Any doctors who are familiar with parasites??? (Howe: dermatologist, insurance)

[poopycat]

If that title doesn't get people to open this thread, I don't know what will

I just got back from Costa Rica. While I was there, I went hiking quite often, and during one hike, these little tiny flies or gnats would bite me and drew blood. They left little scabs on my hands and legs.

Well, today I was driving and my hand really itched. I looked at my hand and saw that one of these bites is swollen and itchy, and feels like a wart. I examined some of the other bites, and they too are also raised. They have a little black spot in the middle. The bites on my legs have started itching and they are raised too.

I have done some internet searches and have a fear that these might be bot fly larva! I don't know for sure, but probably should have a doctor examine them and recommend a treatment. Do any of you know of a doctor in SA that might have some experience with parasites or insect bites? I'm not sure if I'd look for a GP, dermatologist, or someone who specializes in parasites.

Thanks for your help.

[smuboy86]

Call metro health, they have a travel health clinic.

[Lee W.]

Ew! Personally, I'd just call my primary doctor's office and tell them what happened. As soon as possible! Anyway, just go to SOME doctor before something starts crawling out of those things!

[xsa210tx]

EVERYONE has parasites in them. We all do!

Conventional medicine is not concerned with parasites, cleansing or detoxification or any of that stuff. To them it's as foreign as a country far away.

If you ever need recommendations on a 100% vegetarian product for parasite or colon cleansing, DM me.

I've used a program for about 6 years and it's an all-encompassing cleansing and detoxification program that WORKS and its natural.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Supposedly you can get rid of the bot fly larvae by covering the bump with a thick layer of vaseline to block the air hole. Then when it comes to the surface to breathe, grab it with tweezers and pull it out.

Not being much of a traveler, I've never had reason to try it myself.

I think your regular doctor should be able to point you in the right direction, or prescribe something for the itching if it's just a slight allergic reaction and not fly larvae.

[OnlyonthursSA]

Ooo hope its not a bot fly...i heard thats gonna be painful to pull out. And if it is you are in for an eye opening experience (I personally have not had it but have seen videos on these bot fly larvae and its not pretty to say the least) Good luck

[poopycat]

Thanks. I haven't lived here long enough to have a primary care doctor so I might try the Metro Health suggestion. I have been reading up on bot flies and I hope I don't have them because I have a LOT of bites. But I know that these aren't just typical bug bites because they should be getting better, not worse by now.

[elnina]

"Is there such a thing as a human bot fly? Yes, we're sorry to say there is. Called the torsalo, Dermatobia hominis, occurs in Mexico and Central America. Fortunately, getting one is an extremely unlikely occurrence for the average visitor."
However there is a lots of info on the internet an you can compare pictures with the bumps on your skin.

Here is an excellent info about what might happen to you:
Arthropods 11
identify the problem
how to get rid of it:
Human Botfly, Bot Fly, Botflies, Torsalo, Dermatobia hominis

Obviously you can help yourself following pretty simple instructions. Cut off the oxygen supply by covering the bump with camphor oil, Vicks VapoRoob, glue or tape. After you pull out the DEAD larvae, you need to cover the hole with antiseptic ointment like Neosporin. If you detect many of those bumps on your body, probably a visit to the doctor is a better idea. Depends on your insurance, you can visit the dermatologist directly or get a referral from your family physician.

[BstYet2Be]

Originally Posted by poopycat

I just got back from Costa Rica. While I was there, I went hiking quite often, and during one hike, these little tiny flies or gnats would bite me and drew blood. They left little scabs on my hands and legs.

Well, today I was driving and my hand really itched. I looked at my hand and saw that one of these bites is swollen and itchy, and feels like a wart. I examined some of the other bites, and they too are also raised. They have a little black spot in the middle. The bites on my legs have started itching and they are raised too.

This really sounds more like chigger bites, especially since you went hiking quite a bit. They do all those things you've listed... not just the little red bumps you see on some of the pictures about them. They'll itch like crazy, and the area will swell and harden for some time.

Hopefully, this is all that it is, though they certainly are bad enough by themselves! I hate them with a passion 'cause they love me!

If you're unsure at all, do see a doctor -- at least the doctor can give you a shot, as well as meds, for the itching.

Take care & good luck to ya!

[elnina]

I sure hope that BstYet2Be is right! Its always good to read about health issues before traveling somewhere: Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica - Travelers' Health - CDC

The chigger's piercing mouth parts are short and delicate, and can penetrate only thin skin or where the skin wrinkles and folds.
That's why most chigger bites are around the ankles, the back of the knees, about the crotch, under the belt line and in the armpits.
Scratching kills them. Itching usually peaks a day or two after the bite occurs.
http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/av...pests/chiggers