what is jiggers on feet

Jiggers are small parasitic fleas that burrow into the skin of a warm-blooded host before laying eggs. They are commonly known as sand fleas and are scientifically named Tunga penetrans. They generally attack feet or hands, with the feet being the most common infection point. The female jigger burrows into the skin, usually of the foot, and as her abdomen fills with blood and eggs, a bump forms underneath the skin, which is often painful and itchy and makes walking incredibly difficult. If left untreated, jiggers can lead to deadly secondary infections or even amputation. People suffering from jiggers usually attempt to remove them with safety pins, thorns, or other sharp, and often unsanitary, objects. Severe pathology can occur, including fissures, ulcers, lymphangitis, lymphoedema, ascending neuritis, deformation and loss of nails, and tissue necrosis, causing pain, disability, disfigurement, and mutilation of the feet, which can change the way people with tungiasis walk.