I have what i have diagnosed as a hookworm larva on the top of my foot - under the skin. I must have got it in mozambique at least five months ago. It is supposed to die because it cannot complete its lifecycle in humans. It did disappear but is now visible as a small red track that is itchy.
2006-10-02 22:58:12 · 25 answers · asked by r b 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
A doctor told me this. It lacks a certain enzyme that allows it to pass into the blood stream of humans. That's why it's still there after all this time and not in my lungs ot stomach.
I'm quite attached to it really, but it is itchy and starting to overstay it's welcome!
When will it die?
2006-10-02 23:07:39 · update #1
I know i can't answer my own question but come on people.
Has anyone else had a similar experience? I've had it now for 3 months andcould only have picked it up 5 months ago. Nice way to gross people out
Prognosis:
Prognosis is excellent. Even without treatment, the larvae will eventually die and the cutaneous lesions resolve in weeks to months.
Source: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1278.htm
2006-10-02 23:20:32 · update #2
OK, nobody cares anymore but for the record i did take 2 separate courses of mebendazole after my trip to make sure i am worm free. [Obviously it doesn't get to the skin.]
Also, people are way to clean these days, our immune systems need to be challenged and used to be in top form.
And those drugs are poisonous to humans, if it can't harm me then why all the fuss of going to doctors and taking poison?
Thanks
2006-10-02 23:46:56 · update #3
nice pet you got there.
worms are nothing to worry about 1/3 of people have one and in some cases it helps you.
2006-10-03 00:50:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always thought hookworm larvae had to be cut out of the feet. Unless I'm thinking of 'jiggers'...
Just going to check...
Seems that they're the same thing.
http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/dpd/parasites/hookworm/factsht_hookworm.htm
oookaaay... I don't think you should rely on self-diagnosis. If it is a hookworm or jigger you need to get it dealt with by a doctor - your GP should be able to help, or the London School of Tropical Medicine.
Apparently they may be good for asthma, but are also very bad for the gut - they can damage the villi while they are living there (their breeding cycle relies on the larvae managing to migrate from the foot) which leaves you open to intestinal problems. Not nice...
Get it seen to!
2006-10-02 23:21:30 · answer #2 · answered by SilverSongster 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Put a sticking plaster over the area the worm entered. This will draw it and any "poisoning out". Perhaps you can take some worm medication. You should be able to get some cream too that will encourage the skin to push it out.
2006-10-02 23:09:18 · answer #3 · answered by MissBehave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a doctor, or attend the London School of Tropical Medecine. Hookworm are not nice!
2006-10-02 23:01:00 · answer #4 · answered by Lick_My_Toad 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
mmm...interesting parasites! Every seasoned explorer has at least a couple of gross-out stories of parasite infestations to tell in the pub to a shocked and awe-struck crowd. Feed and nurture your worm - you'll be a star in your local boozer!!!
Then again, perhaps you should get it seen to by a doctor!
2006-10-02 23:05:52 · answer #5 · answered by blank 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
December 3rd 2006 at 2am
2006-10-03 00:07:31 · answer #6 · answered by puffy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
according to the following link they do pass through to the lungs and intestines. Still not sure at what point it dies though? I am wondering whether you ought to pursue a second opinion though as it sounds quite a horrendous thing to have inside you!
<<<<<<<< hugs to you! >>>>>>>>
x
2006-10-03 04:56:42 · answer #7 · answered by cuddlymummy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mild infestations can go away by themselves but most require medical attention and a prescription.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/hookworm/factsht_hookworm.htm
This site should be helpful!
2006-10-02 23:10:30 · answer #8 · answered by easinclair 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u need to get out of this website and go to the EMERGENCY ROOM HELLO R U CRAZY thats a parasite and ur its host and u should seu that doctor he/she is crazy ur a host and it can lay eggs in ur blood stream and u can have worms in ur BRAIN or even worse and PAINFUL THEY CAN EAT U ALIVE
2006-10-03 01:46:55 · answer #9 · answered by want2BaMOMMY!!!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why are you not going to a doctor???? it sounds like blood poisoning if there's a red track! GET TO A DOCTOR!!!!
2006-10-02 23:06:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋