What Are Ectoparasites? All About Mites And Fleas

Have you ever wondered what ectoparasites are? We’ve all heard of parasites. They are organisms that live inside or on the surface of another living being, obtaining certain benefits and, at the same time, causing certain problems to the hosts.

What are ectoparasites?

Ectoparasites – such as mites and especially fleas – are parasites that live on the outer surface of other living things. These types of beings often produce diseases known as parasitosis. Parasitosis is common in both animals and humans. As far as humans are concerned, these types of diseases tend to occur in the summer and cause skin damage.

Certain ectoparasites can be the means of transmitting serious systemic infections with disastrous consequences. In addition, ectoparasites are not easily eliminated. With this in mind, we want to share with you some important facts about ectoparasites, especially mites and fleas.

What are the most common ectoparasites?

Generally, these types of creatures adhere to the surface of the skin and stay there as long as they want. Moreover, ectoparasites can even penetrate the skin and live in the inner layers of the dermis. Once inside, symptoms such as itching and even allergic reactions will appear.

Although ectoparasites include blood-sucking arthropods, it is easier to separate them into two different groups. When we mention blood-sucking arthropods, we are referring to insects such as mosquitoes, which feed on human blood. Their behavior is different, as are the diseases they can spread.

The biggest problem with ectoparasites, especially blood-sucking arthropods, is that they can act as vectors. In other words, they are carriers of diseases such as malaria and typhus.

Mites

Fleas

Fleas can act as vectors of many diseases, the most important being typhus and bubonic plague. Those who live on dogs and cats tend to transmit other diseases, including tapeworms. Moreover, their bites cause itching and redness on the skin.

Watch out for ectoparasites such as mites and fleas

Now I find out what ectoparasites are.

If you suffer from itching, skin allergies or small skin lesions, you should consult a doctor. Many ectoparasites are easy to detect by professionals at first glance, allowing you to start treatment immediately.