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What It Could Be Worm Or Parasite Found In The Bite Area?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Nov 2022
Question: HI, this past week I went camping in Maine and ended up with some bug bites that would swell up very quickly to the size of a small grape. The itch persist for days. I ordered a digital microscope to examine them, and it appears like there is a very this worm or parasite in the bite area. They appear to be about half the diameter of my body hair in the microscope. Any ideas what it may be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
THis is unlikley to be a worm!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I have reviewed the information fully as well as the attached image. This is unlikely to be a worm but rather some fiber from the material used in cleansing this area. I will suggest you clean further and re-examine to see if this worm-like structure would still be present.

For now, I advice cleansing twice daily with betadine. Apply bacitracin ointment twice daily and allow area to air dry. Repeat the examination with microscopy and upload the findings for further review.

I hope this helps. I look forward hearing from you. Best wishes!

Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (4 hours later)
Thank you for looking, but all of these bites have similar markings and even after swabbing with isopropyl alcohol the markings appear to be below the skin. As illustrated in the new photos just uploaded. The markings do not appear anywhere except directly in the bite area.
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (18 hours later)
The last 2 photos were taken of the same bite a few hours apart. as you can see the geometry of the "what ever it is" has changed. Waiting for your reply.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (28 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please, nothing to wory about!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have reviewed these images and I can state in unequivocal terms that there is no worm growing on it. This is an artifact and probably represent a remnant of materials used in cleansing the area.

Be relaxed about this. Also, inform on how the area is doing. I will also appreciate an unmagnified image of this area.

Waiting and wish you a speedy recovery!

Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What It Could Be Worm Or Parasite Found In The Bite Area?

Brief Answer: THis is unlikley to be a worm! Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks so much for this query. I have reviewed the information fully as well as the attached image. This is unlikely to be a worm but rather some fiber from the material used in cleansing this area. I will suggest you clean further and re-examine to see if this worm-like structure would still be present. For now, I advice cleansing twice daily with betadine. Apply bacitracin ointment twice daily and allow area to air dry. Repeat the examination with microscopy and upload the findings for further review. I hope this helps. I look forward hearing from you. Best wishes! Thanks.