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Everything You Need to Know About Scabies

Written by Resurchify | Updated on: January 13, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Scabies

Read on to gain an understanding of the signs and symptoms of scabies, as well as their potential causes and some available treatments.

Itchy, rash skin is a symptom of several skin disorders, scabies being only one of them. A microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is to blame for this condition. Scabies is highly contagious and can quickly spread from one person to another through intimate contact. Because of this, epidemics are more prone to occur in close quarters like a household, daycare, classroom, or nursing home.

But it can strike at any age, in any community, regardless of economic standing. When someone has scabies, they and their close contacts need to have treatment at the same time.

What is Scabies?

Scabies is a skin infection caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The scabies mite, a minute parasite, lives and reproduces by burrowing into the skin's outermost layer. Scabies is characterized by a pimple-like rash and a severe itch. Transmission of the scabies mite typically occurs through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Scabies is a common skin condition that can affect persons of any color or socioeconomic status. When people are crammed together and have frequent skin-to-skin contact, scabies can quickly spread. Scabies outbreaks are common in institutions including hospitals, jails, and group homes for the elderly and disabled. Scabies infestations are widespread in schools and other places where children congregate.

Symptoms of Scabies

Whether or not a person has had scabies before depends on how long it's been since they've been exposed to the mites that cause the disease. It usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks after initial exposure to the scabies mite before symptoms appear. With future infestations, this period is drastically reduced due to the body's enhanced ability to mount an immunological response. Within a few days is common.

Scabies symptoms include itching, redness, and a rash. An itchy sensation, which can be rather powerful and is frequently worst at night. Scabies frequently causes intense itching. Rashes occur most frequently in skin folds where the mite has dug its tunnels. In appearance, the rash can resemble hives, bites, knots, pimples, or scaly areas of skin. Also, blisters could be present.

Infested regions where a person has scratched their skin are prone to developing sores. Impetigo is an infection of an open wound caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a kind of bacteria. Crusted scabies is a severe form of scabies characterized by thick crusts that contain hundreds to thousands of mites and mite eggs. This results in extremely uncomfortable skin reactions.

Crusty scabies typically manifests as a grey, thick, and flaky crust all over the body. Due to the sustenance provided by the crusts, the mites that inhabit the detached crusts can survive for more than a week without any interaction with humans.

Adults and older children seem to get infected most frequently in these areas:

  • between the toes, under the arms, around the waist, and inside the wrists.
  • areas around the nipples, the inner elbow, and the bottoms of the breasts
  • masculine privates
  • the thighs the calves
  • the blades of grass between the shoulders

Infestations also occur in different regions of the body in infants and young children, most commonly the:

  • scalp face neck
  • hands, feet, and every surface in between
  • The infestation might be so severe that it covers the child's entire body when it first presents.

Symptoms of scabies in infants include irritability, difficulty sleeping, and poor appetite.

Is Scabies A Disease That Comes In Numerous Forms?

The standard form is just one of many possible variations. Alternatives consist of:

  • Norwegian for "crusted," this form typically affects those with compromised immune systems. It causes vast patches of skin to become crusty and rough. Crusty scabies can cause an infestation of millions of mites, as opposed to the typical 10 or 15 that cause classic scabies.
  • Nodular: This form predominates in juveniles. Even after the mites have disappeared, the brownish-red nodules may remain.
  • Bullous: This form of scabies in adults might seem similar to bullous pemphigoid, another illness characterized by blisters on the skin.
  • Scalp psoriasis is a condition that manifests itself in the form of flaky, scaly patches on the scalp.

Where does Scabies Come From?

  • The mites that cause scabies often crawl from person to person during prolonged, skin-to-skin contact. Sometimes it could be because of people using the same set of towels or sheets. Scabies is easily transmitted between close contacts, such as sexual partners or members of the same household. Spreading it with a quick embrace or handshake is highly unlikely. The scabies mite is unable to hop or fly and moves at a snail's pace.

Crusty Scabies: What's The Deal With That?

The most severe form of scabies, known as crusted scabies, primarily affects those who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), aged, crippled, or otherwise weakened. Norwegian scabies is another name for this condition. Crusty scabies manifests on the skin as thick, flaky layers that harbor numerous mites and their eggs.

People with crusted scabies are very contagious and can readily infect others through personal touch or by contaminating shared spaces with infected clothing, bedding, or furniture. A person with crusted scabies may not exhibit the more typical symptoms of scabies, such as a rash or itching (pruritus). To control a scabies epidemic, prompt medical attention should be given to people who have been infected with the skin disease and developed a crust.

Do You See Any Scabies Mites?

It takes a microscope the size of a pin to see a scabies mite, which only grows to approximately 0.45 (1/56th of an inch) in length at most.

Just How Long Do Scabies Symptoms Persist?

Humans and animals both host the scabies mite, which can survive on their hosts for up to two months. Mites can only survive for up to 72 hours if they are not on a human host. In most cases, treating mites with prescription drugs is an effective and rapid way to eliminate them. After a couple of weeks of treatment, the skin should be completely healed from the itchiness and rash that scabies creates.

Scabies mites may still be present if symptoms last longer than 4 weeks. Some people may need to be treated twice or even three times to get rid of the mites completely.

If My Child Or I Have Scabies, How Can I Tell?

Appoint a doctor if you or your child have symptoms of scabies. Close inspection of the skin typically suffices to diagnose scabies. In addition to removing a small patch of skin from the rash with a scalpel, your doctor may apply mineral oil to the area (scraping). The sample is inspected for live mites and mite eggs using a microscope.

Scabies in Daycare CentersDaycare establishments is not immune to scabies infestations. Children under the age of five frequently engage in play that involves physical contact. And they might even swap blankets and mats for naps. When a child with scabies is diagnosed at a daycare, the staff must be informed. Even if the child's classmates and caretakers haven't shown symptoms yet, they will likely need treatment as well.

How Is An Infection Of Scabies Diagnosed?

The typical appearance and spread of the rash, as well as the presence of burrows, are used to diagnose an infestation of scabies. Scabies should be verified by locating the mite, mite eggs, or mite feces wherever feasible (scybala).

Carefully picking a mite off the end of its burrow with a needle or collecting skin scrapings to analyze under a microscope for mites, eggs, or fecal matter are two methods that can be used for this purpose.

Mites, eggs, and feces may not always be visible, but a healthy person may still be infested if even a small number (less than 10 to 15) of mites are present anywhere on their body. People with crusted scabies, however, may have thousands of mites in their skin and should be treated with caution because of this.

Causes of Scabies

Scabies is caused by an infestation of the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.

The female mite will burrow beneath the skin and deposit her eggs there. Larvae, once hatched, crawl to the skin's surface and spread from there, either within the host or to another host by direct contact.

As it turns out, we're not the only ones affected by mites. Dogs and cats are not immune to mite infestations. However, different species of mites live on different animals, and although people may get a temporary cutaneous reaction after coming into touch with animal mites, full-scale infection in humans is extremely uncommon.

Transmission of scabies occurs either through direct skin-to-skin contact or by the sharing of infected items like towels, bedspreads, and furniture.

As a result, the following groups are more prone to become infested:

  • toddlers and kids who are in school or childcare
  • Those who have young children at home, sexually active teenagers, or a large number of sexual partners
  • People who live in nursing homes or similar facilities for the elderly
  • persons with compromised immune systems due to HIV, transplant recipients, or use of immunosuppressant drugs

What Sets Scabies Apart From Eczema?

Scabies and eczema are both skin disorders that give you itchy red rashes. To be more specific, a parasitic mite is to blame for scabies. Burrows leave behind patterns that resemble lines sometimes.

The root cause of eczema is a mystery. It could appear and disappear with the changing of the seasons. It manifests itself in several forms, including red patches and blisters that leak fluid. Eczema, unlike scabies, does not spread easily from person to person. Eczema treatments are meant to manage your symptoms. Treatment for scabies is effective in removing the mites from the skin.

Talk to your doctor if you have developed a red, itchy rash. If you or someone you know has scabies, getting an early diagnosis is crucial for eliminating the problem and preventing the spread of the disease. If it is eczema, your physician might offer therapies that will help your symptoms.

Cases of Scabies in Nursing Facilities

There is a high risk of scabies epidemics in long-term care facilities like nursing homes and homes for the developmentally impaired. Skin-to-skin contact occurs frequently when caregivers help seniors with personal care tasks like washing and getting dressed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that all new residents and employees in long-term care facilities be tested for scabies.

Does Anyone Know If Scabies Can Be Treated?

Yes. Scabicides are used to treat scabies, and their name comes from the fact that they kill scabies mites and, in some cases, the eggs they produce. No "over-the-counter" (non-prescription) medicines have been studied and approved for people, hence scabicides to treat human scabies are only accessible with a doctor's prescription.

Never disregard the advice of your healthcare providers or pharmacist, or the information printed on or attached to the packaging. Scabicide cream or moisturizer is applied all over the body, from the collar to the feet and toes, for adults and older children; for babies and small children, the treatment also includes the head and neck. After applying the drug, it should remain on the skin for the prescribed amount of time before being removed. After getting treatment, it's best to change into clean clothes.

Household members and sexual partners, especially those who have had extended skin-to-skin contact with the afflicted person, should also be treated. To avoid reinfestation, it is best to treat everyone at the same time. After two to four weeks have passed since treatment, if the itching has not subsided and/or new burrows or rash have appeared, it may be time to retreat.

Scabicides formulated for use on animals or crops should never be used on people.

Treatments for Scabies

Due to the high contagiousness of scabies, it is recommended that everyone sharing living quarters with a scabies patient undergo treatment for the ailment, regardless of whether or not they exhibit symptoms. Anyone with whom the person has recently shared sexual or physical contact falls into this category.

Scabies is typically treated topically with drugs like 5% permethrin lotion, crotamiton cream, or lindane lotion prescribed by a doctor. There are times when a 10% sulfur ointment or a 25% benzyl benzoate lotion is required. Most topical treatments are meant to be applied before bed, left on overnight, and then washed off in the morning. Sheets, towels, and recently worn garments should be washed in the meanwhile. If something can't be washed, the person should leave it out in a plastic bag for three to five days.

The oral medicine ivermectin may be useful for those with compromised immune systems, crusted scabies, or those who do not respond to topical treatment. Ivermectin should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing. In addition, children weighing less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms) should not use this medicine.

Antihistamines, anti-itch lotions like pramoxine lotion, antibiotics, and topical steroid creams are just some of the additional treatments a doctor may give to alleviate symptoms.

Is It Difficult To Cure Scabies?

Although scabies can be treated, they can be stubborn and difficult to 7eradicate. Cases of crusted scabies, for example, are more challenging to cure. Furthermore, you may require additional treatments to ensure that all of the mites have been eliminated.

Ridding the Home of Scabies

For up to three days, scabies mites can survive on the fabric of towels, sheets, and other textiles. Laundering bedding and clothing worn by the infected person within the past three days is the best way to ensure that these mites are eliminated. You can either dry clean the things or wash them in hot water and a hot dryer. Put the items in a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer for a week if you can't wash them.

Who Needs Scabies Treatment?

If someone is diagnosed with scabies, they, along with any sexual partners and anyone else who has had lengthy skin-to-skin contact with them, should get treatment. Those who live near a scabies patient and have had lengthy skin-to-skin contact with the infected person should also be treated. As a precaution against reinfestation, everyone should be medicated at the same time.

After two to four weeks have passed since treatment, if the itching has not subsided and/or new burrows or rash have appeared, it may be time to retreat.

Medicines for Scabies Relief

Additional drugs to alleviate the discomfort of scabies may be prescribed by your doctor. Some examples of these drugs are:

  • medication like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or pramoxine lotion to alleviate the itch
  • Antibiotics to treat any skin infections that manifest as a result of your scratching
  • Steroid creams to reduce redness and swelling

In cases of widespread or particularly severe scabies, more drastic measures may be required. Ivermectin (Stromectol) is an oral pill that can be given to those who:

  • crusty scabies don't go away after the first therapy you try
  • Several over-the-counter and prescription remedies for scabies contain sulfur. Sulfur is available as a shampoo, lotion, ointment, and soap for treating scabies, and it can also be applied topically.

However, the FDA has not yet approved any therapies for scabies that may be purchased without a prescription (FDA). It's not uncommon for symptoms to appear to be growing worse during the first week of treatment. However, the itching should subside after the first week, and the wound should heal fully by the fourth week.

Any skin that hasn't cleared up after a month may still be infected with scabies mites. Remember that "post-scabies itch" might last for up to a month. If you are still experiencing problems after four weeks of treatment, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Home Remedies

It is unclear whether or not all cases of scabies require medical intervention. To ensure safety, a person should see a medical professional before using a home treatment for scabies. There is a lack of evidence that many folk treatments for scabies work.

Some typical at-home treatments for scabies include:

  • Preliminary research suggests that tea tree oil, an essential oil, can help alleviate itching and kill mites. Though more study is needed to confirm its efficacy.
  • Itching caused by various skin problems may be relieved by soaking in a bath containing colloidal oatmeal.
  • Some of the discomforts of scabies can be alleviated by moisturizing the skin with a mild, fragrance-free lotion.
  • Clothing that fits loosely can help protect the skin from further irritation.
  • Reducing stress and anxiety: Since both stress and worry can exacerbate itching, it may be helpful to learn to cope with both more effectively. Yoga, meditation, and regular exercise are all viable options.

Could My Dog Be The Source Of My Scabies?

No. Scabies in humans cannot be transmitted to other humans by animals. However, there is a distinct species of scabies mite that may infest animals and create "manage" without surviving or reproducing on human hosts. A person may experience temporary itching and skin irritation if they come into close touch with an animal that has mange.

The animal mite, however, cannot multiply on a human and, after a few days, will naturally expire. Because the animal's mites can continue to burrow into the person's skin and produce symptoms even after the animal has been treated, it is recommended that the animal be treated even if the human does not need to be.

Natural Treatment

Common negative effects of conventional scabies treatments include:

  • redness, heat, and a burning sensation on the skin
  • an enlarged lack of feeling or numbness
  • Despite their short duration, these negative reactions can nevertheless be unpleasant.

The following are examples of well-known natural remedies for scabies:

Tea Tree Oil

Small studies reveal tea tree oil may treat scabies while also relieving itching and helping eradicate the rash. Yet, it is not effective against mites that have already dug into your skin.

Medicinal Properties of Aloe Vera

Aloe is supposed to contain antibacterial and antifungal and is widely known for its ability to alleviate skin irritation and burning. The itchiness and scaling of scabies can be treated with aloe vera, according to a 2009 small study.

Always choose 100% pure aloe vera over products with added aloe vera.

Analgesic Capsaicin Lotion

Capsaicin is pain-relieving properties and has long been used as a home treatment for searing pain. Though it will not eliminate the mites, lotions prepared with the capsaicin from cayenne peppers may ease pain and itching by desensitizing your skin to irritating bites and bugs.

Aromatic Oils

Some people believe that clove oil and other essential oils may have insecticidal characteristics that could help treat scabies.

In 2016, scientists tested the efficacy of several oils against scabies mites in an in-vitro setting (a test tube or culture dish). According to the study's findings, the most effective oils are (in no particular order)

Palmarosa oil with clove oil

More study is required to assess the efficacy of human subjects. The soaps made from the neem tree's bark, leaves, and seeds may be effective against scabies-causing mites. Extracts from the tree can be used to create soaps, lotions, and oils that may be effective in eliminating the mites.

There is some evidence that utilizing a home remedy for scabies can help with both the discomfort of an infestation and getting rid of the mites responsible. Read up on these alternative methods of treating scabies to see if any sound good to you.

Conclusion

A person who suspects they have scabies should see a doctor very away. The medical professional will be able to evaluate the patient, verify the presence of scabies, and provide effective therapy. Human scabies treatments require a medical professional's prescription.

You will likely contract scabies if you share a bed or engage in sexual activity with someone who has scabies. Transmission is more likely to occur with longer periods of skin-to-skin contact. In contrast to the minimal risk associated with a brief handshake with a person who has non-crusted scabies, there may be a higher risk associated with holding the hand of a person who has scabies for 5-10 minutes. Even brief skin-to-skin contact, such as a handshake, can result in the transmission of scabies, which can cause itching and crusting. A person who comes into close touch with someone who has crusted scabies is a prime candidate for treatment.

Seek early advice from a doctor who is knowledgeable about the following to evaluate when preventative medication should be administered to limit the risk of transmission

whether the exposure took place before or after the patient was treated for scabies; whether the unprotected person works in surroundings where he or she would be likely to expose other people during the asymptomatic incubation period; and the type of scabies to which the person has been exposed (non-crusted vs. crusted). To prevent the spread of scabies in a healthcare setting, it is common to practise treating staff members prophylactically, such as nurses and other caregivers.


         

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