Infestation: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

There are no synonyms applicable.

Infestation refers to the interference of flies through larvae by an open wound in the body, or through a clothing. The insects feed on the wound or enter the body via clothes, further feeding on the blood. They are most likely to infect the brain, arms, legs and pubic areas.

Infestation by any form of insect creates a huge risk for an individual, causing rashes or blood clots to form in different parts of the body. If not treated immediately, the area infested by the insect is susceptible to more damage since that area remains exposed. The insect can further lay eggs which gives freedom to more insects to form and spread throughout the body. These insects are invisible to the naked eye but percolate instantly if in contact with the skin.

It is characterised by intense itching, rashes on the skin, red bumps and thickened or darkened skin in the affected area.

Infestation can also be spread through contact with other people having infestations. It is to be noted that human infestation is different from animal infestation, hence the spread can only taken place from one human being to another, and not through animals. This kind of infestation takes place in unhygienic conditions.

The treatment of infestation differs from person to person. The doctor has to identify the type of infestation by taking a sample of the skin. This can be done by scraping of the skin to test for the exact kind of lice or insect.

In mild cases, skin infestations can be treated by improving the condition of hygiene. Healthy habits like taking regular baths, washing hands and staying away from unhygienic conditions can improve the condition of the infestation by manifolds.

Skin or intestinal infestations can also be treated by improving the way you eat and sleep. Changing bed linens often or dusting them off every once in a while helps in keeping fleas or insects at bay. To clean an already infested bed linen or cover, the cloth should be soaked in hot water and tumble dried to get rid of the insects.

In case of rashes or bumps in the skin caused by infestations, medications like pediculicides can be used to treat the infected area. The instructions for the ointment have to be read carefully before applying as these products are generally averse for the human skin. This can also be prevented by cleaning linens in the first place.

Every human individual affected by infestation is eligible for the treatment as a basic ointment is required to heal the affected area. In case of children, the doctor's advice should be taken into consideration.

If clothes or linens are properly washed to avoid the same, treatment would be smoothly done via the same.

There are no such barriers for this treatment. In the case of children, advice from the doctor should be taken to determine the mode of treatment.

Infestations can lead to secondary skin symptoms like rashes, burns or dead skin even after the treatment. Since the affected area takes time to heal, it remains susceptible to further symptoms which need to be taken care of.

If the infestation is prolonged, dark patches and marks can form on the skin.

In rare cases, infestation can lead to the spread of other skin or intestinal diseases or infection. The adversity of the same would be determined by the doctor itself.

Rashes are a common side effect of the treatment. The treated area can form a scab as well which should not be touched or scratched as it may create an open wound which would make it home for further infections.

The affected individual should ensure to stay in hygienic areas only to avoid further infestations.

The affected area should not be touched or irritated as it can lead to an open wound which would attract more bacteria.

A healthy lifestyle should be maintained by all means.

Clothes and linens should be thoroughly washed since fleas or insects percolate through the body via these. Maintenance should be done on a weekly basis to reduce the number of fleas or insects that might affect these areas. Further, a proper cleaning should be done of the bedroom or the entire house if it has been previously infested. It is only possible to remove the insects to a maximum through this process.

The severity of the infestation determines the time for recovery. It generally takes about 2 or 3 weeks for the infestation to heal.

In India, the cost for treatment of infestation is generally around Rs. 1000 for mild cases and goes upto Rs. 2000 in adverse conditions.

The results of the treatment for infestation are not permanent, as the individual has to maintain thorough care to avoid further cases. Infestation can take place again if the affected area is tampered with, leading to a further opening.

Infestation can also take place again if the individual comes in contact with another infected individual, or is exposed to unhygienic living conditions.