The standing bug is a type of flea, the Tunga penetrans , which is able to penetrate the skin, especially when walking barefoot on the street, on vacant lots, on the beach, contaminated lawns or playgrounds, for example.
Symptoms of the bug can appear as soon as the parasite penetrates the skin, and usually there is mild pain in the area, as well as redness and, in some cases, itching where the parasite has entered. Although these signs are more common on the feet, the foot bug can also penetrate the skin in other places, especially when it has been lying on top of earth or sand or has been in contact with an infected pet, for example.
Foot bug symptoms
Symptoms of bug standing can appear as soon as the parasite penetrates the skin, being noticed a small reddish spot and slight local pain. Then, the symptoms may become more evident, being possible to observe:
- Appearance of a small skin wound with a black spot under the skin measuring 4 to 10 mm; Lighter skin around the black spot; Intense itching at the site of penetration; Pain at the site of the wound; Redness and swelling in the region that the parasite entered; there may be the presence of transparent or yellowish secretion.
It is common for symptoms to appear under the feet, around the nails or in the space between the toes, but the parasite can penetrate the hand or any other part of the body depending on how the contact with the soil occurs, which is the location where this parasite can be found. Find out how to catch the standing bug.
How to avoid infection
The flea that causes this problem on the skin is usually present in places with hot, dry sand or earth, so the best way to avoid infection is to avoid walking barefoot on the beach, in gardens or on the lawn. In addition, when going to regions where this type of flea exists, it is advisable to apply an insecticide on the skin to prevent them from jumping and sticking to the skin.
It is also important that pets, such as cats and dogs, are taken to the veterinarian on a regular basis, as they can be infected with the flea responsible for the bug more easily and thus transmit the disease to people.
If you have these symptoms, see how to get rid of the bug quickly.
