Scabies
What is scabies?
Scabies is a fairly common infectious disease of the skin caused by
a mite. Scabies mites burrow into the skin producing pimple-like irritations
or burrows.
Who gets scabies?
Scabies infestations can affect people from all socioeconomic levels
without regard to age, sex, race or standards of personal hygiene. Clusters
of cases, or outbreaks, are occasionally seen in nursing homes, institutions
and child care centers.
How is scabies spread?
Scabies mites are transferred by direct skin-to-skin contact. Indirect
transfer from undergarments or bedclothes can occur only if these have
been contaminated by infected people immediately beforehand. Scabies can
also be transmitted during sexual contact.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
The most prominent symptom of scabies is intense itching particularly
at night. The areas of the skin most affected by scabies include the webs
and sides of the fingers, around the wrists, elbows and armpits, waist,
thighs, genitalia, nipples, breasts and lower buttocks.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms will appear from two to six weeks in people who have not previously
been exposed to scabies infestations. People who have had a previous bout
with scabies mites may show symptoms within one to four days after subsequent
re-exposures.
When and or how long is a person able to spread scabies?
A person is able to spread scabies until mites and eggs are destroyed
by treatment.
What is the treatment for scabies?
Skin lotions containing permethrin, lindane or crotamiton are available
through a physicianıs prescription for the treatment of scabies. The lotions
are applied to the whole body except the head and neck. Sometimes, itching
may persist but should not be regarded as treatment failure or reinfestation.
Symptomatic individuals should be treated with a second course of lotion
seven to 10 days later followed by a cleansing bath eight hours after
application and a change to fresh clothing.
What can be done to prevent the spread of scabies?
Avoid physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings,
especially clothing and bedding. Health education on the life history
of scabies, proper treatment and the need for early diagnosis and treatment
of infested individuals and contacts is extremely important.
Source: NY State Department of Health
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