Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabei hominis). The scabies mite burrows into the superficial layer of the skin where it lives, and lays its eggs. The mite usually spreads by direct prolonged skin to skin contact with a person who has scabies.
The most common signs and symptoms of scabies are intense itching, especially at night and skin rash. The intensity of the itching depend on the duration and the severity of infestation. History of similar itchy skin condition in other family members also suggests the diagnosis scabies. Skin rashes are often seen over common sites such as wrist, elbow, armpit, penis, belt line and buttocks.
Scabies usually spreads by prolonged skin to skin contact with the person who has scabies. Contact must be prolonged. A quick handshake or a hug will not spread scabies. Scabies spreads easily to household members.
Products used to treat scabies are called scabicides. Scabicies kill scabies mite and eggs. Always follow the instruction of the dermatologist. While treating adults and older children, the scabicide cream or lotion is applied all over the body, from the neck down to the feet and the toes, avoiding the face and scalp. While treating infants and young children, the cream or lotion is applied all over the body, including face, head and neck, avoiding contact with eyes. Medication should be left on the body for the dermatologist recommended time before it’s washed.
Diagnosis of scabies infestation is usually made on history of intense itching and characteristic distribution of the rash and presence of burrows. Whenever possible, the diagnosis of scabies should be confirmed by identifying the mite. This can be done by carefully removing a mite from the end of the burrow, using a tip of a needle or obtaining a skin scraping to examine for a microscope.
In addition to the infested person, treatment is also recommended for all household members, especially those who had prolonged skin to skin contact with the infested person. All persons should be treated at the same time in order to prevent re-infestation.
Scabies mite do not survive more than 2 to 3 days away from human skin. Items, such as bedding, clothing, towels, used by person can be sterilised by machine washing in hot water or by ironing. Items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned can be decontaminated by removing from body contact for at least 72 hours.
Crusted scabies is a severe form of scabies that occurs in patients with lower immunity due to severe illness. Patients with crusted scabies have thick crusts of skin that contains large number of scabies mites. People with crusted scabies are very contagious to other person and can spread the infestation easily by direct skin, contact or contamination of other items, such as bedding, clothing, and furniture. People with crusted scabies may not show the usual signs and symptoms of scabies.
Scabies in infant and young children is more widespread. In addition to the sites in older children and adults, palms, soles, face and scalp are also involved. Presence of burrows is characteristic, secondary bacterial infection, nodules in folds and eczematisation is more frequent.
Scabies mite can live for 1 to 2 months on human skin, but in the regular environment, scabies mite do not survive more than 40 to 72 hours.
Animals do not spread scabies to humans. Pets can become infested with a kind of scabies mite that does not survive or reproduce on humans, but causes “mange” animals. If an animal with mange has a close contact with a person, animal mite can get under a person skin and cause temporary itching and skin irritation. Animal mite cannot reproduce the person and will die in a couple of days. Animal should be treated.
Scabies spread by prolonged skin into skin contact with a person who had scabies. It can sometimes spread by contact with contaminated items, such as clothing, bedding used by the infested person. Scabies is very unlikely to spread by swimming in a public pool.
Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.
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