Tungiasis - Medtick

Tungiasis

What is it?

A skin infection normally on the foot (because the species can’t jump high) when exposed warm, dry soil and sand of beaches, stables and stock farms.

It occurs in world regions of:

  • Africa
  • Caribbean region
  • India
  • Latin America
  • Pakistan
  • West Indies

Cause

  • The flea Tunga penetrans (chigoe flea, jigger, nigua, pico, sand flea, and bicho de pie)

Symptoms

  • White patch with a black dot in the centre on foot or lower leg?
  • Lesion in the middle can be 4-10mm in diameter?
  • Lesion is painful?
  • Swelling and redness around the infected area?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

Gangrene (Heukelbach J. et al. 2004; Feldmeier H. et al. 2002)


This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Tungiasis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).