Scabies
Scabies is an infectious disease of the skin caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a microscopic mite. This section of the eMedTV library describes conditions in which this mite is spread and identifies common symptoms and treatment options for the infection.
Scabies Treatment
Lotions containing permethrin or sulfur can be used as a scabies treatment. This eMedTV article examines various aspects of treatment for this infestation, including the importance of washing clothes, bedding, and towels used by the affected person.
Scabies Rash
With scabies, a rash is typically found on the wrists, knees, elbows, penis, or webbing between the fingers. This eMedTV Web page describes common characteristics seen in this rash, as well as how it differs in adults versus infants and the elderly.
Symptoms of Scabies
Often, the signs and symptoms of scabies begin slowly with a minor rash that tends to be worse at night. This eMedTV article provides detailed information about these and other scabies symptoms, such as pimple-like irritations and small rounded lumps.
Treatment for Scabies
As this eMedTV article explains, treatment for scabies focuses on killing the mites, treating anyone who has had close contact with the patient, and preventing the scabies from returning. Often, sulfur lotions are used to achieve these goals.
Norwegian Scabies
Norwegian scabies is a more severe form of the skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This eMedTV Web page explains who usually gets the disease, how it is spread, possible symptoms, and treatment options.
Scabies Causes
Scabies is spread through skin-to-skin contact with a person who is already infested. This eMedTV selection deals with the cause of scabies infections -- the Sarcoptes Scabiei mite -- and explains the conditions where infestations are likely to occur.
Treating Scabies
Killing the Sarcoptes scabiei mites is often the first step in scabies treatment. This portion of the eMedTV library explains how lotions (such as those containing sulfur) are used to kill the mites and their eggs, and whether a reinfestation can occur.
What Is Scabies?
Perhaps you're wondering, "What is scabies?" This eMedTV article has the answer, with an in-depth discussion on this skin infestation, including information on its identifying characteristics and treatment options.
Scabies Symptoms
It can take up to six weeks for scabies symptoms to appear, depending on if a person has had it before. This eMedTV article discusses signs and symptoms of scabies in detail, focusing on the rash that is characteristic of this condition.
Tell Me About Scabies
People interested in the condition might say, "Tell me about scabies." This eMedTV resource provides a detailed overview of this condition, including information about how the mites are transmitted, symptoms, treatment options, and more.
Treatment of Scabies
In general, treatment of scabies means applying lotion from head to toe and leaving it on overnight. As this eMedTV article explains, a second application of the same lotion may be necessary 7 to 10 days later to prevent reinfestation.
How Do You Get Scabies?
So how do you get scabies? As this eMedTV Web page explains, you get it through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who is already infected. You can also get scabies by sharing clothes or linens with someone who is infected.
Killing Scabies
Medications used in scabies treatment are usually successful in killing the mites and eggs. This section of the eMedTV library provides detailed information about how lotions are used to achieve this, as well as other treatment methods for scabies.
Scabies Transmission
Direct physical contact with a person infected with the scabies mite is one method of transmitting scabies. This eMedTV page identifies places where transmission may occur, such as nursing homes and schools.
Scabies Diagnosis
This portion of the eMedTV archives explains how a skin scraping or biopsy may be used to make a scabies diagnosis. It also explains how a person can have the test come back negative but still have a scabies infestation.
Scabies Diagnosis and Treatment
This page of the eMedTV website outlines the scabies diagnosis and treatment process, from the physical exam (looking for symptoms such as burrows or rashes) to treating any nodules that may remain after treatment.
