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Tungiasis (Jigger)

Background

Tungiasis, a parasitic skin infection caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans, can be harder to detect in darker-skinned individuals, as the small, embedded fleas may blend with the skin tone. It typically affects the feet, causing itching, pain, and swelling around the site of penetration. Treatment involves careful removal of the flea, wound care, and sometimes topical or systemic antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, along with insect repellents and footwear to prevent future infestations.

References
  • Benedikt Winter Benedikt Winter . Fabíola A Oliveira Thomas Wilcke Hospital De Vila Franca De Xira Jorg Heukelbach. Tungiasis-related knowledge and treatment practices in two endemic communities in northeast Brazil. 2009 July.
  • Beg A, Mehraj V, Yaqoob N, Pervez S, Saleem T, Zubairi A, et al. Tungiasis: consequences of delayed presentation/diagnosis. 2008;12:218-9.
  • Health topicsby Health Jade Team. Tungiasis . 2019; Available at: https://healthjade.net/tungiasis/. Accessed 0215, 2024.