Scabies is a common disease and it affects millions of people worldwide. What are the signs of scabies, how is it spread, and what can people do about it?
Upon hearing the word “scabies,” a picture of a dog or animal suffering from a skin disease may come to mind. However, the fact is that this skin condition does not only happen in dogs and other animals. It can happen to people as well. Characterized by intense itching and the appearance of red rashes, scabies in people is caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This mite burrows into the skin of humans and populates inside. If not given immediate attention, this mite can multiply into thousands and cause great damage to human skin.
Signs That a Person Has Scabies
The symptoms of scabies may not become noticeable until after four weeks of mite infestation. The mites can burrow into the skin without leaving any sign and symptom. Likewise, they can reproduce in their burrows without any noticeable signs at all. After some time, allergic reactions can occur due to the hatching of eggs and the fecal deposits of the mites. The allergic reaction is most often characterized by prolonged severe itching and the appearance of red, pimple-like rashes that are usually seen in the armpits, between the fingers of the hands and feet, calves, wrists, waists, thighs, genitals, and in any other parts of the body. The itching may not necessarily be concentrated on areas of the body where the mites are likely to be present. At times, symptoms can be characterized by crusted skin.
The signs and symptoms of scabies may sometimes be mistaken for other diseases such as chicken pox, eczema, seborrhea, and many other viral skin diseases. They may also be mistaken for allergic reactions to certain kinds of medication.
Who Can Contract Scabies?
Scabies is not necessarily caused by poor personal hygiene; therefore, even people who practice good hygiene can be infected with this condition. Scabies can infect people of all walks of life and of all ages as well as gender, although it is most common in children and people with ages 70 up. Some factors may also put people at higher risks of contracting this disease. These include intimate or sexual contact with infected individuals and living in closed, crowded facilities.
How Can Scabies be Spread?
Scabies can be spread from one person to another through prolonged contact. It can also be spread through the use of sheets, clothing, blankets, and other things used by infected individuals. Simply hugging a person with scabies, however, is not likely to increase the likelihood of contracting the disease. It takes prolonged periods of contact for the mites to be passed from one person to another.
Dogs and cats can also pass scabies mites to humans but the kind of mites that come from them cannot thrive on human skin for long. Therefore, it is impossible for scabies to be spread to human hosts through these animals.
What to Do in Case of Scabies Infestation
The best thing to do when scabies infestation is suspected is to consult a doctor. Treatment for this condition usually consists of the application of lotions and creams that contain mite-killing chemicals. People should not try to cure scabies without doctor’s supervision as the chemicals contained in the creams and lotions can lead to side effects if not properly used.
Apart from applying medication, people who have close contact or are living with the infected individual should also be treated. It is also important to clean all sheets and blankets that have been used during the time of infestation. If possible, boil the sheets and blankets as well as the clothes. If boiling is not possible, then wrap them in plastic bags after washing and refrain from using for up to three to four days. The mites cannot survive on non-living things for a long period of time. They need a human host to survive. Without a human host, they can die.
(Originally posted in my Suite101 account, Scabies: Signs and Treatment for this Common Rash)
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