What is Scabies? 🕷️🦠
Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The female mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin, laying eggs and causing intense itching and rash.
How is Scabies Transmitted?
- Prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person (e.g., household members, sexual partners) 🤝
- Sharing clothing, bedding, or towels contaminated with mites (less common) 🛏️👚
Symptoms of Scabies
- Intense itching, worse at night 😖🌙
- Rash with small red bumps, blisters, or scaly patches
- Thin, wavy burrow tracks on the skin, especially between fingers, wrists, elbows, waist, and genital area 🕳️
- Sores or crusts from scratching, which may lead to secondary bacterial infections
Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a healthcare provider
- Skin scrapings examined under a microscope to detect mites, eggs, or feces
Treatment
- Prescription topical medications like permethrin cream or lindane lotion, applied over the entire body from neck down
- Oral ivermectin may be used in some cases
- Treat all close contacts at the same time to prevent reinfestation
- Wash bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat
- Itching may continue for several weeks after treatment; antihistamines or corticosteroid creams can help relieve itching
Prevention
- Avoid direct skin contact with infected individuals
- Do not share personal items such as clothing or bedding
- Maintain good hygiene and clean living environments