Parasitic Infections
You can be the host for very small organisms like amoebas, or for larger ones like lice, tapeworms or roundworms. Effects of parasites are as varied as they are. There is no vaccine for parasites, treatment relies on drugs or topical applications. Parasites in tropical regions are one of the leading causes of death.
Some parasites can be easily transmitted from one person to another, such as head lice.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the symptoms of pinworms (enterobiasis)?
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Pinworms do not usually cause any symptoms beyond minor itching around the anus. Many people with pinworm infections have no symptoms and may never be aware of the infection. The most common symptoms of pinworm infection in children include: Itching... Full Answer
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- Q How can I avoid yellow fever when traveling overseas?
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Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as yellow fever, can be quite serious. Yellow fever immunization is required for travelers visiting certain parts of South America and Africa. Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about Demodex folliculorum?
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Demodex folliculorum are harmless to humans. Occasionally, they may block a pore, causing irritation and puffiness in the eyelash area or an infection. If you have itchy eyelids or eyelashes that are stuck together, you may want to see a doctor. Washing... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for Demodex folliculorum?
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Demodex folliculorum is typically treatable by washing your face regularly with a gentle soap. In some cases, antimite medications such as crotamiton are used to get rid of the Demodex folliculorum, too. Talk to your doctor about possible treatment... Full Answer
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- Q What causes scabies?
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Sarcoptes scabiei, a tiny burrowing mite, causes scabies. The female mite attacks the topmost skin layer and lays her eggs in burrows. It takes a few days for the larvae to hatch. Intense itching may be due to the burrowing and an allergic reaction. Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of scabies?
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Intense itching is the major symptom of scabies, and it usually worsens at night. In addition, mite burrow tracks often appear as very thin red lines on the skin. Sometimes, only tiny red bumps are visible. Among adults, most often scabies occurs in... Full Answer
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- Q How is pinworms treated?
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Pinworms can be successfully treated with: Medicine. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines come in liquid, chewable tablet and pill forms. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and children younger than 2 should not take over-the-counter... Full Answer
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- Q What can I do to manage my pinworms (enterobiasis)?
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For people with pinworm infections, home treatment is very important to prevent reinfection and the spread of infection to other members of the household. Good home treatment includes the following measures: Wash hands carefully and often. Frequent... Full Answer
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- Q What are pinworms (enterobiasis)?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyPinworms live in your intestines by day, but each night they go on a mission. As you sleep, they crawl out of your anus and lay eggs on your skin. At the same time they release chemicals that irritate your skin and cause it to itch. As you reach... Full Answer
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- Q Is scabies a type of parasitic skin infection?
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Yes, scabies is a type of parasitic skin infection. Caused by tiny mites that dig their way into the skin, scabies is an itchy and contagious condition. When the microscopic female mite gets underneath the skin, she lays her eggs. In a few days the... Full Answer
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