Scabies
OverviewScabies overview
Scabies is caused by an infestation of the sarcoptes scabiei mite.
These mites burrow into the skin to lay eggs. This causes the body to trigger an allergic response.
This response causes an angry pimple like rash and intense itching.
Scabies is very contagious.
It is common for sufferers to have redness and itching around the body, although this is not as common on the face and scalp.
Scabies sufferers who have other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis may not realise they have scabies. This is due to the nature of the scabies symptoms.
Scabies is highly contagious.
Situations where many people live together, such as hostels or nursing homes, can see scabies outbreaks as it is easily passed on through close contact.
Treatments
Topical creams and lotions are often used to treat scabies.
Permethrin 5% cream is the most common treatment against scabies.
The cream should be applied all over the body just before sleep, and left on overnight.
It can then be washed off in the morning.
Everyone in the household should be treated for scabies, even if they do not present symptoms. Treatment should be repeated after 7 days.
This is to ensure all the eggs have been killed.
In more severe cases of scabies, an oral tablet called ivermectin may be prescribed.
While prescription medicines can kill scabies mites and their eggs, they don't provide any immediate itch relief.
Antihistamines such as chlorphenamine can help relieve the itching.
Hydrocortisone cream may also help. However, this should only be used after diagnosis, as it can change the appearance of the scabies rash.
This can make it harder to diagnose scabies.
Causes
The scabies mites burrow into the surface later of the skin to lay eggs.
This will cause small raised serpentine lines to appear on the skin. These can be grayish or skin coloured and are usually a centimetre or more in length.
Other mammals, including domestic cats, dogs, pigs and horses can be affected by other types of scabies mites.
These can cause temporary itching in humans, but they are unlikely to multiply in humans.
Symptoms
It can take some time for symptoms to develop after the scabies mite infestation occurs.
If you have had previous scabies infection, itching usually begins around 1 - 4 days after exposure.
If you have had no prior infestation it will take some time for the body to react to the mite. In this case, itching will likely start around 2 - 6 weeks after you have been exposed.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of scabies are as follows:
- Rash. Sufferers will often notice little bumps which will often form a line on the skin. Some people develop scaly patches that might look like eczema.
- Nocturnal Itching. The itch can be so intense that it may affect sleep.
- Sores. If you scratch the itchy rash, this can become infected.
- Thick Crust on Skin. If you develop a severe type of scabies called 'crusted scabies', you will notice a thick crust on affected areas.
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