Most skin problems like itching, redness, or swelling are typically harmless and short-lived. They’re often triggered by allergies, bug bites, or irritation. However, in rare instances, unusual or persistent skin symptoms may point to something more serious—subcutaneous parasitic infections, where parasites temporarily live under the skin. Although uncommon, these infections are medically significant and can sometimes be mistaken for routine skin issues.
A widely reported case in Russia in 2018 illustrated how subtle these infections can be. A woman noticed a strange, shifting lump on her face. At first, it seemed like a mosquito bite, but over several days, the bump moved from under her eye to her lip. After seeking medical help, doctors identified the culprit: a Dirofilaria repens worm—typically found in dogs and transmitted by mosquitoes. The parasite was surgically removed, and the woman recovered fully. The case drew international attention after it was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Subcutaneous parasitic infections occur when parasites—normally found in animals or contaminated environments—accidentally enter human skin. Humans are usually “dead-end hosts,” meaning these parasites can’t reproduce inside us. Still, their presence can trigger intense symptoms like localized swelling, itching, pain, and even the disturbing sensation of something moving beneath the skin.
Some well-documented examples include Cutaneous Larva Migrans, caused by hookworm larvae that burrow under the skin, creating red, snaking lines. Others include Onchocerciasis (river blindness), Loiasis (eye worm), Swimmer’s Itch (from lake parasites), and the now-rare Guinea Worm Disease. Many of these are associated with travel to tropical or developing regions, but climate change and global travel have made cases more widespread.
Warning signs of a possible parasitic skin infection include itching that doesn’t go away, bumps that seem to migrate, and red lines that appear to move across the skin. If these symptoms appear after travel or exposure to untreated water, soil, or insect bites, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Providing your travel history can help doctors make a faster, more accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, imaging (such as ultrasound), and sometimes biopsies or blood tests. Treatments vary, from antiparasitic medications to minor surgery for removal. Fortunately, these infections are preventable: wear insect repellent, avoid walking barefoot in contaminated areas, don’t swim in untreated water, and practice proper hygiene. With awareness and timely care, even rare parasitic infections can be managed effectively.
