Scabies

A highly contagious skin condition that is caused by the infestations of tiny burrowing mites, but is treatable with medication is Scabies. When the skin comes in direct contact with infested bedding or clothing, microscopic parasitic human mites, known as Sarcoptes scabiei, are transmitted into the skin, burrowing into the epidermis. Once the mites reach the epidermis, it lays eggs there and continues to live, causing scabies which results in skin rashes and itchy bumps.

Causes

Scabies is caused by the microscopic human itch mite when it burrows inside the epidermis. By the following ways a person can be infected with scabies, which are:

 

Contact with objects infested

Sometimes, when the mite is present on an object, such as the bedsheet, the upholstered furniture, the towel or the bedding, and when the skin comes in contact with these affected objects, scabies may spread. However, one must know that without the presence of proper host and human skin contact, the mite can survive only for 48 to 72 hours, and this makes the risk of causing scabies through contact with infected objects less common.

 

Direct skin to skin contact

Scabies is contagious, but not highly contagious. Skin contact for a small period of time with the affected individual can not infect a person. Close physical with the infected person can lead to the spread of mites.

Treatment

Scabies is often confused with other skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. Therefore, every person with severe itching should be tested for scabies. Once diagnosed, the treatment is relatively simple. Listed below are some of the treatment options:

 

Antibiotics

Patients who are suffering from excessive skin rash, itching and infections are usually treated with antibiotics to ease the itchy sensation.

 

Decontamination

The decontamination involves washing the clothes of the infected person in hot water and keeping the objects that cannot be washed can be decontaminated by keeping them in a bag for around 2 to 3 days to kill mites and their eggs.

 

Scabicides

Depending on the severity, overall health, and age, the patient may be prescribed oral medication and creams.

 

Antihistamine

Antihistamine refers to over the counter anti-allergy drugs that can also be of help in managing the itching and rashes.

Will I be affected by my pet Scabies?

It is to be noted here that getting scabies from animals is not possible even if the animal has mites. Pets and humans are affected by different species of scabies mite. Pet mites are not able to survive and reproduce in human skin.

Things to Remember

  • In the case of infected adults, scabicide cream or lotion needs to be applied all over an infected person’s body, starting from the neck down to the toes.

  • If a child is infected with scabies, the scabicide cream or lotion needs to be applied from head to toe.

  • In the case of an infant, it is advised that only sulfur ointment or permethrin may be used. It is essential that the medication is applied only over a clean body.

  • People living with an infected person should also be examined and treated simultaneously to avoid reinfestation.

As scabies is a contagious disease, its early diagnosis and treatment can prevent it from spreading further and causing any more trouble.


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