cancer.

7. Pale patch of skin on the head or neck

Basalioma. Photo © The Skin Cancer Foundation

These spots most often occur on the face, head and neck after prolonged exposure to the sun. If they do not disappear within four weeks, it is worth making an appointment with a dermatologist.

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DIROFILARIOSIS-PARASITIC DISEASE

Published: 06/17/2015 9000 3


Mosquito season has begun. And if you
have not yet felt the obsessive attention of little bloodsuckers in their own
apartment, then, once in nature, you will definitely encounter them. To such
the meeting does not hurt to prepare, especially if there are atypical reactions to
mosquito bites. In addition to the usual allergy to an insect bite (itching, swelling,
redness), symptoms of general malaise, pain at the bite site,
unpleasant and alarming “movements” under the skin. It might not be
other than dirofilariasis .

Dirofilariasis is more common in areas with a warm and humid climate:
southern Europe, the countries of the Balkan Peninsula, Turkey, Africa, India. In Russia, dirofilariasis was registered in the southern
regions: in the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, the republics of the Northern
Caucasus, Astrakhan, Volgograd, Rostov, Lipetsk, Voronezh
regions, as well as Primorsky and Khabarovsk territories. In recent years
the parasite spread in
more northern regions of Russia. In Belarus annually
3–7 cases of dirofilariasis are detected. The most common disease occurs in
Gomel region.

Dirofilariasis
a rare type of helminthiasis, in which the parasite is introduced under the skin and migrates along
body. For this disease
characterized by slow development and a long chronic course, accompanied by
complications in the heart, liver and kidneys.

Pathogen – immature nematode
Dirofilaria repens (roundworm). The parasite has a filamentous body
light yellow in color, tapering towards both ends, their larvae, called dirofilariae,
have a length of 0.22-0.30 mm. The length of an adult female
17–20 cm, width – 0.3–0.7 cm. Males are slightly smaller – 7 cm and 0.45 cm, respectively.

Microfilariae vector are
mosquitoes of various types incl. and mosquitoes that live year-round in warm and
basements of apartment buildings. They fly into the ventilation
systems in apartments and feed on humans and pets. Thus,
if there is a sick dog or cat in a city apartment, the transmission of infestation
can be carried from them to the person.

Main sources
infestations for humans are dogs.
The disease also occurs in
foxes, ferrets, cats. Infection of dogs and other carnivores occurs in
in the process of feeding on them mosquitoes infested with dirofilaria larvae. IN
within 3 months, the larvae develop in the subcutaneous fat and connective
animal tissues, shed twice and penetrate into the bloodstream. By circulatory
system, the larvae migrate to the heart and pulmonary artery, where after 3-4 months
reach sexual maturity and become capable of producing larvae. Female
Dirofilaria gives birth to up to 30,000 larvae every day. microfilariae,
circulating in the blood of infested animals are non-invasive and do not
pose an immediate danger to other animals or humans.

For further
development, these parasites must be ingested by mosquitoes. The period of development of the larva in a mosquito to the invasive stage is about 17 days.

A person is infected by the bite of a mosquito that carries
contain dirofilaria larvae.
Infestation
people, as a rule, occurs during agricultural work or recreation on
nature, where there are affected animals and mosquito colonies. More often
this happens during the period of insect activity (May-September). Increasing quantity
identified invasions in humans in recent years due to the growth of vagrant
animals, their mass migration between settlements, the process
urbanization, climate warming. All of these factors contribute to the transmission
parasite from wild animals to domestic and human.

Usually in the human body parasitizes one
helminth.

In rare cases, 2-3 helminths parasitize humans,
which, apparently, is associated with repeated cases of infection. In humans
the female helminth grows into an adult, but the “children” – dirofilaria –
does not give birth, therefore this disease is from a person
not transmitted to humans. Once in the body, the parasite reaches
largest in six months and is located under the skin (mucosa
shell), where a capsule of connective tissue is formed around it. IN
further the female gradually dies and collapses. The parasite is very
active: moves in the body at a speed of 10–30 cm per day. Clinical
symptoms

From
from the moment of infection until the manifestation of the main typical clinical symptom (movement of the pathogen, or
seals with it) passes from 1 month
up to several years.

Dirofilariasis manifests itself by migration through the body
parasite.

Later
a few days at the site of a mosquito bite, a small dense formation appears,
which may be accompanied by itching. Then it gradually increases
reaching a diameter of up to four centimeters. There is slight redness and
swelling of the skin over it, increased itching and pain. With the development of inflammation, the nodule
softens, suppurates, an abscess may form, on top of which
a hole appears from which the end of the worm protrudes.

When the parasite moves to its old place of residence, no
no traces remain, and a seal appears in the new area. There are symptoms of general intoxication: weakness, malaise,
headache, nausea, fever. An important symptom is migratory on palpation.
the knot is very mobile. Such a nodule persists for 2-3 months and periodically
disappears. All these sensations are present until the helminth around
a capsule will form.

Cases of localization of dirofilarial nodules in the area
head, neck, abdomen, popliteal region, thigh and other places.

Almost half of the cases of dirofilariasis involve
in the pathological process of the organs of vision.
Eye damage may be the only manifestation of the disease.
Helminths are localized and migrate in the subcutaneous tissue of the eyelid or under
conjunctiva. A knot (granuloma) is formed around the helminth, edema develops.
With the localization of the helminth in the subcutaneous tissue of the eyelids, a limited
tumor-like swelling, as a rule, with mild inflammatory
phenomena. The presence of the parasite under the conjunctiva causes phenomena
conjunctivitis.