What Are Ectoparasites? All About Mites And Fleas
We’ve all heard of parasites. They are organisms that live inside or on the skin of other living things, obtaining certain benefits while causing problems for their host. Ectoparasites, such as mites and fleas, live on the skin of other creatures.
These types of creatures often transmit diseases called parasitosis. They occur in both animals and humans. In humans, these diseases mainly occur during the summer and cause damage to the skin.
Certain ectoparasites can transmit infections, with disastrous consequences. Moreover, they are also difficult to eradicate. With that in mind, we want to share with you some important data when it comes to ectoparasites, especially fleas and mites.
What are the most common ectoparasites?
Ectoparasites are small organisms that live on other living things. In the case of humans, this group includes a wide variety of arthropods that are very different from each other.
In general, these creatures attach themselves to the surface of the skin and stay there for as long as the parasite wants. In addition, these creatures can even penetrate the skin and live in the inner layers of our dermis. Once inside, we experience symptoms such as itching and even allergic reactions.
Although ectoparasites also include blood-sucking arthropods, it is easier to divide them into two different groups. When we talk about blood-sucking arthropods, we are talking about insects such as mosquitoes that feed on the blood of humans. Their behavior is different and so are the diseases they can spread.
The main problem with all ectoparasites, especially blood-sucking arthropods, is that they can act as vectors. In other words, they are carriers of diseases such as malaria and typhoid.
Scabies
Scabies is one of the most common and well-known parasite diseases, produced by a species of mite called Sarcoptes scabiei . Infections usually come in the form of epidemics as this tiny insect spreads easily from one person to another.
Plus, it can stick to clothes and sheets, making it even harder to remove. This ectoparasite digs small tunnels in the skin, causing the skin to itch. Moreover, these mites are mainly active at night.
Diagnosing scabies is not very difficult, but detecting the parasite sometimes requires a microscopic technique. Doctors can usually recognize this condition at first glance.
mites
Mites are a broad category of ectoparasites. We just mentioned a specific type of mite that produces scabies. When most people talk about mites, however, they are talking about mites that cause allergies.
In this case, the family of the parasites we are talking about is Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. This is a species that lives in the dust that is on our furniture or elsewhere. It is a very small arthropod animal that is actually not harmful to humans.
The only negative effect they cause is allergies, which are the main cause of allergic reactions after pollen. The reason for this is that dead mites and their droppings form very fine dust, which is easy to inhale.
fleas
Like mites, fleas are also small ectoparasites. As adults, they feed on blood and can often be found in dogs and cats, especially those living on the streets or in the countryside.
Fleas can act as carriers of many diseases, the most important of which are typhus and bubonic plague. However, those that live on dogs and cats can transmit other parasites, including tapeworm. In addition, their bites cause itching and redness in the skin.
Keep an eye out for ectoparasites like mites and fleas
What we need to remember is that ectoparasites encompass a wide variety of parasites. It is important to keep in mind that if you have pets, you should take parasite preventative measures according to your vet’s instructions. That way you take care of the health of your pets and that of your family.
If you have itching, skin allergies, or signs of small wounds on the skin, it is best to contact your doctor. Many ectoparasites are easy to detect at first glance for experts, so you can start treatment right away.
