How You Can Properly Identify And Treat Scabies
Sunday, August 29th, 2010Scabies are mites that infest the skin. They can cause itching which can be intense, especially at night, and can also result in an allergic reaction. Many scabies sufferers develop a skin infection as a secondary problem. This pest is easily passed on to others, and can be hard to diagnose in some people, especially in the early stages of infestation.
Symptoms generally show up within a month of an infestation, but may take longer. Itching and inflammation between fingers and toes, in crevices, on elbows, and on the buttocks are common. S shaped tracks can sometimes be seen at the site of itching, and small, red pimples may also be present. These pimples can be evidence of eggs under the skin. Poking or popping them will not help an infestation, and can cause infection.
A pregnant female mite burrows into the skin and lays her eggs there. The eggs then shortly hatch and turn into larvae. The larvae morph into nymphs which mature into adult mites. They can survive for up to fourteen days off of a host, but cannot be off the skin for more than three days.
Skin scrapings from affected areas are how a diagnosis is achieved. The scrapings are viewed under a microscope for evidence of mites and eggs. Repeated scrapings can be required in order to make a positive diagnosis of an infection. Scraped areas can become infected if not treated with antibiotics, and can be aggravated by scratching the area.
Those that get an allergic reaction may find itching even worse. The mite feces under the skin is the underlying cause of the reaction, not the mites or their eggs.
Treatment can be achieved by the application of a lotion or ointment specifically for scabies. Oral methods can work as well. Quite often, repeat treatments can be necessary to completely rid the host of this pest. If a case is particularly widespread, treatment can take a long time. Misdiagnosis can also cause a prolonged recovery.
This highly contagious parasite can cause the host misery and discomfort. To avoid re-infestation, all items, clothing, bedding and furniture that an infested person may have come in contact with must be washed or treated. Very hot water and a high heat setting on the dryer works for washables. Other items may need to be sprayed with a pesticide that contains permethrin that will kill the mites.
The itching and potential disfigurement of the skin caused by a parasite called Sarcoptes Scabiei is called scabies. It is critical to obtain effective and prompt scabies treatment since the condition is highly contagious.