We all conceptually know and acknowledge that there are tons of little microbes and microscopic insects living all over our bodies. But that doesn't mean we like to think about it. Even though the vast majority of those creatures are there to do good when seen under a microscope, they illicit the same reaction as a cockroach.
Here are 20 skin-crawling things that live on or in our bodies, for better or for much worse.
1
The Demodex mite, also known as the facemite, is an ectoparasite that lives in or near hair. “Demodex may act as a vector of transmission of various infections from one area of the body to another, or one individual to another.”
3
Chigoe Fleas can lay eggs and more on your skin.
4
Lice are ectoparasites that feed on blood.
5
Sarcoptes scabiei is a microscopic mite. They can cause Scabies, which is often found in hospitals, daycares and nursing homes.
6
Crab louse are the critters responsible for the crabs STD.
7
Acanthamoeba are free-living amoebae found everywhere moist, but can spread to the eyes. In rare cases, they can cause dangerous infections.
8
Chiggers, also known as harvest mites among other names, can latch onto you from many places. The tiny mites only bite when they are larvae.
9
A Chigger in more detail.
10
Ringworm isn’t actually a worm but a fungus that infects wherever it comes in contact with you.
11
Hookworm larvae can enter your body if you accidentally step on feces.
12
Giardia are tiny parasites that reside in the stomach that you catch from untreated water. They might give you an upset stomach, or nothing at all.
13
Lactobacilli bacteria live in the crevices of reproductive organs, but surprisingly, help prevent other more stinky bacteria.
14
Some body lice have evolved along with human clothing.
15
A tapeworm is a parasite that can grow up to 30 feet long in your intestines. Really gross.
16
Bellybutton bacteria can actually help prevent more harmful bacterias.
17
Candida is a fungus that lives in warm moist places, like your mouth. However, it usually only pops up in immunocompromised individuals.
19
The microscopic bacteria in your gut are crucial to proper digestion.
20
“A tiny spider is spinning a web on one of my arm hairs.”
