JIGGERED Can Affect Human Skin: Understanding the Impact of Tungiasis

“Jiggered” refers to the condition caused by infestation with jigger fleas—scientifically known as Tunga penetrans—which burrow into human skin and cause a painful skin disease called tungiasis. This parasitic condition is common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, and disproportionately affects people living in poverty.

🦟 What Are Jigger Fleas?

Jiggers, also called chigoe fleas or sand fleas, are tiny parasites that live in dusty soil and sandy environments. The female flea burrows into the skin of warm-blooded hosts—humans, dogs, pigs, and cattle—to lay eggs. Once embedded, the flea causes:

• A small black dot at the entry site
• Swelling and inflammation
• Intense itching and pain
• White patches or nodules on the skin
• Ulceration and secondary infections

The most common sites of infestation are the feet, especially under toenails and soles, but jiggers can also affect hands, elbows, and other body parts that come into contact with the ground.

🧼 How Jiggered Skin Appears

Infested skin becomes flaky, pitted, and swollen. In severe cases, the skin may develop clusters of nodules filled with eggs and pus. Victims often experience difficulty walking or using their hands, and the condition can lead to:

• Tetanus
• Gangrene
• Blood poisoning
• Permanent disability
• Amputation in extreme cases

According to reports, over 1.4 million people in Kenya alone suffer from jigger infestation.

🛠️ How Jiggers Are Removed

The process of jigger removal—often called “jigger digging”—involves manually extracting the fleas using sharp tools like scalpels, needles, or tweezers. In many rural areas, people use improvised tools such as thorns or safety pins, which can lead to further infection.

Medical removal includes:

• Cleaning the affected area with antiseptic
• Piercing the skin to expose the flea
• Extracting the entire parasite and egg sac
• Disinfecting the wound
• Applying sterile dressings

In severe cases, multiple jiggers must be removed over several sessions. Pain relief and antibiotics may be necessary to prevent complications.

💔 Social and Emotional Impact

Jigger infestation carries deep social stigma. Victims—especially children and the elderly—often suffer from:

• Shame and isolation
• School absenteeism
• Emotional trauma
• Misconceptions linking jiggers to curses or poor hygiene

Many suffer silently, fearing ridicule or lacking access to proper care.

❤️ Prevention and Community Response

Organizations like Kinship United and Rise Up Society have launched campaigns to combat jigger infestation. Their efforts include:

• Distributing closed shoes
• Improving sanitation and housing
• Educating communities about hygiene
• Offering safe jigger removal and medical care

Neem oil, coconut oil, and disinfectant sprays are also used to repel fleas and treat wounds.