Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei.
Scabies is a common infection found worldwide, and it affects people of all races and social classes. The condition spreads rapidly under crowded conditions where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people, such as in:
- Hospitals
- Institutions
- Childcare facilities
- Nursing homes.
Causes of Scabies and Transmission Methods
As mentioned, scabies is caused by an infestation with the Sarcoptes scabiei mite and is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested. Contact must be prolonged (a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread it). Infestation is easily spread to sexual partners and household members. It may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding.
Symptoms of scabies usually begin slowly, with a minor rash and itching that tends to be worse at night. Scratching spreads the mites to other areas, and, after several weeks, the symptoms worsen. At this point, common symptoms can include:
- Pimple-like irritations, burrows, or rash on the skin.
- Intense itching, especially at night and over most of the body.
- Scaling and redness caused by the scratching.
- Sores on the body caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria.
- Small rounded lumps (often on the penis and scrotum) that may remain for several weeks after treatment.
- Knees
- Penis
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Breasts
- Buttocks
- Webbing between the fingers
- Shoulder blades.
In order to make a
scabies diagnosis, your healthcare provider will ask a number of questions, perform a physical exam, and possibly order certain tests.
A diagnosis is most commonly made by looking at the burrows or rash. Your healthcare provider will pay particular attention to where the rash is located, its appearance, and the symptoms you are experiencing. A scabies diagnosis can be definitely made by taking a skin scraping and seeing mites, eggs, or mite fecal matter when the scraping is looked at under a microscope.
- Kill the mites
- Treat any family members who have been in close contact with the infested person
- Prevent the scabies from returning.
Both the infected person and family members can be treated with the same medicine.
It is important that all eggs and mites be killed. So all clothes, bedding, and towels used by the infested person should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer two days before treatment begins. No special cleaning is necessary for coats, furniture, rugs, floors, and walls.
There is no home remedy for scabies. People should see their healthcare provider so that medicine can be prescribed to kill the mites and eggs. Itching can continue even after the scabies is killed. Medicine can also be prescribed for this itching.
A more severe form of scabies is called Norwegian scabies (also known as crusted scabies). This form is more common in the elderly, people taking steroid medicines, and people with the following health issues:
