Can a tick get into the ear and what danger does the parasite pose to human health
An ear mite or otodectosis most often affects animals, but parasites can also settle on a person, which will cause him a lot of trouble. In addition, a larger tick can get into the human ear - in this case, urgent medical attention will be required. Treatment of an ear mite in a person depends on which parasite attacked it.
Content
Do people get ear mites?
The ear mite is extremely rare in humans, but its danger should not be underestimated. Such parasites live in countries with a warm climate: most often in Asia and Africa. Sometimes tourists, returning from Thailand, India and Sri Lanka, accidentally bring with them microscopic mites that parasitize in the ear. In such cases, the diagnosis of "tropical otoacariasis" is made. However, there are other varieties of ticks - you can meet them not in a warm country, but in your apartment.
What mites can live in the human ear
There are several types of pests that can parasitize in the human ear.
Ear mites in humans: causes
You can become infected with ear mites under the following conditions:
- Contact with an infected person or animal, exposure to parasites.
- Use of low-quality cosmetics.
- Consumption of contaminated foods.
- Violation of hygiene standards, especially when traveling.
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases, weakening of the immune system, hormonal disruptions lead to the fact that demodex is activated in the human body, which had not shown itself in any way before.
Methods of infection are determined depending on the group and species of the parasite. For example, infection with demodex occurs when the body malfunctions, acariases are found after a long stay in places with high humidity and confined spaces.
Ear mites in humans symptoms
Like other parasites, the ear mite quickly adapts to the host's body. There are common signs of infection with these parasites:
- redness and itching of the auricle;
- feeling of a foreign body, sensation of movement of parasites in the ear;
- allergic rashes on the skin, the appearance of acne;
- copious discharge from the ear, the formation of sulfur plugs.
In addition, there are specific symptoms that occur depending on the type of tick that has struck.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of otodectosis is carried out in the laboratory.
| Inspection and collection of information | In the presence of clinical manifestations of otodectosis, it is necessary to contact a medical facility as soon as possible. The doctor will examine the inner ear using an ear funnel and collect information about the patient's lifestyle necessary for diagnosis. |
| Direct microscopy method | Skin scraping is a classic method for diagnosing otodectosis. The contents are collected from the outer ear and examined under a microscope. The detection of a tick in a scraping is a sufficient basis for making a diagnosis. The effectiveness of microscopy depends on the number of pathogens, the type and correctness of taking a smear. |
| Analysis of the discharge of the sebaceous glands | To diagnose the presence of demodex mites in the body, an analysis of the discharge of the sebaceous glands is used. The diagnosis is based on the detection of mites in the secretion of sebaceous hair follicles. |
| Surface biopsy method | The method is modified (its other name is "adhesive tape test"). The material is collected using a cover slip with glue and analyzed under a microscope. |
Tick removal
It is not always possible to remove a tick at home. However, before contacting, you can independently provide first aid to the victim:
- disinfect the ear;
- take antihistamines;
- use ear drops to relieve inflammation.
It is possible to rinse the ear canal with a weak alcohol solution, but this will only make any sense if the ixodid tick has climbed into the outer ear. In case of infection with other parasites, this will not help at all.
Ear mites in humans treatment
For the treatment of otodectosis, drugs and folk methods are used. The choice of therapy depends on the type of parasite and is aimed at getting rid of it and restoring the body's defenses.
Medications
Ointments, drops, tablets are used to combat ear mites.
Ear mites in humans: folk methods
There are also folk methods of treating ear mites. They can be used as an adjunct to basic therapy and under medical supervision. As an independent method of treatment, they are not effective enough; without medicines, the situation can worsen.
When to see a doctor
An ear mite always requires observation by a specialist, therefore, if alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Various fungal and other infections have similar symptoms, but antibiotics and hormonal drugs are used to treat them.
These medicines will not help with infection with parasites, but on the contrary, they will only aggravate the situation: itching, pain will only increase. That is why it is so important to establish a diagnosis in a timely manner with the help of laboratory diagnostics.
Ear Mite Danger
The dangers of ear parasites are as follows:
- infection with dangerous viruses and bacteria (encephalitis, borreliosis, relapsing fever);
- formation of pathogenic flora;
- penetration into the body of fungal spores.
Otodectosis does not pose a danger to human life, however, under adverse conditions, for example, a significant decrease in human immunity, a complication in the form of otitis externa may occur.
Methods of prevention
To reduce the risk of ear mite infection, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- the right choice of clothing for walking in places where ticks can live;
- the use of special repellent and acaricidal agents;
- adherence to hygiene rules regarding food, personal belongings and cosmetics;
- physical activity and immune system support;
- avoidance of stressful situations.