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Scabies
Scabies is an allergic reaction (intense itching) to a parasite infection. It is passed on by skin to skin contact, and is more frequently found in children and teenagers
The parasite infection is caused by Sarcoptes Scabiei an eight-legged mite less than a millimetre long which burrows into the skin and lays its eggs. When the eggs hatch the mites produce faeces and saliva, which is what causes the allergic reaction
Other than the itching a red rash or spots may also appear in areas preferred by the mites:
- in between the fingers
- under the wrist
- the armpits
- between the buttocks
- on the abdomen
- inside the thighs
- around the ankles
- around the genitalia
You will also see the burrows or tracks under the skin caused by the mites. These initially look like thin grey threads, but scratching can cause them to become infected with bacteria, which will make them red, sore, inflamed, and scabby
Having scabies does not mean that you are unclean, it is simply an unfortunate parasitic infection
Scabies is treated by the application of a cream or lotion that is applied all over the body, and kept on for 24 hours. As it can take as long as 6 weeks after infection for the itching and other symptoms to appear, anyone that you have had physical contact with should be treated as well. You will also need to wash all clothes and bedding used in the last 3 days (the mites cannot survive away from a body for more than 72 hours, or washing at 50 degrees C or higher)
Text source: LSMP
Image source: www.dermisil.com
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