Who besides a tick can attach to the skin? - briefly
Mites (e.g., chiggers), leeches, lice, sandflies, horseflies and blackflies can all attach to human skin. Certain parasitic larvae, such as filarial worms, are also capable of penetrating the skin surface.
Who besides a tick can attach to the skin? - in detail
Various arthropods and other parasites are capable of adhering to human skin in addition to ticks.
Mites
- Chiggers (Trombiculidae larvae): attach to epidermis, inject proteolytic enzymes, cause intense itching.
- Scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei): burrows within the stratum corneum, produces tunnels visible as linear lesions.
- Demodex folliculorum: lives in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, rarely symptomatic but can contribute to rosacea.
Lice
- Head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis): clings to scalp hair, feeds on blood, produces nits attached to shafts.
- Body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis): inhabits clothing seams, moves to skin to feed, vector for bacterial diseases.
- Pubic louse (Pthirus pubis): attaches to coarse hair in the genital area, feeds on blood, causes pruritus.
Fleas
- Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and human flea (Pulex irritans): jump onto skin, bite to obtain blood, may remain attached briefly while feeding.
Dipteran larvae
- Botfly (Dermatobia hominis) larvae: deposited on skin by a vector, penetrate epidermis, develop as a subcutaneous warble.
- Warble fly (Hypoderma spp.) larvae: migrate through subcutaneous tissue, occasionally surface to attach temporarily.
Leeches
- Medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) and related species: attach to moist skin, secrete anticoagulants, feed for hours.
Sandflies and blackflies
- Sandfly (Phlebotomus spp.) and blackfly (Simulium spp.): land on skin, pierce with proboscis, may remain attached while blood is drawn.
Hookworms and other nematodes
- Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus: larvae penetrate bare skin, temporarily adhere before migration to bloodstream.
Each of these organisms employs a specialized mouthpart or attachment structure—chelicerae, mandibles, proboscis, or suction cups—to maintain contact with the host. Feeding typically involves blood or tissue fluids, leading to local inflammation, itching, or secondary infection. Geographic distribution varies: chiggers and sandflies are common in tropical and subtropical regions; scabies and lice are worldwide; leeches inhabit freshwater habitats; botfly infestations occur mainly in Central and South America. Understanding the specific agents aids diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.