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tungiasis
ICD-10 Codes
Related ICD-10:
Description
What is Tungiasis?
Tungiasis, also known as pulga de areia, niguá, pique, bicho do pé, or jatecuba, is a skin infestation caused by the burrowing female sand flea, Tunga penetrans. This condition is characterized by immense pain and itching, difficulty walking, sleeping, and concentrating on school or work.
Symptoms of Tungiasis
The symptoms of tungiasis include:
- Intense pain and itching at the site of infestation
- Difficulty walking due to discomfort and pain
- Sleep disturbances due to itching and discomfort
- Concentration problems in school or work
Physical Characteristics of Tungiasis
The lesions caused by the flea are characterized by a white patch with a black dot in the centre. This is a distinctive feature of tungiasis, making it easier to diagnose.
Prevalence of Tungiasis
Tungiasis is prevalent in tropical parts of Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and sub-Saharan Africa. In Trinidad, for example, the peak infestation rate among males aged 25-35 years is 54%. Similar trends are observed in other regions.
Neglected Tropical Disease
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized tungiasis as a neglected tropical disease [4]. This classification highlights the need for increased awareness and attention to this condition, which affects a broad range of domestic and livestock animals.
Citations:
- [1] - Tungiasis is caused by adult female sand fleas, which burrow into the skin mostly of the feet.
- [3] - Tungiasis is an inflammatory skin disease caused by infection with the female ectoparasitic Tunga penetrans.
- [4] - WHO has recognized tungiasis as a neglected tropical disease.
- [5] - The lesions caused by the flea are characterized by a white patch with a black dot in the centre.
Additional Characteristics
- Tungiasis
- Pulga de Areia
- Niguá
- Pique
- Bicho do Pé
- Jatecuba
Signs and Symptoms
Common Signs and Symptoms of Tungiasis
Tungiasis, also known as sand flea dermatitis, can manifest in various ways, making it essential to be aware of the possible symptoms.
- Severe pruritus: Intense itching is a hallmark symptom of tungiasis, often concentrated in the area where the female sand fleas have burrowed into the skin.
- Pain: Patients may experience significant pain in the affected area, which can also radiate to other parts of the body.
- Inflammation and swelling: Redness and swelling around the lesions are common symptoms, indicating an inflammatory response to the flea bites.
- Lesions and ulcerations: The burrowing process can lead to the formation of lesions or ulcers on the skin's surface, often with black dots in the center.
These symptoms can develop within a few weeks (4-6 weeks) in naive hosts, while re-infestation can trigger symptoms much sooner (12-48 hours). It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by signs of infection or open sores.
Additional Symptoms
- Severe pruritus
- Inflammation and swelling
- Lesions and ulcerations
- pain
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic Tests for Tungiasis
Tungiasis, a parasitic skin disease caused by the female sand flea Tunga penetrans, can be diagnosed through various methods.
- Visual Inspection: The most common method of diagnosis is visual inspection, where healthcare providers look for signs of fleas and their eggs in lesions (1). This method is often used in regions where tungiasis is prevalent.
- Identification of Adult Fleas and Eggs: Laboratory diagnosis involves identifying adult fleas and their eggs in lesions, which confirms the presence of the parasite (2).
- Clinical History and Physical Examination: Diagnosis can also be made by taking a clinical history and performing a physical examination, followed by confirmation through identification of the organism after removal (9).
It's worth noting that there are no specific diagnostic tests for tungiasis, as the symptoms are often visible and the parasite is ectoparasitic (6). However, in vivo and ex vivo dermoscopic examination of the lesion can aid in diagnosis (7).
References:
- [1] Healthcare providers who provide care in regions where tungiasis is prevalent can diagnose the condition by examining the skin.
- [2] Identification is made by the finding of adult fleas and their eggs in lesions.
- [6] This is most likely because the parasite is ectoparasitic with visible symptoms.
- [7] The diagnosis of tungiasis is clinical, but it can be aided by in vivo and ex vivo dermoscopic examination of the lesion.
- [9] Diagnosis is made by the clinical history and physical examination. Confirmation is made by identification of the organism after removal.
Additional Diagnostic Tests
- Visual Inspection
- Identification of Adult Fleas and Eggs
- Clinical History and Physical Examination
Treatment
Treatment Options for Tungiasis
Tungiasis, also known as sand flea disease, is a painful and itchy skin condition caused by the penetration of female sand fleas into the skin. While there is no standard treatment for tungiasis, various drug treatments have been investigated to manage this condition.
- Topical Treatments: Topical anti-parasitic medications such as ivermectin, metrifonate, and thiabendazole have been shown to be effective in reducing the number of lesions caused by embedded sand fleas [5]. A formula of two dimeticone oils with low viscosity (NYDA) has also been found to be highly effective and safe for topical treatment [9].
- Oral Drugs: Oral drugs such as niridazole, ivermectin, and thiabendazole have been used to treat tungiasis. A clinical trial of 106 individuals with tungiasis showed that treatment with NYDA caused no observable adverse effects [1]. Ivermectin has also been found to be effective in reducing the number of lesions caused by embedded sand fleas [5].
- Other Options: In addition to these treatments, other options such as surgical extraction and the use of tea tree oil have been proposed. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Important Considerations
It's essential to note that tungiasis can be complicated by secondary infections and local tissue destruction. Adequate treatment is crucial, especially in vulnerable populations. Potential treatment options should be carefully considered based on individual circumstances.
References:
[1] Clinical trial of NYDA for the treatment of tungiasis [5] Efficacy of topical ivermectin, metrifonate or thiabendazole in reducing lesions caused by embedded sand fleas [9] Topical treatment with a formula of two dimeticone oils with low viscosity (NYDA)
Recommended Medications
- Metrifonate
- Niridazole
- Dimeticone oils (NYDA)
- Surgical extraction
- thiabendazole
- Thiabendazole
- tea tree oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- ivermectin
- Ivermectin
💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis of Tungiasis
Tungiasis, also known as sand flea dermatitis or creeping eruption, is a cutaneous parasitic infestation caused by the burrowing of fleas into the skin. When diagnosing tungiasis, it's essential to consider other conditions that may present similar symptoms.
Conditions to Consider in Differential Diagnosis:
- Bacterial skin infections (impetigo): Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause red sores or patches on the skin.
- Bacterial and fungal paronychia: Paronychia refers
Additional Differential Diagnoses
- eczema
- bacterial and fungal paronychia
- impetigo
- dermatitis herpetiformis
- myiasis
Additional Information
- relatedICD
- http://example.org/icd10/T25.429
- oboInOwl#hasOBONamespace
- disease_ontology
- oboInOwl#id
- DOID:0050266
- oboInOwl#hasDbXref
- MESH:D058285
- IAO_0000115
- A parasitic ectoparasitic infectious disease that is an inflammatory skin disease caused by the parasitic infestation of the female chigoe flea, Tunga penetrans in animals and humans. The symptoms include skin inflammation, severe pain, itching, and a lesion at the site of infection that is characterized by a black dot at the center of a swollen red lesion, surrounded a white halo.
- oboInOwl#inSubset
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/doid#DO_rare_slim
- RO_0002452
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/SYMP_0000432
- core#notation
- DOID:0050266
- rdf-schema#label
- tungiasis
- rdf-schema#subClassOf
- t328057
- 22-rdf-syntax-ns#type
- http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class
- rdf-schema#domain
- https://w3id.org/def/predibionto#has_symptom_319
- owl#annotatedSource
- t328201
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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.