Causes and Treatments of Scabies

The female scabies mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs. These take approximately 10 days to hatch. The body's immune response to the mite causes itching and a rash to appear within two to four weeks of the initial infection. The itching is often worse at night and after showering.

The rash looks like a series of tiny wavy lines and small blister-like bumps. Bigger nodule-like bumps may occur in the groin area and armpits. The rash is commonly found in the genital area, armpits, wrists and hands, on the elbows and inside the crook of the arm, on the buttocks and on ankles and feet.

How does a Person Become Infected with Scabies

Scabies infections are passed on by skin contact, sexual contact and contact with bedding or clothing used by an infected person. Children often infect each other during playtimes and family members may pick up the infection by sharing clothing, towels or bedding with an infected person.

Can Animals Spread Scabies

There is a type of scabies mite that can be passed on from dogs to humans. The mite is different to the human scabies mite but causes similar symptoms. It normally clears up without any treatment. Animals cannot be infected by the human scabies mite.

How is Scabies Treated

If in doubt as to the diagnosis, a test can be performed. This is done by taking a scraping from the lesions. Microscopic examination will show evidence of the mites or their faeces if it is a scabies infection. There are a number of creams and lotions used for treating scabies. These are applied after showering and should be left on for 8 to 14 hours to kill the mites. Treatment is also available in tablet form but creams are normally the first form of attack.

The scabies mites can survive for a couple of days away from the host which means that all bedding and clothing that has been in contact with an infected person should be thoroughly washed, and either ironed or dried on a hot cycle.

Scabies is an infectious condition and can be spread amongst children and family members by skin contact and contact with bedding and clothing. It is relatively easy to treat and it is best to catch it in the early stages as the itching can be very uncomfortable, especially in children.

Reference:

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Lisa Marr, The John Hopkins University Press, 2007