THE idea of tiny creatures living on skin sound like a scene from a horror film.
But billions of microscopic critters are crawling all over you as you read this.
Billions of microscopic critters are crawling all over you as you read this
Many are harmless, but there are some which can cause some nasty skin problems.
In a series of videos posted to Tiktok, Dr Noman Mohamed, a dermatologist based in the UK sheds some light on three different parasites which can cause rashes.
Scabies
Scabies is a skin condition caused by an infestation of tiny mites.
The main symptom of scabies is an itchy rash, often starting between the fingers.
It can also cause red spots where the mites have burrowed.
It’s not a particularly serious condition – but it does need immediate treatment.
According to the NHS website, a pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body.
Dr Noman suggests getting your hands on a medication and an insecticide called permethrin.
He also urges people with the condition to “wash their bedding and clothes at 60C on the first day of treatment”.
“Put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for three days until the mites die,” he added.
Mites can also be spread through skin to skin contact and so all recent sexual partners should be contacted, he said.
Demodex folliculorum
Demodex folliculorum are a common type of mite found all over our bodies.
They are usually in greater numbers around the cheeks, nose, eyebrows, eyelashes and forehead and are generally harmless.
The only people who might have issues with the bugs, are those have more than their fair share living on their face.
Demodex folliculitis occurs when the face mites multiply out of control.
This usually occurs because your immune system isn’t functioning well.
When it dies, the creature releases a bacteria which triggers inflammation in people with rosacea, leading to the most severe form of the condition, known as papulopustular rosacea.
It often begins as pus-filled or red bumps that form close together on your skin, and can sometimes be mistaken for acne.
Rosacea cannot be cured, but treatment from a GP can help treat papulopustular rosacea.
According to the expert, your doctor might give you one of the following prescriptions for creams and gels you put on your skin: azelaic acid, ivermectin or metronidazole.
The NHS says the other ways to manage rosacea are to wear a high SPF sunscreen everyday, avoid overheating and cover your face in cold weather.
Hookworm
Worms can also live in your skin.
Hookworms, are a type of parasite that are passed in the faeces of an infected person or animal.
They are usually picked up when walking barefoot in an affected area and show up under the skin of the foot causing a red worm-shaped rash, the dermatologist explained.
If you have worms, a GP will prescribe medicine to kill them.
To avoid catching hookworm, the Centre for Disease Control advises people avoid walking barefoot on soil.