What Is Jigger Digging? Understanding the Parasite and Its Removal
Jigger digging refers to the manual removal of jiggers—tiny parasitic fleas scientifically known as Tunga penetrans—from human skin. These fleas burrow into the skin, most commonly on the feet, causing painful swelling, itching, and infection. The term “digging” describes the process of extracting the embedded flea, often one-by-one, using sharp tools or medical instruments.
🦟 What Is a Jigger?
A jigger is a sand flea native to tropical and subtropical regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. Only the female flea burrows into the skin of warm-blooded hosts—humans, dogs, pigs, and others—to lay eggs. Once embedded, the flea causes:
- A small black dot at the entry site
- A painful, itchy bump as the abdomen swells
- Difficulty walking or using affected limbs
If left untreated, jiggers can lead to serious complications like secondary infections, tetanus, or even amputation.
🧼 What Is Jigger Digging?
Jigger digging is the process of removing these parasites manually. It’s often done in rural communities using improvised tools like safety pins, thorns, or needles. However, when performed without proper hygiene, it can worsen infection or cause scarring.
Medical Jigger Digging Involves:
- Cleaning the area with soap and antiseptic
- Sterilizing tools like tweezers or scalpels
- Gently piercing the skin to expose the flea
- Extracting the entire parasite, including its egg sac
- Disinfecting the wound and applying a sterile dressing
In severe cases, multiple jiggers may be removed in one session, especially when clusters form on the feet, hands, or under toenails.
💔 Why It’s Needed
Jigger infestation—known as tungiasis—is common in impoverished areas with:
- Barefoot walking on dusty ground
- Poor sanitation and housing
- Limited access to medical care
- Co-habitation with flea-carrying animals
Children are especially vulnerable, often missing school due to pain or stigma. Victims may suffer silently, fearing ridicule or associating jiggers with curses.
❤️ Community and Medical Response
Organizations like Kinship United and Rise Up Society have launched outreach programs to:
- Provide safe jigger removal
- Distribute shoes and hygiene kits
- Educate communities about prevention
- Offer emotional support and medical care
🛡️ Prevention Tips
- Wear closed shoes in endemic areas
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Improve flooring (cement instead of dirt)
- Control flea-carrying animals
- Promote hygiene education
