What causes itchy bumps on skin that resemble mosquito bites. How to identify different skin conditions that cause itchy bumps. What are the best treatments for various types of itchy skin bumps. When should you seek medical attention for unexplained skin bumps.

Common Causes of Mosquito Bite-Like Bumps on Skin

Have you ever noticed itchy bumps on your skin that look just like mosquito bites, even when you haven’t been bitten? These mysterious bumps can be both uncomfortable and concerning. While mosquito bites are a common cause of itchy skin bumps, several other conditions can produce similar symptoms. Understanding the potential causes can help you identify the problem and seek appropriate treatment.

Hives (Urticaria)

Hives, medically known as urticaria, are a common skin condition that affects approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives. They appear as raised, itchy welts on the skin that can be red, purple, or skin-colored. These bumps often resemble mosquito bites but can occur without any insect involvement.

What triggers hives? Common causes include:

• Food allergies (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, seafood)
• Environmental allergens (e.g., pollen, latex)
• Insect stings or bites
• Certain medications (e.g., sulfa drugs, aspirin)
• Stress or anxiety

How can you identify hives? Hives typically have these characteristics:

• Appear and disappear quickly
• Can occur anywhere on the body
• Turn white or disappear when pressed
• Often accompanied by swelling

Bed Bug Bites: A Deceptive Culprit

Could those itchy bumps be caused by bed bugs? Bed bug bites can indeed resemble mosquito bites, making them difficult to distinguish at first glance. However, there are some telltale signs that can help you identify a bed bug infestation.

How do bed bug bites differ from mosquito bites?

• They often appear in a straight line or cluster
• Can take up to two weeks to materialize after the bite
• May be accompanied by other signs of bed bugs in your living space

What should you look for if you suspect bed bugs? Keep an eye out for:

• Actual bed bugs on your mattress or sheets
• Dead bed bugs or shed skins
• Small blood spots on your bedding
• A distinctive musty odor in your bedroom

Contact Dermatitis: When Your Skin Reacts to Touch

Have you ever developed itchy, mosquito bite-like bumps after coming into contact with certain substances? This reaction could be contact dermatitis, an allergic response that occurs when your skin encounters an irritant or allergen.

What are the key features of contact dermatitis?

• Develops 1-2 days after exposure to the trigger
• Can cause both itching and pain
• Often accompanied by inflammation and blisters
• May take 2-3 weeks for symptoms to fully disappear

Which substances commonly cause contact dermatitis?

• Latex
• Certain metals (e.g., nickel in jewelry)
• Household cleaning products
• Cosmetics and personal care items
• Plants (e.g., poison ivy, poison oak)

Scabies: The Microscopic Mite Menace

Are those itchy bumps persistent and spreading? They could be caused by scabies, a skin condition resulting from an infestation of tiny mites. These parasites burrow into the top layer of skin, causing intense itching and a distinctive rash.

How can you distinguish scabies from other causes of itchy bumps?

• Intense itching that often worsens at night
• Rash typically appears in warm areas of the body (e.g., between fingers, under breasts, in skin folds)
• Presence of thin, raised, crooked lines on the skin (mite burrows)
• Highly contagious through close skin-to-skin contact

Effective Treatments for Itchy Skin Bumps

Dealing with itchy bumps on your skin can be frustrating, but there are several treatment options available depending on the underlying cause. What are some general self-care practices that can provide relief for itchy skin?

• Avoid scratching the affected area
• Take lukewarm baths or showers
• Use gentle, hypoallergenic soaps
• Apply cold compresses to soothe itching
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritation

Treating Hives

How can you manage hives effectively? Treatment options include:

• Identifying and avoiding triggers
• Using over-the-counter antihistamines
• Applying anti-itch lotions
• Taking prescription medications for severe cases (e.g., stronger antihistamines, corticosteroids)
• Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergic reactions

Addressing Bed Bug Bites

What steps should you take if you’ve been bitten by bed bugs?

• Wash the affected area with soap and water
• Apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection
• Use over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce itching
• Consult a pest control professional to eliminate the infestation

Managing Contact Dermatitis

How can you alleviate symptoms of contact dermatitis?

• Identify and avoid the triggering substance
• Apply cool compresses or calamine lotion to soothe the skin
• Take oral antihistamines to reduce itching
• Use topical corticosteroids for more severe cases (under medical supervision)
• Consider patch testing to identify specific allergens

Treating Scabies

What is the recommended treatment for scabies?

• Use prescription scabicide medications (e.g., permethrin cream, ivermectin)
• Treat all household members and close contacts simultaneously
• Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water
• Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture thoroughly
• Avoid close physical contact until treatment is complete

When to Seek Medical Attention for Itchy Skin Bumps

While many cases of itchy skin bumps can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary. When should you consult a healthcare provider for your skin concerns?

• The rash or bumps persist for more than a few weeks
• You experience severe itching that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• The affected area shows signs of infection (e.g., increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
• You have a fever or other systemic symptoms along with the skin bumps
• The rash spreads rapidly or covers a large area of your body
• You suspect you may have scabies or another contagious skin condition
• You have a known allergy and experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction

Preventing Itchy Skin Bumps: Tips for Healthy Skin

Can you reduce your risk of developing itchy skin bumps? While it’s not always possible to prevent every skin issue, there are steps you can take to maintain healthy skin and minimize the occurrence of irritating bumps.

• Keep your skin well-moisturized, especially in dry climates
• Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skincare products
• Avoid known allergens and irritants
• Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
• Maintain good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing
• Be cautious when traveling to areas with known insect-borne diseases

Understanding the Impact of Skin Conditions on Quality of Life

How do itchy skin conditions affect a person’s overall well-being? Skin problems can have a significant impact on various aspects of life, including:

• Sleep quality: Persistent itching can disrupt sleep patterns
• Mental health: Visible skin issues may lead to anxiety or depression
• Social interactions: Some individuals may feel self-conscious about their skin’s appearance
• Productivity: Severe itching can interfere with work or school performance
• Physical comfort: Constant scratching can lead to skin damage and increased risk of infection

What strategies can help cope with the psychological effects of skin conditions?

• Joining support groups to connect with others experiencing similar issues
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Seeking counseling or therapy if skin problems are causing significant distress
• Educating friends and family about the condition to increase understanding and support
• Focusing on overall health and well-being rather than solely on skin appearance

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Itchy Skin Conditions

What new developments are on the horizon for treating itchy skin bumps and related conditions? Researchers are continuously working to improve our understanding and management of various skin issues. Some promising areas of study include:

• Targeted therapies for specific types of urticaria
• Novel antihistamines with fewer side effects
• Immunomodulatory treatments for chronic skin conditions
• Advanced diagnostic tools for identifying allergens and irritants
• Microbiome-based therapies to promote skin health

How might these advancements impact future treatment options? As research progresses, we can expect:

• More personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic and environmental factors
• Improved long-term management strategies for chronic skin conditions
• Enhanced prevention methods for common skin irritations
• Better understanding of the relationship between skin health and overall well-being

By staying informed about these developments and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals suffering from itchy skin bumps and related conditions can look forward to more effective and tailored treatment options 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.

DIROFILARIOSIS – Nizhnevartovsk city children’s polyclinic

Wednesday,
15
February
2017

DIROFILARIOSIS

Mosquitoes are nasty blood-sucking insects. It is known that in addition to bites that cause itching, and often allergic reactions, especially in young children, they can be carriers of about a hundred different diseases.

In recent years, on the territory of the Russian Federation, cases of such a disease as dirofilariasis (Dirofilariasis, from the Latin “diro, filum” – “evil thread”), which are carried by mosquitoes, have been increasingly recorded. In Russia, dirofilariasis occurs mainly in residents of the south of the country. The true incidence of dirofilariasis in humans is unknown, since this helminthiasis often passes under various diagnoses that are not associated with parasites. The Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug belongs to the low-risk zone of infection transmission, however, in 2012, 2 cases of the disease were registered in the city of Khanty-Mansiysk and the village of Priobye, Oktyabrsky District, and in recent years there has been an upward trend in the incidence.

Dirofilariasis is a helminthic invasion caused by roundworms – nematodes. It is characterized by slow development and a long chronic course. The source of the disease is most often dogs and cats, including homeless ones. Mosquitoes act as carriers of dirofilaria larvae.

Symptoms of dirofilariasis

Human infection occurs through the bite of a mosquito, which is a carrier of dirofilaria larvae. Before the development of the clinic of the disease, there is an incubation period, which usually lasts several months. Which, of course, is then difficult to associate with a long-standing mosquito bite.

The probability of infection does not depend on the age of the person, but depends largely on the possibility of contact with infected mosquitoes, at the peak of activity of which the greatest number of infections occurs.

Usually, a few days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, a small lump the size of a millet grain develops at the site of the bite, sometimes accompanied by itching. Soon, itching and induration may disappear, but later on the induration appears again and increases, reaching a diameter of 0. 5-4.0 cm. The skin over the induration usually turns slightly red, sometimes there is a slight swelling. The developing inflammatory process leads to the appearance of itching from moderate to very severe, pain and rest and pressure. Approximately 6 months after infection, the parasite reaches its maximum size and is located inside the inflamed node. In the absolute majority of cases, the parasites are located under the skin or mucous membranes, although there are reports of damage to the lungs and pleura. About 50% of all reported cases are dirofilariasis with localization of the pathogen under the skin of the eyelids, in the mucous membrane and under the conjunctiva, less often in the eyeball. Visual acuity is usually not reduced. Sometimes intraocular pressure may increase.

A characteristic symptom of dirofilariasis is the migration of the pathogen – the movement of the seal or the helminth itself under the skin, which is observed in 10-40% of infested. The distance that dirofilaria moves is several tens of centimeters, the speed of movement is up to 30 cm in 1-2 days. During the migration of the parasite in the subcutaneous tissue, after each of its movement, a new seal appears in a new place, and no traces remain at the old place of its stay. Increased migration occurs when the skin is exposed to UHF currents during physiotherapy, as well as after warming up with compresses or warming ointments.

In many patients, the invasion has a relapsing course with phases of remission and exacerbation of the process. With untimely removal of the helminth, an abscess may develop at the site of its localization. In some cases, patients remove the helminth when combing the skin, or as a result of spontaneous opening of the abscess, the helminth comes out on its own. Other symptoms of the disease can be headache, nausea, weakness, fever, severe pain at the site of helminth localization with irradiation along the nerve trunks. After extraction of the helminth from a person, clinical signs usually disappear.

If there is a specific sign of dirofilariasis – a feeling of stirring and crawling of a living “worm” inside a seal, tumor or subcutaneous node, you must contact a medical institution for surgical help, since there is no other way to treat this disease.

The prognosis of the disease is conditionally favorable with timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, the disease is completely cured, the ability to work is fully restored. Toxic-allergic reactions in humans with dirofilariasis usually do not develop. Intoxication occurs only in the case of death of the parasite or suppuration of the infiltrate.

There is no specific prevention. No one can be sure that the mosquito that has bitten him is not a carrier of dirofilaria larvae. It must be remembered that dogs and cats are the source of parasites, whether the animal is domestic or stray. The carrier of the disease is the mosquito.

There is an opportunity to reduce the likelihood of contracting dirofilariasis:

– protect your home from mosquitoes (especially in the evening) – the use of fumigators, mosquito nets;

– conduct examination and deworming of domestic animals in veterinary organizations;

– when in places where mosquitoes accumulate – outside the city, in the country, in the forest, near water bodies, use repellents to prevent contact of mosquitoes with pets and humans. Repellents are best bought in pharmacies, while there are repellents specifically designed for children, including younger ones. You must follow the instructions for using any repellent. In pharmacies, you can also buy special anti-itch remedies for mosquito bites and drugs that relieve allergic reactions due to the bite of these blood-sucking insects.

Dirofilariasis in humans: what are the consequences of a mosquito bite.

Dirofilariasis is a disease caused by the parasitism of the nematode Dirofilaria repens in the subcutaneous tissue of various parts of the body, mucous membranes and conjunctiva of the organ of vision, in the genital organs (scrotum, testis, etc.), mammary glands, internal membranes of tissues and organs of the human abdominal cavity. This is a tissue helminthiasis, characterized by slow development and a long chronic course.

Infection of humans occurs through the bite of blood-sucking mosquitoes of the genera Aedes, Culex and Anopheles.
The source of mosquito infection are infested domestic dogs, as well as cats, less often wild carnivores (wolves, foxes, etc.).
Infection is transmitted to humans by a mosquito infected with invasive Dirofilaria larvae.
Dirofilariasis is common among residents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.
In the Russian Federation, the infection transmission risk zone includes 11 subjects where dirofilariasis has been registered (Krasnodar, Stavropol Territories, the Republics of Crimea, Khakassia, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Ingushetia). Like other diseases of this kind, it is most recorded in hot countries: in Africa, India, Vietnam, etc. The largest number of cases of dirofilariasis was registered in Moscow (16 cases), Belgorod region (9sl.), Republic of Crimea (8 sl.).
Infection. Dirofilariasis in humans develops after the bite of a mosquito-carrier of dirofilaria larvae. The incubation period ranges from 1 month to several years and depends on the state of the body’s immune system and the rate of development of the parasite. Naturally, not all people will guess to connect the mysterious manifestations with a mosquito bite a month ago.

Symptoms. Symptoms begin with a small lump appearing around the bite. It grows and develops a larva, securely hidden under the skin.
The main feature of this parasite is its ability to migrate. So, in 24 hours the larva can cover a distance of up to 30 centimeters. Due to these “journeys”, the location of the seal is constantly changing: for example, yesterday it was on the shoulder, and today it has shifted closer to the elbow. At the same time, dirofilariasis in humans, as a rule, is not accompanied by pain. However, many patients complain that something is crawling under their skin. In medicine, cases are known when therapists, unfamiliar with this disease, sent the unfortunate for a consultation with a psychiatrist. In addition, a parasite nesting under the skin is often mistaken for a neoplasm, lipoma, or cyst. Dirofilaria is often detected already during surgery.

Eye dirofilariasis is the most common and visible form of the disease. In 50% of cases of dirofilariasis, the parasite is localized under the skin of the eyelids, under the conjunctiva and mucous membrane, and sometimes in the eyeball.

Treatment. The only way to get rid of the larva is to remove it surgically. If the helminth is not removed in time, an abscess may develop at the site of its localization. It must be emphasized that the use of antihelminthic drugs will not give any result.
Measures to prevent dirofilariasis.
• No specific prophylaxis exists.
• Prevention of contact with mosquitoes (use special insect repellant sprays, preferably long-lasting, and try to minimize exposure of the skin while in nature).
• Keep mosquitoes out of enclosed spaces (install mosquito nets, use indoor fumigators).
In case of “suspicious” bites, increased itching, uncharacteristic pain sensations, the appearance of a seal, you should immediately consult a doctor – the sooner the parasite is identified and removed, the less harm it will have time to cause with its unwanted neighborhood.