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How Long Does Ivermectin Take To Control Stick Flea Infestation?

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Posted on Fri, 29 May 2015
Question: Hi I have a home with a stick flea infestation. I am now on ivermectin, however the ulcers on my skin are getting worse and the fleas keep getting in them. They are all over my face too which is quite embarrassing. I have had bad diarrhea and I am wondering if I have larvae and worms. They sure look like they are there.


I have taken in two stool samples, the first one I know had a flea and something white like a piece of rice moving in it. and they said no parasites found. And the other they sent out. It had what I think was a worm in it. No results yet

ok Dr. just called and they said stool samples showed no bacteria, but they sent them out for parasite test and have not got the results yet.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Seems like "larvae migrans"

Detailed Answer:
Hello there

Thank you for asking to healthcaremagic..

I have gone through the information carefully and understood your concerns.

Yes..For me it seems like you have got the worm infestation(as of now in skin and in intestines probably) through the flea bite possibly from your pet dog..

This may be a round worm or hook worm..I suspect a round worm though..When it affects both skin and internal organs like intestines etc (Referred to as Larva migrans)..But can't say accurately without complete stool analysis for ova,cysts,larvae,even worms etc..

In any case of a suspected helminth infection especially with associated clinical scenario,it is advisable to start the empirical treatment with antihelminth drugs like ivermectin,albendazole etc which you did already..

Further management will depend on the results of stool analysis for parasites and also your clinical progress with the empirical treatment.

Isolating the dog and use of insecticides will help in preventing further transmission.

Please discuss the above with your family physician or preferably infectious disease specialist and proceed for the best of your health..

Hope i have answered your query..

Further queries are welcome..







Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (4 days later)
Thank you so much just for the validation. My regular doctor doesn't believe me that I am passing these weird things and I have so many pictures on my phone. I went to the ER with a large (I don't even know), it came out of me while I was sitting on the couch so I put it in alcohol. It was green and and some kind of worm that was white in it and on the other side there were barbs all over it. and I of course washed it off for the drs. So as I was doing this it tried to attach to my hand with the barbs and boy did I freak out.

The ER DR. spent 3 min. with me and said that I had a bladder infection and anal praritis? what?!!!!! He never even checked on me!!! would not examine me or do any tests except blood. I was so mad. He was very rude. I did tell him and I am a very nice person but I feel like I am being taken over. I was in so much pain and he wouldn't even give me my regular meds.

So I went directly to my regular Dr.......Ugh. They did not believe looking under a microscope it was as parasite. This thing is huge and I can see its a parasite without the microscope. All I have been able to eat for two months is mashed potatoes, sour dough toast, and yogurt. Anything I eat goes right through me and if its anything solid It hurts really bad. Especially spicy. I a

I am now very discouraged, I am weak and do nothing but sleep. The fleas seem to be winning the battle. I don't know who is a specialist in this area. Citrus Heights, CA 95621 Thank you so much

doctor
Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:

Please upload the stool analysis report

Detailed Answer:
Hello there

Welcome to healthcaremagic

Thank you following up

Please post your complete stool analysis report to suggest further treatment..


Sorry I don't know any doctor in USA..But I assure you that I can guide you about the issue.

If you need to search for a doctor who can treat the condition nearest to you, you may try looking up such doctors here www.healthgrades.com

Regards

Awaiting your reply



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (2 hours later)
Just sent a new stool sample in with a large what seemed like a large pistachio nut but not cracked and hard. I did not wash this one off and sent it directly in. They also tested me for colon cancer. I will let you know what the results are. Thank you very much
doctor
Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Ok

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Thanks for following up..

I will be happy to clear your doubts and discuss treatment options once i get the reports..

Awaiting for the results ..

Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (1 hour later)
I looked up pictures of the larvae migrans and I don't believe that is what I have. I don't have any wiggly lines under my skin. Just big ulcers. some as big as a dime and some as big as a nickel.

I did however pass again in my stool this morning lots of white larvae. Its disgusting. And some kind of wormy lookingthings.

My stool sample results were "clear". I'm going in tomorrow at 11:00 to get copies of these tests and to demand that they test me and make sure that the live parasites that are in my intestines are not eating outside my intestinal wall and going to other organs. I am exhausted and seems they don't care. Thank you for your assistance. I will try to let you know what the tests say when I get home tomorrow. I still have the bladder infection too and that is odd.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (41 hours later)
Brief Answer:
follow up with the stool test results.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks you for following up.

Do not worry until anything is proven.

Most symptoms would relate to a benign condition. You can post me the stool sample results. If symptoms persist, you need to be on a specific therapy after considering the results.

Encourage nutritious food intake ,clean water intake..

Regards






Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (11 hours later)
I am and have for the last two months been on a very strict diet of only sourdough toast, eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt and have recently dropped granola. it has become to painful. This morning I was doubled over with belly pain and went to the bathroom and went and when I looked it was nothing but 4 and 5 inch worms. The second time I went the worms were red. I sent them all off for a sample. I asked for them to be identified because I am no longer on the ivermectin. She wants me to start taking it again tomorrow. But I want to know what damage has been done. My stomach is very bloated and my lower abdomen hurts very badly. Now she has ordered a CT of my abdomen. Finally she is realizing something is wrong. I want to thank you for your support.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (19 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need reports to further comment..

Detailed Answer:
Hello there

Thank you for following up..


The problems may be related to emotional outburst (psychiatrist opinion needed)

Stool analysis,CT or MRI abdomen and would be a better option to rule out any organic lesions..Seems like psychogenically induced..
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 407 Questions

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How Long Does Ivermectin Take To Control Stick Flea Infestation?

Brief Answer: Seems like "larvae migrans" Detailed Answer: Hello there Thank you for asking to healthcaremagic.. I have gone through the information carefully and understood your concerns. Yes..For me it seems like you have got the worm infestation(as of now in skin and in intestines probably) through the flea bite possibly from your pet dog.. This may be a round worm or hook worm..I suspect a round worm though..When it affects both skin and internal organs like intestines etc (Referred to as Larva migrans)..But can't say accurately without complete stool analysis for ova,cysts,larvae,even worms etc.. In any case of a suspected helminth infection especially with associated clinical scenario,it is advisable to start the empirical treatment with antihelminth drugs like ivermectin,albendazole etc which you did already.. Further management will depend on the results of stool analysis for parasites and also your clinical progress with the empirical treatment. Isolating the dog and use of insecticides will help in preventing further transmission. Please discuss the above with your family physician or preferably infectious disease specialist and proceed for the best of your health.. Hope i have answered your query.. Further queries are welcome..