Parasitic worms or insects that find their way into your skin are intent on settling in to make a home and lay eggs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lice are among the more common and highly contagious parasitic skin infections, and they cause severe itching. These minuscule insects can infest the skin anywhere from head to toe. A number of remedies can help stop lice, bed bugs and other parasites from biting and otherwise irritating your skin.
Head and Pubic Lice
Approximately 9 million people suffer from head lice each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Americans spend upward of $100 million per year to fight this parasite. Head lice most often strike children. Pubic lice can infect not only the pubic hair but hair on the abdomen, chest, thighs and eyebrows. Applying an over-the-counter medicated shampoo or cream rinse such as pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide can typically treat both head and pubic lice. Petrolatum may work best to remove lice from eyelashes. Prescription-only topical medications include crotamiton, permethrin and lindane, notes the AAD.
Body Lice
Body lice are most often seen in people with inadequate hygiene habits, notes the UMMC. Medications are not generally needed to treat body lice.The problem is usually resolved by taking regular baths or showers, wearing clean clothes and frequently washing sheets and blankets.
Bed Bugs
Cimex lectularius, better known as bedbugs, have turned into a noteworthy health annoyance, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The surge in bed bugs may be due in part to an increase in international travel and the elimination of the highly effective pesticide DDT. Topical corticosteroids can help relieve the itching and redness of bedbug bites. Applying warm compresses to bites may reduce the urge to scratch.
Creeping Eruption
Creeping eruption is a parasitic skin infection usually found on dogs and cats, according to UMMC. It spreads to human skin when people come in contact with eggs found in dog and cat feces. It most often develops on the feet, legs, backs or buttocks. Creeping eruption is usually treated with liquid thiabendazole.
Scabies
Scabies is an infestation of tiny insects or mites that leave their markings on the skin in the form of small, red bumps. Scabies affect children and adults alike and typically cause extreme itching. The most common treatment for scabies is topical permethrin, according to the AAD. Additional remedies include topical benzyl benzoate or crotamiton. Applying a cool, wet washcloth to affected skin and/or taking over-the-counter oral antihistamine medications may relieve itching caused by scabies.
