chigoe

Chigoe, also known as chigo, jigger, or jigger flea, refers to the parasitic flea Tunga penetrans, which causes tungiasis. The female flea burrows into the outer skin, typically on the feet, and embeds itself while feeding on blood and producing eggs. The embedded flea remains in the skin, while a male flea stays externally and does not cause the same pathology. Eggs are released into the environment as the parasite matures, continuing the life cycle.

Clinical features arise from the site of entry and the inflammatory response. Lesions are usually painful and itchy, with a characteristic central pore or dark speck at the entry point, surrounded by swelling and redness. Frequent sites are toes and the soles. In some cases, secondary bacterial infection, cellulitis, abscess formation, or more extensive tissue damage can occur, particularly where care is limited or sanitation is poor.

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the lesion and the presence of an embedded parasite. Removal of the embedded flea is central to treatment, followed by wound cleaning and antiseptic care. Antibiotics are used if there are signs of secondary infection, and analgesia may be provided for pain. Complete removal of the parasite typically leads to improvement, with healing of the wound over time.

Prevention focuses on reducing exposure and transmission: wearing closed footwear, improving housing and sanitation, and community-based measures to decrease environmental contamination. Chigoe is most common in tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean, where poverty and barefoot living increase risk.