what is scabies?
Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into your skin and lay eggs there, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as severe itching and a rash with pimples. Scabies often occurs on specific areas of the body, such as the wrists, elbows, armpits, between the fingers, nipples, penis, waist, belt line and buttocks. Scratching the itch can cause ulcers and infect the skin. Scabies is contagious and is usually spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected. It is important to treat scabies in a timely manner.
What causes scabies in humans?
Scabies in humans is caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. This mite burrows into the upper layers of the skin and lays eggs there. The result is an unpleasant skin condition with symptoms such as intense itching and a rash with pimples. The mite mainly occurs on specific parts of the body, such as the wrists, elbows, armpits, skin folds between the fingers, nipples, penis, waist, belt line and buttocks. Scratching the itchy skin can lead to sores and even infections.
What are the characteristic symptoms of scabies, and how are they experienced?
The symptoms of scabies usually manifest in the form of intense itching and a rash that resembles small pimples. These symptoms can occur all over the body, but can also be limited to specific areas, such as the wrists, elbows, armpits, skin folds between the fingers, nipples, penis, waist, belt line and buttocks. Sometimes the rash can contain blisters and flakes. Scratching the rash can lead to skin ulcers, which sometimes become infected by bacteria.
Why are tunnels on the skin sometimes observed in scabies?
Sometimes small tunnels are visible on the skin, created by the female scabies mite that moves just beneath the skin's surface. These corridors resemble raised, squiggly lines on the skin. The female mite lays her eggs in these tunnels. It is important to note that scabies mites often occur in small numbers, typically only 10-15 mites per infected person, making the burrows difficult to find. They usually appear in folds of skin between the fingers, on the wrist, elbow or knee, and on the penis, chest or shoulder blades.
What is Crusty Scabies and how does it differ from common scabies?
Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a severe variant that occurs in immunocompromised, elderly, disabled or debilitated individuals. It is characterized by thick crusts on the skin that contain large numbers of scabies mites and eggs. Individuals with crusted scabies are extremely contagious to others and can easily spread the infection both through direct skin-to-skin contact and through contamination of items such as clothing, bedding and furniture. Importantly, individuals with Crusted Scabies do not always exhibit the usual symptoms of scabies, such as the characteristic rash or itching.
How is scabies spread from person to person?
Scabies is mainly spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Normal handshakes or hugs do not usually lead to scabies transmission. In adults, scabies is often spread through sexual contact. Although scabies can sometimes be spread indirectly by sharing an infected person's clothes, towels, or bedding, this is rarely the case unless the infected person has crusted scabies.
Can scabies be diagnosed and if so, how?
Scabies is typically diagnosed based on the characteristic rash and its spread, along with the presence of burrows on the skin. Confirmation of the diagnosis can be made by identifying the mite, mite feces (scybala) or mite eggs. This is done by gently removing a mite from its burrow with a needle or by obtaining skin secretions for microscopic examination. It is important to remember that a person can still be infected even if no mites, eggs, or mite feces can be found. However, scabies can have thousands of mites present and should be considered highly contagious.
How long can scabies mites survive on different surfaces?
Scabies mites can survive on a person for up to 1-2 months, but usually not longer than 48-72 hours outside a person. The mites die within 10 minutes when exposed to a temperature of 50°C or higher.
Is there treatment available for scabies?
Yes, scabies can be treated with prescription scabicides that kill the mites, and some scabicides also kill eggs. However, it is important to note that there are also natural products that can help treat scabies. These natural remedies can complement prescribed treatments.
When treating scabies in adults and older children, the cream or lotion is applied to the entire body, from the neck to the feet and toes. In infants and young children, the treatment is also applied to the head and neck. Clean clothing should be worn after treatment. It is advisable to seek advice from a doctor or healthcare provider for appropriate treatment and to discuss the possible natural remedies that can help relieve symptoms and promote recovery.
Who should be treated for scabies?
Anyone diagnosed with scabies, as well as their sexual partners and other contacts with prolonged skin-to-skin contact, should be treated. Treatment is recommended for members of the same household as the infected person, especially those who have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
Early diagnosis and treatment is essential in the fight against scabies. If you are experiencing symptoms or think you may have scabies, see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that may include prescription scabicides and possibly natural remedies. It is also very important to notify close contacts and treat them if necessary to prevent further spread. With the right steps and timely treatment, you can effectively combat scabies and restore your skin and well-being.