Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). This ectoparasite burrows into the skin, where it lives and lays its eggs. Scabies can affect people of all ages and social groups, is spread worldwide, and is particularly easy to transmit in crowded conditions and close contact.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The main symptom of scabies is intense and persistent itching, which is worse at night. This itching is caused by the skin's allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs, and their droppings. The skin lesions that accompany scabies are usually erythematous papules, often located in skin folds, such as between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, waist, and areas around the genitals.
Scabies is often diagnosed by a clinical examination, where the doctor looks for the characteristic tunnels and lesions on the skin. In some cases, a skin sample may be taken for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of the mites or their eggs.
Transmission and Incubation
Scabies is mainly transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through the use of shared objects, such as bed linens, clothing, and towels. It takes 2-6 weeks from the moment of infection to the appearance of itching, while in cases of reinfection, itching appears sooner, within 1-4 days.
Treatment
Scabies is mainly treated with topical insecticides, which are applied to the entire body, from the neck down. Usually, a repeat treatment is required after one week to ensure the destruction of eggs that were not affected by the first application. If itching persists for more than 2-4 weeks after treatment or if new skin lesions appear, medical advice is necessary and possibly a repeat treatment.
Prevention and Precautionary Measures
To prevent scabies, it is recommended to avoid close contact with infected individuals and to avoid sharing objects with them. In cases of infection, all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous three days should be washed at high temperature and dried thoroughly. In addition, living spaces should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any mites.
Scabies is a disease that can be effectively treated with appropriate treatment and preventive measures, thus avoiding its recurrence and transmission to others. If symptoms of scabies occur, it is important to seek immediate medical attention for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.