The bites

I have got sand fly bites... after checking with some friends, it is sort of confirmed. And after reading about it, I reckoned I have to go to the doctor soon. It could get bad if left untreated apparently, considering the fact that I also have sensitive skin and kinda allergic. Dammit. It itches so badly, I feel like ripping my skin off. Got it from the camp apparently. And it only started to show up couple of days ago. It started off on the left arm, a couple of bumps which itch like hell. Then more appear, then the left ankle area. Now they're appearing on my right arm and ankle area. ****ing itchy. Apparently after they heal they will leave SCARS!

I read that the symptoms usually appear a couple of weeks to a few months after the bites. This thingy I got has a cool name though. Leishmaniasis.

Q. What is leishmaniasis?
A. Leishmaniasis (leash’ ma NIGH’ a sis) is an infection of animals and humans caused by protozoa in the genus Leishmania. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by the bites of infected sand flies. At least 23 Leishmania species cause leishmaniasis. There are three forms of the disease: cutaneous (skin), the most common form; mucocutaneous (mucous membranes), a very rare form; and visceral (internal organs).

Q. What are the symptoms of leishmaniasis?
A. Symptoms begin weeks to months following an infectious sand fly bite. Because of this delay in presentation, it is important to tell your health care provider where you have traveled and that you might be at risk for leishmaniasis (see inset for DoD Helpline). Cutaneous leishmaniasis starts at the site of a sand fly bite with a papule that enlarges and becomes an ulcer. It often develops a raised edge with central crater, giving it a volcano-like appearance. Sores may be single or multiple, and swollen lymph nodes may be present near the sores (for example, under the arm if the sores are on the arm or hand). Rarely, some species of Leishmania, found primarily in Central and South America, can cause damage that spreads from an initial cutaneous sore on the face to affect the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. This mucocutaneous form of leishmaniasis can be very disfiguring. Visceral leishmaniasis is typified by chronic fever, enlarged spleen and liver, anemia, weakness, progressive emaciation and weight loss. It is the most severe form of leishmaniasis and is often fatal if left untreated.

Some photos I found online... Some of mine looks like the top one, though the rest are smaller. Don't the bottom ones look scary??