::... DERMATOLOGY - Scabies

Scabies is caused by a mite (a micro organism). The female mite tunnels into the skin and lays eggs. The eggs hatch into mites after a few days.

Scabies is a contagious infection. Skin to skin contact with infected person, sleeping in the same bed, and sexual contact are common ways of getting the infection.

• Severe itch ( irresistible urge to scratch )
• blotchy red rash that can appear anywhere on the body. It is    often most obvious on the inside of thighs, parts of abdomen,    and ankles.
• Mite tunnels (burrows) may be seen on the skin as fine, dark,or    silvery lines about 2-10 mm long. The most common areas where    they occur are the loose skin between the fingers,the front of    wrists and elbows, the groin, armpits, under breasts, scrotum,    and penis These symptoms start showing on the skin usually after    2-6 weeks after ones getting infected.

Anti-scabies drugs like permethrin – available in cream and lotion form, are advised by doctor. These are to be applied as single application at bedtime and to be washed off in the morning. It is advisable that all family members take the treatment at one time only to eradicate scabies totally. Re-application of the same treatment after seven days is necessary. This helps to make sure that all the mites are killed.