Scabies - Information on Scabies

Scabies Information

Scabies is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but it may occur to the people at any age. Scabies is an infestation of the top layer of skin caused by the parasite, Sarcoptes scabiei , often called scabies or mites.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Scabies. The most common locations for scabies are on the sides of fingers, between the fingers, on the backs of the hands, on the wrists, heels, elbows, armpits, inner thighs and around the waist (belt line).

Causes of Scabies

Causes of scabies includes a mite which burrows very quickly under the skin, especially in areas where it is rough or wrinkled, such as the elbows, knuckles, and knees. Touching or scratching an area that is infested with mites can spread them to other parts of the body. This disease is contagious so it can easily be infected from a person to another person through conatct which may be directly or indirectly.

Symptom of Scabies

Presence of the mite burrow(s), often in a zigzag or "S" pattern.
Scabies is spread by personal contact, e.g., by shaking hands or sleeping together or by close contact with infected articles such as clothing, bedding or towels.
Presence of lesions, such as brown nodules, rashes, or pimple-like irritations.
Scabies prefers warmer sites on the skin such as skin folds, where clothing is tight, between the fingers or under the nails, on the elbows or wrists, the buttocks or belt line, around the nipples, and on the penis.

Complications in scabies

Impetiginization
Eczematization
Secondary lymphadenitis

Treatment of Scabies

Methods For Treating Scabies are :

See a dermatologist as soon as possible to begin treatment. Remember, although you may be disturbed at the thought of bugs, scabies is no reflection on your personal cleanliness.
Apply treatment to all skin from neck to legs - this includes between toes, the crease between the buttocks, etc. If you wash your hands after application, you need to reapply the medication to your hands again.
Items you do not wish to wash may be placed in the dryer on the hot cycle for 30 minutes, or pressed with a warm iron.
Medication must be kept on the body for at least 36 hours before taking the next hot bath.