2212 



THE DERMATOZOIASES 



Symptomatology. — The symptoms begin with itching and irrita- 

 tion, generally in some part of the foot, especially the toes, and 

 often under the toe-nail. On inspection, a small dark dot (the last 

 two abdominal segments of the parasite) is noticed in the skin. If 

 left alone, painful inflammation and suppuration develops around 

 the distended abdomen of the parasite, giving rise to a swelling 

 which may attain the size of a small pea, in the centre of which is 

 seen a depression containing the black dot, and, finally, ulceration 

 takes place, and the body of the parasite is thrown off, but not 

 until all the eggs are laid. 



Fig. 868. — Dermatophiliasis. (After Newstead.) 



a, Group of jiggers; h, isolated jiggers; c, pits left by jiggers; 

 d, lateral view of jiggers deep in the skin. 



When the parasite hasbeen dislodged by treatment or suppuration, 

 a small ulcer is left, which is very hable to septic or other bacterial 

 infections. These infections may lead to phagedaena, gangrene, and 

 tetanus. When the feet are badly affected, walking is impossible, 

 which is of especial importance in carriers and native troops. 



Treatment. — The treatment is the careful r (>moval of the little insect 

 with a clean needle, after rubbing weak carbolic ointment (i per cent.) 

 or lotion (i to 2 per cent.) into the foot, and cleansing and dressing the 

 little wound antiseptically with a lotion of perchloride of mercury. 



