KNOW THE FACTS What Is Scabies? How Do You Get Scabies?

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "KNOW THE FACTS What Is Scabies? How Do You Get Scabies?"

Paul Bridges
6 years ago
Views:

1 KNOW THE FACTS What Is Scabies? Scabies is a skin condition caused by an infestation of the human itch mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These microscopic mites burrow into the skin and cause symptoms of itching and rash. How Do You Get Scabies? Anyone can get scabies. It is found all over the world and the mite is transmitted by direct and prolonged skin-to-skin contact, with a person who has scabies.

How Long Does Scabies Last? Scabies mites can only live about 72 hours without human contact, but once on a person, the mites can live up to two months.

Can You Catch Scabies from a Dog or Cat? Animals do not spread the same types of mites that cause human scabies, so it is not possible to catch scabies from a dog or cat.

2 How Long Does Scabies Last? Scabies mites can only live about 72 hours without human contact, but once on a person, the mites can live up to two months. Mites survive longer in colder conditions with higher humidity. Once on a person, mites can burrow into the skin, and symptoms usually begin three to six weeks after infestation. Can You Catch Scabies from a Dog or Cat? Animals do not spread the same types of mites that cause human scabies, so it is not possible to catch scabies from a dog or cat. The type of scabies that can infest pets is called "mange." Mange mites can spread to humans and cause minor itching and redness, but those mites cannot survive or reproduce on human skin and will die out on their own, limiting symptoms in humans. What Do Scabies Look Like? Scabies often looks like small red pimple-like bumps on the skin. The bumps may be crusty. They may also be accompanied by "burrows," or thin gray, brown, or red lines that radiate from the bumps. They may be hard to see, and can look like scratch marks. What Is Norwegian Scabies? "Norwegian scabies" is another name for crusted scabies, which tends to occur more often in patients with compromised immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, or in the elderly, and in patients with Down's syndrome. Patients with crusted scabies have large numbers of scabies mites and are very contagious. It can affect any area of the body but the scalp, hands, and feet are most commonly affected. The scales become warty, with crusts and fissures. Lesions may have an unpleasant odor. Nails may be thick and discolored, and patients may or may not have symptoms of itching.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Scabies?

point where the infested person cannot sleep.

rash can appear on any part of the body, but the most

the fingers and toes and around the nails, Skin usually

3 What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Scabies? Symptoms of scabies are usually: Itching (which tends to be more intense at night). The itching starts as a minor nuisance and progresses to a point where the infested person cannot sleep. And a pimple-like rash (small red bumps & blisters) Scabies rash can appear on any part of the body, but the most common sites are: Wrists, elbows, armpits, The skin between the fingers and toes and around the nails, Skin usually covered by clothing such as the buttocks, belt line, nipples, and penis. Infants and young children may have scabies rash on their head, face, neck, palms, and soles. In some patients with weakened immune systems, scabies rash may become crusted.

Adhesive tape test in which a doctor uses strong adhesive tape applied to the skin lesions and then pulled off and viewed under a microscope to check for mites Scabies Treatments: Cream Applications

4 How Is Scabies Tested and Diagnosed? Scabies is usually diagnosed by the patient's history and a physical examination of the lesions (bumps). Other tests that may be done include: Skin scraping to identify the mites or eggs; Dermoscopy, which uses a handheld dermoscope to allow closer visual examination of the skin to look for mites; Adhesive tape test in which a doctor uses strong adhesive tape applied to the skin lesions and then pulled off and viewed under a microscope to check for mites Scabies Treatments: Cream Applications There are no over-the-counter approved treatments for scabies. A doctor must prescribe treatment. A firstline treatment for scabies may involve a topical cream. Oral Medication In some cases, oral medication may be used, particularly in cases where scabies covers a large part of the body and is crusted. Antihistamines To get relief from the symptom of itching, some overthe-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help control the itch and allow sleep. Wash Linens and Bedclothes Scabies mites do not survive more than 72 hours without human contact. It is usually sufficient to machine wash bed linens and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat, or have the items dry-cleaned. It is not necessary to have furniture or carpets cleaned as the mites will die off on their own in a few days without human contact.

5 Scabies Treatments - Additional Tips Some additional ways you can treat scabies mites or prevent them from spreading include: Make sure everyone who is in contact with the infested person is treated, particularly those who come in frequent, close contact with that person (i.e., sexual partners, people who live with the infested person, small children and infants cared for by an infested parent). Keep fingernails and toenails well trimmed and clean of any mites or eggs. Thoroughly vacuum carpets, furniture, and car interiors. Use extra caution vacuuming after someone who has crusted mites, as these are more contagious. Discard the vacuum cleaner bags or clear out the dirt receptacle when done. Avoid scratching bumps or lesions. Keep open sores clean. Remember that once treatment starts it may still take a few days for itching and other symptoms to subside. If it does not go away, see a doctor.

6 Brought to you by the Corporate Communications Department Public Hospitals Authority We welcome your Comments and Suggestions Source: The World Wide Web

Title Text. Rash/Skin-Related Illnesses B-8

Title Text. Rash/Skin-Related Illnesses B-8 Title Text Rash/Skin-Related Illnesses B-8 Title Fifth Disease/Erythema Text Infectiosum/ Parvovirus B19 Note to Parents Recommended? Yes, mainly to advise susceptible women who are pregnant, or who might