Reader with Worms Emerging from Skin Needs Immediate Medical Attention

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A reader wrote to us in an understandable frenzy because she has white worms (or worm-like things) coming out of her skin. She included the following picture:

The first piece of advice we’re going to offer is to see a doctor, immediately! Here at All About Worms we have no medical training whatsoever, and do not want to ever be thought to be attempting to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

We’ve done a little research and found 4 conditions that can cause symptoms like those she’s describing. Since we do not have medical training, we’re letting the experts speak to these subjects. They are (in no particular order):

Morgellons disease. The Mayo Clinic describes Morgellons disease as:

Morgellons disease is an uncommon, unexplained skin disorder characterized by sores, crawling sensations on and under the skin, and fiber-like filaments emerging from the sores. It’s not certain what these strings are. Some say they are wisps of cotton thread, probably coming from clothing or bandages. Others say they result from an infectious process in the skin cells. Further study is needed.

Cutaneous larva migrans (or CLM) is caused by Ancylostoma braziliense (a type of hookworm). This parasitic worm can be contracted by coming into contact with the feces of an infected human or animal. The Center for Disease Control, or CDC, says:

People are infected when animal hookworm larvae penetrate the skin, causing a local reaction that is red and itchy. Raised, red tracks appear in the skin where the larvae have been and these tracks may move in the skin day to day, following the larvae’s movements. The symptoms of itching and pain can last several weeks before the larvae die and the reaction to the larvae resolves. In rare cases, certain types of animal hookworm may infect the intestine and cause abdominal pain, discomfort, and diarrhea.

 

Skin of a Cutaneous larva migrans patient. Photo by Grook Da Oger (Own work) (CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

 

 

Loa loa infection, which we have written about before, is caused by a parasitic worm taking up residence in a human host. The CDC says:

Loiasis, called African eye worm by most people, is caused by the parasitic worm Loa loa. It is passed on to humans through the repeated bites of deerflies (also known as mango flies or mangrove flies) of the genus Chrysops. The flies that pass on the parasite breed in certain rain forests of West and Central Africa. Infection with the parasite can also cause repeated episodes of itchy swellings of the body known as Calabar swellings. 

Loa loa larva. Photo by Stefan Walkowski (Own work) (CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

 

Guinea worms are most common in rural areas where people do not have access to clean drinking water. The CDC states:

People become infected with Guinea worm by drinking water from ponds and other stagnant water containing tiny “water fleas” that carry the Guinea worm larvae… Once drunk, the larvae are released from copepods in the stomach and penetrate the digestive track, passing into the body cavity… When the adult female worm is ready to come out, it creates a blister on the skin anywhere on the body, but usually on the legs and feet. This blister causes a very painful burning feeling and it bursts within 24-72 hours…People do not usually have symptoms until about one year after they become infected. A few days to hours before the worm comes out of the skin, the person may develop a fever, swelling, and pain in the area. More than 90% of the worms come out of the legs and feet, but worms can appear on other body parts too.

Using a matchstick to wind up and remove a guinea worm from the leg of a human. By CDC, via Wikimedia Commons

 

This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. We recommend that our reader consult her doctor immediately. It may be a good idea to consult a travel doctor, since several conditions that cause these symptoms are most common outside the US. We wish her luck, and would be interested to hear the results.

 

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Reader with Worms Emerging from Skin Needs Immediate Medical Attention
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Reader with Worms Emerging from Skin Needs Immediate Medical Attention
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A reader wrote to us in an understandable frenzy because she has white worms (or worm-like things) coming out of her skin. She included the following picture:
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17 thoughts on “Reader with Worms Emerging from Skin Needs Immediate Medical Attention

  1. Some one please help let me know what it could be I have had dark dots Start out small look like a black head at first and they over time get bigger looking like a mole I can feel something crawling under my skin in my scalp bottom of my feet I sprayed poroxid on my face bc some has came through my skin on my faceblack spot something gon look like small blisters but itchy and the black thing hurts ripped threw skin won’t come out help please ty

  2. I’ve been having problems trying to get help if you say you think you have skin parasites your on drugs it’s been over 8 years and I know I wasn’t crazy but now I think I’ll die before I can prove something is eating me my sores are not normal seen doctors I want a biopsy or something to tell me nothing wrong please I need help it’s killing me

    1. Eddie, word for word, you are describing my life right now!

      I had a parasite pop out of my shoulder a few months back; followed by an intense shooting pain up and down my spine, arms & legs.

      I’ve never had a parasite before, but when you see such a thing, you know, am I right?!

      My hair was very long, but straight after the pain all of my hair fell out, which tore me apart.

      I did what I thought I should and went to my GP, not expecting the reaction I received.

      I’ve been suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder since early childhood, and after literally presenting physical evidence (via videos & little samples) I was told that the GP had “decided” that because I have depression, that means I hallucinated and I’m having a random psychotic break!!

      I was in complete shock, even more so when she went on to blacklist my medical treatment. She placed a warning detailing me as being a psychotic hypochondriac and requesting other medical personnel to “avoid indulging in any treatment at all costs!”

      It’s insane. I honestly am been torn apart by this. To have your body change so drastically, so quickly, and to feel yourself being eaten from the inside out; it’s a different kind of hell!

      So now, I’ve lost my hair, and I’ve gone from 8st to 6st 3lb, my doctor laughed at me when I mentioned how much the physical effects of this are affecting me; I felt sick to my stomach seeing how entertained she was by my pain.

      So know Eddie, you are not alone. It’s truly disgusting how the medical field behaves toward people nowadays; they no longer have the right to say that they “Do no harm”, in my opinion.

      I hope you at least get the help you need. All the best Xx

      1. Omg, I’ve had the same problem!!! Doctors say I’m crazy and prescribed me an anti-phycotic pill. I’ve been dealing with this for over a year now on a daily basis. It’s not only eating me alive, my clothes too! I don’t know what it is but I have so many pictures and video and actual dead creatures. Doctors wouldn’t even look at my specimens. He says, their just scabs!! And scabs look identical to each other?? C’mon man, wtf ????

        1. I really feel for you Marc ???? I know just how much this can and does destroy your life!

          I’ve gotten to the point where I’m only able to reach a max weight of 6.10 stone (I’m 5”3). My hair after falling out has refused to properly grow back & is still falling out. My hearing (which I was already loosing for unknown reasons) is now ten times worse & getting worse each day! My eyesight is really starting to be effected and I’m just overall as weak as a sick 80 y/o. :’(

          I’m 32. I spent my life caring for and putting everyone else first, partially because it’s who I am & partially because I grew up being taught that was my job. So, I think it’s safe to say, I’ve had no real life yet and this, it’s just killing every last part of me. So trust me when I say I know what you’re feeling and you are not alone. ??????

          I know that doesn’t solve the ?-heads [that call themselves “medical professionals”], taking advantage of their power and status. Using it to not do their job and instead to treat you like you aren’t even human. But, speaking as someone who has only herself, I know how isolating and dehumanising dealing with whatever this thing is.

          I just want to say keep believing in yourself, you are not crazy, you deserve help and support and to be treated with decency and respect! ? anyone that says otherwise!

          I’m sending you all the love, best wishes and good thoughts your way! I hope things work out for you, I really do! XxXxX

        2. Same happened to me but I knew it is parasites. You can buy most of the medicine online. You might first want to try 100% tea tree essential oil, body wash, shampoo & conditioner. Certain antibiotics & invermectin is killing off the parasites. But it does make u sicker before you ger better. Soaking in epsom salt & then exfoliating the dead skin with the parasites remove faster. Hope this helps. Good luck . Parasites are the most undiagnosed problem humans have. Doctors think we are all crazy.

  3. First I’d like to say I’m relieved to know I’m not the only person experiencing this it’s horrifying and I’ve had no luck with Drs, or dermatologist, I will be contacting a parasitologist ASAP, it started with something in my hair and up till now my legs and arms have become so weak I’m affraid to be alone for fear of falling , I’ve been called crazy and told I’m making this up , even by my own husband who knows I’m sick from something in my hair and blood and under my skin, I’m praying now for help with this “ it’s been 3 1/2 yrs and much heartache..I’m not giving up…

  4. I have a friend suffering from the same thing. If anyone figures out what these white worms are, please post. Hers have white trails under the skin that eventually emerge. Thank you!

  5. I have a friend suffering from the same thing. If anyone figures out what these white worms are, please post. Hers have white trails under the skin that eventually emerge. Thank you ??

  6. Has anyone had any luck with the medical field believing them and working to find out the real source of their torment? How do so many people that have never met have the same delusions?

  7. I have been suffering with similar ailments for about a year now. My skin feels like there’s something crawling on it and my three-year-old experiences the same thing so I know it’s not in the my head he will not wear clothing because he said there is buzzing bugs in them:( I am at a complete loss and don’t know what to do we have both taken numerous stool test for parasites and they have come back negative I have even taken him to an infectious disease specialist where they drew his blood and tested him for toxocara and it was also negative. I break out in lumps under my skin that will not go away until I pop them when I do pop them a thin worm-like creature comes out not moving or anything the only picture I found that matches this was on any margellon’s website:/ another thing I find very odd is my feet get to itching really bad and I rub them with hand sanitizer when I do so little white things pop out of my skin I just keep applying the sanitizeruntil no more comes out and then my foot wont itch anymore. My feet have blisters all over the sides of them and my derm did a biopsy for bacteria or infection, and it came back negative idk what else to do nobody will listen

  8. My daughter has white worms coming from her skin. they cause sores and when scratched the worms come out. They look like tape worms you would find in puppies. She has been to drs and hospitals. they say it is in her head. She can not be around her daughter due to fear of being contagious. If this is anyone out there with any advice please contact me.

  9. My daughter has suffered for about two years she has no insurance and was told at the ER she was not an emergancy. Now i have this nightmare of iching welps sores and little white eggs i think i keep finding all over my house. I truly belive it is from a moth and i’m about to loose my mind. I can’t sleep and can’t eat because i always worry something will get in my food. My daughter has sores all over her body and she will even bathe in BLEACH. i’m so afraid for her and me. I think they fall from the celing or fly i don’t know any more.

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