Table of Contents
Scabies: Types, Symptoms and Causes
Scabies is an itchy rash caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei that burrow into your skin. It itches a lot, especially at night.
Scabies spreads easily through close contact, like in families, schools, or nursing homes. Doctors usually recommend treating everyone close to the person with scabies.
You can treat scabies with special creams or pills that kill the mites and their eggs. However, the itching might continue for weeks after treatment.
Symptoms of Scabies
a. Itching: Often very severe, especially at night.
b. Skin tunnels: Thin wavy lines with small bumps or wounds.
Where it shows:
Adults and children:
1. Between fingers and toes
2. In armpits
3. Around the waist
4. Inside wrists
5. Inner elbows
6. Soles of feet
7. Chest
8. Around nipples
9. Belly button
10. Genitals
11. Groin area
12. Buttocks
Infants and Young Kids:
1. Fingers
2. Face, scalp, and neck
3. Palms of hands
4. Soles of feet
Period:
If you have had a cold in the past, symptoms can start within a few days. If it’s your first time, it can take up to six weeks. Even if there are no symptoms, the tumor can spread.
When to see a doctor
Symptoms: If you have skin rashes or sores, see a doctor. Acne is like any other skin infection, such as skin rashes or acne. Your doctor can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Antihistamines or pharmacy medicines may help ease the pain, but will not kill the fleas or eggs.
Causes
Mite: Measles are small grains up to eight feet long. The female mosquito burrows under the skin to lay her eggs.
Life Cycle: The eggs hatch and the larvae migrate to the skin, where they grow. These mites can spread to other areas of the skin or other people. Pain occurs because your body reacts to mosquitoes, their eggs, and their waste.
Spread: Smallpox is spread through close skin to skin contact or through shared clothing or bedding.
Pets do not spread measles to humans. Although contact with the rabid animal may cause temporary discomfort, the fleas die within a few days and therefore no treatment is needed.
Diagnosis
a. Exam: Your doctor will check your skin and might take a sample to look for mites.
Treatments & Medications
1. Medication: Use a prescription cream or pill to kill the mites. Apply from the neck down and leave it on for 8 to 14 hours. You might need more treatments if symptoms persist.
2. Treat Everyone: All close contacts should be treated to prevent spreading.
Options:
a. Permethrin Cream: Safe for most people, including young children.
b. Sulfur Cream: Used for five nights, safe for very young children and pregnant women.
c. Ivermectin: A pill for severe cases or when creams don’t work. Not for pregnant women or very young children.
Note: Itching may last for weeks after treatment.
