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Scabies
Medical Questions » Scabies
| Name: Scabies |
| Also known as: |
| An infestation (not an infection) by a tiny insect that burrows for lcm. or more through the outer layers of the skin. Most common areas affected are the fingers, palms, heels, groin and wrists, but it can spread across the entire body, although it is unusual for the head and neck to be involved. The scabies mite is just visible to the naked eye, appearing like a spot of dust on a piece of black paper, but it cannot be seen on the skin. In many third-world countries, the disease is in epidemic proportions, but relatively uncommon in developed countries. |
Causes of Scabies
The tiny insect mite Sarcoptes scabiei which spreads by close contact (eg. shaking hands) with someone who already has the disease. Can occur despite scrupulous personal cleanliness. |
Symptoms of Scabies
Incessant itching caused by the burrowing mite, and the tissue around them becomes red, itchy and inflamed. Scratching often damages the skin, making diagnose difficult, and allowing a secondary bacterial infection to enter the skin. |
Tests for Scabies
A skin scraping is examined under a microscope, when the mites and their eggs can be seen. |
Treatment for Scabies
Painting the entire body with a lotion or cream (eg. benzyl benzoate, permethrin, crotamiton) that kills the mites. All other members of the family, and anyone else closely connected with the patient, should be treated at the same time. Advisable to change all the bed linen, and to repeat the treatment after a week, so that any mites that hatch from the remaining eggs after the initial treatment will be killed.
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Complications of Scabies of its treatment
Itch may continue for 10-20 days after treatment due to an allergy to the scabies bodies or their products (eggs, droppings, etc.). Norwegian scabies is a very severe form that causes thickening and scaling of the skin (particularly the palms and soles) from huge numbers of mites. |
Likely Outcome of Scabies
Good response to treatment, but recurrences common. |
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