Tungiasis Definition
Tungiasis is a skin infestation of the Tunga penetrans flea. The flea is also known as chigoe flea, jigger, nigua, or sand flea and is found in the tropical parts of Africa, Caribean, Central and South America, and India. The disease is endemic in NIgera and Trinidad and Tobago where during the 1980s, tungiasis among children reached 40%. The disease is also rarely found outside said areas.
Tungiasis Diagnosis
A skin biopsy of a suspected papule or nodule may be performed. Eggs may be seen on microscopic examination when a serosanguineous exudates oozes from the central opening.
Tungiasis Treatment
Several options are available to treat Tungiasis. Among those are cryotherapy, similar to the procedure for warts, application of topical medicine, use of anti-parasitic drugs, petrolatum solution, and removal by forcep. A minor surgery may be performed if the flea is engorged with blood and cannot be removed by a forcep.
Tungiasis Symptoms and Signs
Tungiasis symptoms include severe proritos, pain, inflammation and swelling, lesions and ulcerations with black dots in the center. If left untreated, secondary infections such as bacteremia, tetanus, and gangrene can occur. Extreme itching will also be experienced by the affected individual. There are also discharges from the ulcer or bump.
Tungiasis Causes
Tungiasis is caused by an infestation with the burrowing flea T penetrans.
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CONCEPT OF TUNGIASIS