What Are Ectoparasites? All About Mites And Fleas

We’ve all heard of parasites before. They are organisms that live in or on the surface of another living thing, where they gain certain benefits and at the same time cause certain problems for their hosts. Ectoparasites – such as mites and fleas – are parasites that live on the outer surface of other living things.

This type of creature often produces diseases known as parasitosis. They are common in both animals and humans. In the case of humans, these diseases tend to appear in the summer and cause damage to the skin.

Some ectoparasites can be contagious to serious systemic infections with catastrophic consequences. Besides, they are not easy to get rid of. With that in mind, we want to share some important data regarding ectoparasites, especially mites and fleas.

Mites and fleas: What are the most common ectoparasites?

Ectoparasites are small organisms that feed on other living things. When it comes to humans, this group includes a wide variety of arthropods that are very different from each other.

Generally, this type of creature attaches to the surface of the skin and stays there for as long as the parasite wants. In addition, these creatures can even penetrate the skin and live in the inner layers of the dermis. When they are inside us, we experience symptoms such as itching and even allergic reactions.

Although ectoparasites include blood-sucking insects, it is easier to divide them into two different groups. When we mention blood-sucking insects, we refer to insects as mosquitoes that feed on human blood. The behavior is different, and so are the diseases they can spread.

The biggest problem with all ectoparasites, especially blood-sucking insects, is that they can act as vectors. In other words, they can be carriers of diseases such as malaria and typhoid.

Scabies

Scabies is one of the most common and well-known parasites, produced by a type of mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Infections tend to occur in the form of epidemics, given that this small insect spreads easily from one person to the next.

In addition, it can remain on clothes and sheets, making it even harder to get rid of. This ectoparasite digs small tunnels in the skin and produces lesions that make the skin itch. In addition, these ailments are especially prevalent at night.

It is not very difficult to diagnose scabies, but detecting the parasite sometimes requires microscopic techniques. In any case, doctors tend to detect the lesions at first glance.

Midd

Mites are a broad category of ectoparasites. We just mentioned a specific type of mite that produces scabies. However, when most people talk about mites, they are referring to those that cause allergies.

In this case, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the family of parasites  we are talking about. This is a species that lives in the dust on our furniture or elsewhere. It is a very small arthropod that is actually harmless to humans.

The only negative effect they cause is allergies, which are the main cause of allergic reactions after pollen. The origin lies in the fact that dead mites and their excrement form a very fine dust that is easy to inhale.

Fleas

Like mites, fleas are also small ectoparasites. As adults, they drink blood and are often found in dogs and cats, especially those who live on the street or in the country.

Fleas can act as vectors for many diseases, the most important of which are typhoid and bubonic plague. However, those that feed on dogs and cats tend to transmit other things, including tapeworms. In addition, the bites cause itching and redness of the skin.

Watch out for ectoparasites such as mites and fleas

What we must remember is that ectoparasites include a wide range of parasites. It is important to remember that if you have pets, you must take parasite precautions according to your veterinarian’s instructions. That way, you will insure the health of your pet as well as your family.

If you have itching, skin allergies or signs of small lesions on your skin, you should see a doctor. Many ectoparasites are easy for professionals to detect at first glance, so you can start treatment right away.