Acariasis, the skin disease caused by mites

By Cristiano Antonino On Feb 24, 2023

Health slider

Acariasis is a skin disease caused by mites. The bites of these arachnids can cause intense and very unpleasant itching, but above all lead to certain diseases

Acariasis: what is it?

The term acariasis refers to all diseases that result from mite bites.

In some cases, infestations of these arachnids can cause diseases such as scabies.

What are mites?

Mites, contrary to popular belief, are not insects, but arachnids that belong to the group of ectoparasites.

In nature, there are many species of mites that attack humans: some live on the surface of the body permanently, while others attack both humans and animals.

Acariasis: symptoms

The symptoms of acariasis vary depending on the mite species that caused the bite.

In the case of Sarcoptes scabiei, for example, lesions appear in which the arachnids lay their eggs.

Infestation by this microorganism is known as scabies and causes intense itching, especially at night, the appearance of blisters and skin lesions that can lead to bacterial infections.

Species of the genus Demodex spp, on the other hand, cause itchy, acne-like lesions.

We then find mites of the D. brevis and D. folliculorum family that live permanently in hair follicles, but in some cases can proliferate uncontrollably, giving rise to demodicosis.

Acariasis: treatment and prevention

The treatment of acariasis is related to the elimination of mites from the surface of the body.

Usually the doctor can prescribe a treatment with topical drugs depending on the type of problem encountered.

In any case, the best treatment against acariasis remains prevention, avoiding contact and infestation by these ectoparasites.

First, it is important to avoid contact with patients already infested with mites, as the arachnid spreads from person to person.

One must also avoid the use of clothing, towels and linens of people infested with mites.

To eliminate contagion, everything must be washed at high temperatures (at least 60 degrees) in the washing machine.

Another practice to protect oneself from mite infestation is to use pesticide on one’s pets, both for those that live outside and those that are often indoors.

Toxocariasis: The Zoonosis Transmitted By The Nematodes Toxocara Canis Or Toxocara Cati