what are jiggers on the foot

what are jiggers on the foot

1 year ago 220
Nature

Jiggers on the foot are a type of parasitic flea that burrows into the skin of a warm-blooded host, including humans, where they bite into the skin and drink the hosts blood. They generally attack feet or hands and cause inflammation, pain, and itching, making walking incredibly difficult. Jiggers are formally known as Tunga penetrans and are commonly found across the Caribbean, Africa, India, Central America, and South America. The female jigger burrows almost completely into the skin, with only their back end sticking out so it can release eggs. Once burrowed, it looks like a small black dot and typically goes unnoticed. However, after a few days of feeding and filling with eggs, the jigger gets bigger and the dot grows into a bump that can be itchy and painful to walk on. After two weeks, the female typically releases her eggs and dies, leaving a scab on the skin. If left untreated, jiggers can lead to deadly secondary infections or even amputation.

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