-Scabies is caused by the female scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei)

-The itchy skin rash is due to an allergic reaction that occurs to the mite’s trail of debris, faeces and saliva. may also affect the face and scalp

-Scabies transmission occurs when there is transfer of a fertilised female mite by direct, prolonged (approximately five minutes) skin-to-skin contact with an infested person.

-Infection is easily spread to sexual partners and household members.

-scabies transmission most commonly occurs at day-care centres, schools or sleepovers.

-usually a history of intense itch, worse at night and after a hot shower/bath.

signs and symptoms of scabies include:

• Itching, mainly at night: Itching is the most common symptom. The itch can be so intense that it keeps a person awake at night.

• Rash: Many people get the scabies rash. This rash causes little bumps that often form a line. The bumps can look like hives, tiny bites, knots under the skin, or pimples. Some people develop scaly patches that look like eczema.

• Sores: Scratching the itchy rash can cause sores. An infection can develop in the sores.

• Thick crusts on the skin: Crusts form when a person develops a severe type of scabies called crusted scabies. Another name for crusted scabies is Norwegian scabies. With so many mites burrowing in the skin, the rash and itch become severe. You’ll find more information about crusted scabies below.

The severe itch can lead to constant scratching. With non-stop scratching, an infection can develop. Non-stop scratching can even lead to sepsis, a sometimes life-threatening condition that develops when the infection enters the blood.

Scabies can develop anywhere on the skin. The mites, however, prefer to burrow in certain parts of the body. The most common places to have itching and a rash are:

• Hands: Mites like to burrow in the skin between the fingers and around the nails.

• Arms: Mites like the elbows and wrists.

• Skin usually covered by clothing or jewelry: The buttocks, belt line, penis, and skin around the nipples are likely places for mites to burrow. Mites also like to burrow in skin covered by a bracelet, watchband, or ring.

Treatment for SCABIES:

• Permethrin 5% :                                             

Dose application: Once

Frequency: At night, leave it for 8-12 hours.

Area : Below neck (ear) till toe , Avoid face and genital area.

*Clothing, sheets, pillow cases, towels and facecloths that have been in contact with the patient within the previous few  days  should  be  machine  washed  in  hot  water  and dried (hot cycle) or dry cleaned.

Enjoy reading 😀 Thank You 🙂