Tungiasis: what is it, how dangerous is it, how do you get it, and should you vaccinate?

What is Tungiasis?

• Tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease caused by the female sand flea, in which the flea burrows into your skin.
• Usually around your feet, toes, and nail edges. The sand flea can also be found on hands, elbows, buttocks, and in the pubic area.
• Tungiasis occurs in South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, Pakistan, and India.
• Dogs, cats, pigs, and rats are the main carriers.

What can the consequences of Tungiasis be?

• Tungiasis can cause a lot of pain and itching. You may also have difficulty walking, sleeping, and concentrating.
• If you are not vaccinated against tetanus, you can also contract tetanus through tungiasis.
• An untreated infestation by multiple fleas can lead to life-threatening infections.

What to do to prevent tungiasis when traveling and abroad?

• You prevent tungiasis by protecting yourself against sand flea bites when staying in areas where they live.
• Healthy, well-cared-for feet are at lower risk.
• By regularly checking for fleas, you can prevent things from getting worse.
• Read more about the measures you can take against sand fleas.

What is the treatment for Tungiasis?

• In all cases, remove the flea.
• Clean with alcohol or ether, or soap if no alcohol is available.
• Make the opening slightly larger with a sterile needle or tweezers.
• Pry the flea out with the sterile needle or tweezers.
• Clean the wound thoroughly and treat it with Betadine (iodine ointment) to prevent infections.
• An alternative treatment with tea tree oil appears successful in killing the sand flea in the skin, but further scientific research is pending.