What should be done if a human has a subcutaneous mite? - briefly
Seek immediate medical evaluation; a physician will confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate antiparasitic medication, often combined with surgical removal if necessary. Follow‑up care should include wound management and monitoring for secondary infection.
What should be done if a human has a subcutaneous mite? - in detail
When a mite has penetrated beneath the epidermis, immediate medical assessment is required. The clinician should obtain a thorough history, including recent travel, exposure to animals, and any skin lesions. Physical examination focuses on identifying characteristic tracks, papules, or nodules that may indicate the presence of the parasite.
Diagnostic measures include:
- Skin scraping or punch biopsy of the affected area for microscopic identification of the organism.
- Dermatoscopic evaluation to visualize mite movement or burrows.
- Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) if deeper tissue involvement is suspected.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment protocol consists of systemic and topical agents:
- Oral ivermectin, 200 µg/kg, administered once daily for 1–2 days, is the first‑line systemic therapy for most subdermal mite infestations.
- Topical permethrin 5 % cream applied to the entire body from neck down, left on for 8–14 hours, then washed off; repeat after 24 hours if necessary.
- In resistant cases, oral albendazole (400 mg daily for 3 days) may be added.
Adjunctive care includes:
- Antihistamines to control pruritus.
- Antibiotics if secondary bacterial infection is evident.
- Wound care for any excoriated lesions.
Patient education should emphasize:
- Regular washing of clothing and bedding at high temperatures.
- Isolation of infected individuals from close contacts until treatment completion.
- Avoidance of direct contact with infested animals or contaminated environments.
Follow‑up visits are scheduled within one week to assess therapeutic response and to repeat skin examinations. Persistent lesions warrant re‑evaluation for possible alternative diagnoses or drug resistance.