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In most cases, the geographic bug is naturally eliminated from the body after a few weeks and treatment is not necessary. However, the doctor may recommend the use of antiparasitic drugs to relieve symptoms and help eliminate the geographic bug more quickly.
The geographic bug, also known as cutaneous larva migrans, is an infection caused by a parasite, in most cases by Ancylostoma braziliensis, which mainly infects dogs and cats. This parasite is eliminated in the feces of these animals and the larva is present in the soil, making it possible to enter people's skin, mainly through their feet, through small cuts or injuries. Learn how to identify the geographic animal.
Remedies for geographic animal
Although in most cases the geographic bug is not necessary to be treated, since it can be eliminated from the body after a few weeks, the general practitioner or dermatologist may recommend the use of some antiparasitic remedies to decrease the inflammatory response triggered by this parasite and promote the faster elimination. Thus, the most suitable remedies are:
- Thiabendazole;
- Albendazole;
- Mebendazole.
These remedies should be used according to the doctor's recommendation and usually the onset of symptom relief happens about 3 days after the start of treatment, however it is important that the treatment is continued even if there are no obvious symptoms. In addition to medication, ice can be applied to the affected area to relieve symptoms.
Signs of improvement and worsening
The signs of improvement of the geographic bug are manifested through the decrease of the intensity of the symptoms, occurring a reduction of the itching, redness and swelling in the skin. In addition, the sensation of movement under the skin, which is usually present, also decreases, as well as the damage to the skin in the form of a map due to the death of the larvae.
On the other hand, in some cases, signs of worsening may appear, where the itching and redness worsen and the lesion increases, being in these cases important to consult the doctor so that he can indicate the best treatment for the situation. In addition, in more severe cases, itching may favor the appearance of secondary bacterial infections, requiring the use of antibiotics in these cases.
How to get a geographic beast
The geographic bug is present in the intestines of domestic animals, mainly cats and dogs, with the eggs being released in the feces. The larvae present inside the eggs are released into the environment and evolve to their infective stage, which can enter the skin and cause infection when:
- The person walks barefoot on the grass, sand on the beach or on land;
- Children walk barefoot or play with sand in playgrounds;
- The person lies on the beach sand without a towel.
The main measure to be taken to avoid catching the geographic bug is to avoid contact with the sand or earth, which is why it is very important to use protections such as slippers, shoes or towels. In addition, the places that are most often affected are the feet, hands, legs, arms, forearms or buttocks. It is also important that animals are dewormed periodically to prevent the transmission of diseases to people.