WHAT ARE SCABIES, EXACTLY? RASH, MANAGEMENT, SYMPTOMS, AND PHOTOS

WHAT ARE SCABIES, EXACTLY?

Scabies is a contagious skin disorder caused by eight-legged human itch mites. These small mites burrow into the skin, causing itching and rash symptoms. These mites take around three weeks to incubate, but once infested, re-infestation can happen even faster.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF SCABIES?

Scabies mites can only survive for 72 hours without human touch, but they can live for up to two months once attached to a person. Mites can survive longer in cooler, humidified environments. Mites can burrow into the skin once attached to a person, and symptoms usually appear three to six weeks following infestation.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET SCABIES?

Scabies can affect anyone. Infestations can be found all over the world, and the mite is passed from person to person by direct and prolonged skin-to-skin contact. The most typical route for these mites to spread is through sexual contact.

Transmission from parents to children, particularly from mother to infant, is also possible. Because the mite can only survive for 48 to 72 hours without human contact, they are unlikely to spread through diseased bedding or furniture, however it is possible.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CATCH SCABIES FROM A DOG OR A CAT?

Animals do not spread the same types of mites that cause human scabies, therefore catching it from a dog or cat is impossible. "Mange" is the kind that can infect pets.

Mange mites can infect people and cause slight itching and redness, but they are unable to survive or breed on human skin and will die out on their own, minimising human symptoms. People who come into touch with mange do not need to be treated, but dogs and cats must be treated since mange can spread and cause fur loss as well as scaly and itchy skin in pets.

WHAT ARE SCABIES' SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?

Scabies is characterised by itching (which is usually worse at night) and a pimple-like rash. Scabies rash can form anywhere on the body, but the wrists, elbows, armpits, skin between the fingers and toes and around the nails are the most common areas, as are the buttocks, belt line, nipples, and penis, which are usually hidden by clothing. The rash can appear on the head, face, neck, palms, and soles of infants and young children.

Scabies rash can become crusted in persons with weaker immune systems.

HOW DOES SCABIES INFECTION APPEAR?

Scabies infestations appear on the skin as little red pimple-like lumps. It's possible that the bumps are crusty. Burrows, or thin grey, brown, or red lines that radiate from the lumps, may also be present. They might be difficult to spot and resemble scratch marks.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO HAVE A SCABIES INFECTION?

Scabies causes severe itching, which is usually worse at night. Itching begins as a little annoyance and escalates to the point where the infested individual is unable to sleep.

SCABIES ARE TESTED AND DIAGNOSED IN WHAT MANNER?

The patient's history and a physical examination of the sores are commonly used to diagnose scabies (bumps). Other tests that could be carried out include:

• Scraping the skin to find mites or eggs
  
• Dermoscopy is a procedure that involves looking at the skin using a handheld dermoscope to see whether there are any mites.
  
• Adhesive tape test: a doctor applies strong adhesive tape on skin lesions, then pulls it off and examines it under a microscope for mites.
  

EXAMPLES OF CREAM APPLICATIONS

There are no approved over-the-counter scabies remedies. Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. A topical lotion, such as permethrin (Elimite), applied directly to the skin from the neck to the soles of the feet, may be used as a first-line treatment. It should be kept on for 8 to 14 hours before being rinsed off. A second application is usually recommended after 1 to 2 weeks.

Crotamiton (Crotan, Eurax) cream or lotion, lindane (not commonly used as a first-line treatment due to the risk of seizures), sulphur ointment, and benzyl benzoate are some other topical therapies (not available in the United States).

ANTIHISTAMINES

Some over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), may help control the itch and allow sleep if you're suffering with itching.

MEDICATION TAKEN BY VOICE

Oral ivermectin may be utilised in some cases, especially if the scabies has crusted over a wide area of the body. It's also commonly utilised in places like nursing homes where there's a risk of extensive epidemics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a single dose of 200 mcg/kg given every two weeks. Oral ivermectin has the advantages of being simple to use and not causing any skin concerns. Oral ivermectin, on the other hand, can have unpleasant side effects, therefore it isn't always the best option.

LINENS AND BEDCLOTHES SHOULD BE WASHED

Scabies mites cannot thrive without human interaction for more than 72 hours. Bed linens and apparel may normally be machine washed in hot water and dried on high heat, or they can be dry-cleaned. The mites will die off on their own in a few days without human touch, so cleaning furniture or carpets is not necessary.

ADDITIONAL SCABIES SUGGESTIONS

Additional methods for treating scabies mites or preventing their spread include:

• Ensure that everyone who comes into contact with the infested individual is treated, especially those who have frequent, close contact with them (i.e., sexual partners, people who live with the infested person, small children and infants cared for by an infested parent).
  
• Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and free of mites and eggs.
  
• Vacuum carpets, furniture, and automobile interiors thoroughly. When vacuuming after someone who has crusted mites, use particular caution because they are more contagious. When you're finished, throw away the vacuum cleaner bags or empty the dirt receptacle.
  
• Scratching pimples or lesions is not a good idea.
  
• Keep open sores clean at all times.
• It's important to remember that itching and other symptoms may take a few days to go away after treatment begins. Consult a doctor if the problem persists.

SCABIES CAN EASILY BE SPREAD IN WHAT TYPES OF SITUATIONS?

Because of the frequent contact between residents and employees, scabies may spread more quickly in nursing homes and other long-term care institutions. These mites can also spread more easily in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those who have HIV/AIDS or cancer.

ARE SCABIES CASES COMMONLY MISDIAGNOSED?

Scabies infestations can look a lot like other skin problems. Small pimples or insect bites may appear. It can also resemble eczema or tinea (ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch) in appearance. It is critical to visit a doctor in order to acquire the proper diagnosis and treatment.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "NORWEGIAN SCABIES"?

Crusted scabies, often known as "Norwegian scabies," is a dangerous skin disease consequence. Crusted scabies is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those suffering from HIV/AIDS or cancer, as well as the elderly and people with Down syndrome.

Scabies mites are abundant in crusted scabies patients, making them very contagious. It can affect any part of the body, although it most usually affects the scalp, hands, and feet. With crusts and fractures, the scales become warty. It's possible that lesions have an unpleasant odour. Patients' nails may be thick and discoloured, and they may or may not experience itching.