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Scabies - Scabies symptom, treatment, causes

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a tiny (0.4 mm long) mite called Sarcoptes scabies. Scabies is taught from an affected person by any sort of skin contact (including sex), and can also be picked up from clothes and bed clothes. It often spreads to all members of household and among children who play together. The mite penetrates the surface layer of the skin and burrows along, leaving a fine red wavy line. The adult female lives in the burrow for 4 to 8 weeks, laying a couple of eggs along the tunnel each day. The eggs hatch onto the skin surface within 10 days and live there for another 2 weeks until they are mature enough to burrow in, and so the infection goes on.

Scabies is a fairly common infectious disease of the skin caused by a mite. It is estimated that more than 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide every year. The rash is extremely itchy (and often called "the itch " or "the seven-year itch") and can be difficult to diagnose. It can affect both humans and animals. Scabies can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or personal hygiene. It does not select only those with low-income or poor housing conditions. Scabies is not the same as lice , although the treatment may be the same. Typical sites of infestation are skin folds and flexor surfaces. In adults, the most common sites are between the fingers and on the wrists, although infection may manifest in elderly people as a diffuse truncal eruption. In infants and children, the face, scalp, palms, and soles are also often affected. Infection with the scabies mite causes discomfort and intense itching of the skin, particularly at night, with irritating papular or vesicular eruptions. The discomfort and itching can be especially debilitating among immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Scabies is a transmissible ectoparasite skin infection characterized by superficial burrows, intense pruritus (itching) and secondary infection. The female insect burrows into the skin where she lays 1 - 3 eggs daily. A very small, hard to see, zigzag blister usually marks the trail of the insect as she lays her eggs. The most common locations for scabies are on the sides of fingers, between the fingers, on the backs of the hands, on the wrists, heels, elbows, armpits, inner thighs and around the waist (belt line). If untreated, the female will continue to lay eggs for about five weeks. The eggs hatch and the new mites begin the cycle all over again. The mites themselves are too small to be seen without magnification. One of the great problems with scabies always has been misdiagnosis. Scabies is spread by personal contact, e.g., by shaking hands or sleeping together or by close contact with infected articles such as clothing, bedding or towels. It is usually found where people are crowded together or have frequent contact, and is most common among school children, families, roommates, and sexual partners. Scabies can be spread by the insect itself or by the egg. Prompt action is required to rid a person of the insects and eggs. Sulfur has been used (6 - 10% in lotion or cream) since Roman times as a scabicide, but you might be allergic.

Causes of Scabies

The common Causes of Scabies :

• Scabies is caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) which burrows under the skin, but the rash and itch are much more widespread than the location of the mites.
• The mite may be passed easily by close contact and commonly starts at the wrist, presumably having been picked up through holding hands.
• The symptoms of scabies are caused by an allergic reaction to the mites.

Symptoms of Scabies

Itching is caused by an allergic reaction to faeces left by the mite along the burrow. The itch is worse when skin is warm after a hot bath or shower. and in bed. Scratching too much may tear the skin, which can then become infected by bacteria. The most common places to find scabies burrows are the fronts of the wrists. between the fingers, in the armpits, around the nipples, and on the penis, scrotum, thighs and buttocks. Some common Symptoms of Scabies :

• Thin, pencil-mark lines on the skin.
• Itching , especially at night.
• Rashes.
• Abrasions of the skin from scratching and digging.
• Involved skin becomes itchy, irritated, warm, reddened and blistered.

Treatment of Scabies

Scabies is treated by applying lotions or creams that kill the mites and eggs. Your doctor or pharmacist will suggest a suitable preparation (some products should be avoided during pregnancy or breast feeding). Because scabies is so contagious, everyone in the household should be treated at the same time; on the same day, all bed linen and clothes should be laundered in hot water. Sexual partners should also be treated.

• Benzyl benzoate emulsion. This is washed off after twenty four hours, and repeated two or three times. In infants or young children it is wise to dilute in two or three times as much water, as this helps reduce skin irritation.
• Anti-itch medications (such as Benadryl or Antarax) can help ease itching. These may help children sleep if given just before bedtime.
• The treatment of choice at the moment is Permethrin , in view of its relative safety, ease of application, and as it tends not to irritate the skin. This should be left on for at least eight hours. This may be used for the head and necks of children less than two years old.
• The day after treatment, you can use lotion (such as Lubriderm or Aveeno) for dry skin. Oatmeal baths and mild soap (such as Dove) can also help ease itching.
• Rub the cream between fingers, toes, on the genitals, and under the fingernails.
• The medicated cream could make the skin dry and cause itching.