Jiggers

Jiggers.  I absolutely despise jiggers.  These monsters are consuming the feet of people, especially children, all around us.  You're probably wondering, "What exactly are jiggers?" Jiggers are sand fleas that embed themselves in the skin and feed on the skin of its host. Jiggers typically embed under the toenails first; although I've seen jiggers in so many different places--in the heel, achilles tendon, arch of the foot, bottom of the toes and everywhere else imaginable.   A jigger infested foot becomes grossly disfigured as the insects takeover.  As the jiggers infestation worsens,  the infected person ability to walk is impaired due to pain felt from ruptured flesh.  Jiggers are brought about by lack of hygiene and most easily attack those who do not have foot protection.  


A few weeks ago, Jade and I assisted Leila in removing jiggers from Lucy's feet.  Lucy has a long history with jiggers- a result of poor living conditions and unfortunate neglect by her mother.  I wanted to share some pictures with you so that you might understand that damage jiggers can cause.  Keep in mind that, while it is extremely painful to remove jiggers, it is more painful to have them inside your foot than to take them out.  

rotting, disfigured toenails are a result of jiggers

the black dots inside the white circles are the jiggers and their eggs

jiggers eat away at the skin as they burrow and lay eggs

you must fully extract all jiggers and their egg sacks

white egg sack 

Lucy after having the jiggers removed- pea sized holes were the jiggers and eggs used to reside

Lucy enjoying playing with her cousins just a few hours afterwards