Scabies is a skin condition caused by infection with scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei). Scabies mites are microscopic parasite organisms that burrow deep inside the skin, causing inflammation, itching and rash. Skin rash is the first symptom to occur when suffering from scabies, emerging after only a few days from contamination with the parasite mites.
Due to its contagious character and its persistent symptoms, scabies is considered to be a very serious skin condition. Even with appropriate treatment, people affected by scabies can still develop persistent allergies and widespread rashes.
The medical treatment for scabies works on multiple levels; some medications are aimed at killing the parasite mites, while other medications are prescribed for alleviating the symptoms generated at the level of the skin. Permethrin-containing creams are very effective in overcoming the infestation with mites and they are commonly prescribed in the treatment of scabies. While permethrin-based medications deal with the mite infestation, scabies rash and itch can be alleviated by taking frequent warm showers and baths.
The treatment for scabies can quickly eradicate the infestation with mites, the symptoms of scabies can persist for long periods of time. After completing the treatment for scabies, many young children develop acropustulosis, a skin condition that can persist for more than a few months!
The mites responsible for causing scabies usually infest less exposed regions of the skin, such as armpits, feet, the areas between the toes, buttocks and pubic area. Scabies mites are microscopic, their presence can be easily revealed by the traces they leave on the surface of the skin.
Scabies is very contagious and the parasite mites responsible for causing the disease can be either acquired directly, by entering in contact with contaminated people or indirectly, by entering in contact with contaminated objects. Scabies is widespread in orphanages and nursing homes, due to overcrowding and poor hygiene. In order to prevent the occurrence of scabies, it is very important to maintain a good level of personal hygiene and to avoid sharing personal items with other people.
Scabies is a skin condition caused by infection with scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei). Scabies mites are microscopic parasite organisms that burrow deep inside the skin, causing inflammation, itching and rash. Skin rash is the first symptom to occur when suffering from scabies, emerging after only a few days from contamination with the parasite mites. The treatment for scabies can quickly eradicate the infestation with mites, the symptoms of scabies can persist for long periods of time.
