Scabies (Mites) : Symptoms, Mode of Transmission, Treatment and Prevention

Scabies ( Mites):

Scabies infestations are caused by tiny mites that live under the skin. Only one type of mite is transmitted from human to human. These mites cannot survive off the human body for more than 48 hours, and cannot reproduce off the body. Animal mites occasionally are transmitted to humans but will not live long because they are unable to reproduce on the human body.

Sign and Symptoms:

1. Symptoms include a rash and intense itching that is especially severe at night. 

2. The itching and rash are believed to be "allergic" reactions to the mites and may occur away from the burrows themselves. 

3. The most common sites for the rash are the folds of skin between fingers, around wrists and elbows, and armpits. Other areas may include knees, waistline, thighs, male genitals, lower portion of buttocks, abdomen, and nipples on women. 

4. In infants and young children, the palms, soles, head, neck and face may also be affected.Itching and rash may first appear from two weeks to two months after coming in contact with infested skin or articles. 

5. Symptoms may appear in less than two weeks if the person has had scabies before. 

6. The rash caused by scabies does not always look the same and may be hard to diagnose. 

7. It can often imitate other types of skin disorders. Scabies can be spread to others from the time a person acquires the mites (before rash appears) until 24 hours after treatment is completed.

Mode of Transmission :
Scabies is spread by prolonged direct contact with skin or through shared bedding, towels and clothing of an infected person. This kind of contact may occur in household or day care settings. Scabies is not usually spread among adults in a work setting unless frequent physical handling of people or contaminated articles occurs, such as in a nursing home or hospital. Infestation occurs when female mites burrow under the skin and lay small numbers of eggs each day for several weeks.

Treatment:
*.A physician should be seen if scabies infestation is suspected. If there is a question of scabies, skin scrapings may be done before medication is prescribed. 

*.The physician may ask questions about household contacts and their health in order to decide if others need treatment and what medication is appropriate.

Prevention and Control:

1. Pay particular attention to hands, feet, areas between fingers and toes and under fingernails.
2. In infants and small children, apply medication to face and scalp also, but avoid the area close to the eyes.

 

Note :- Itching and rash may not go away immediately after treatment. These symptoms may last for two weeks to three months after the mites are dead. Ask your physician about medications that will relieve the itching.