HealthyCanada.com

Scabies is an infestation of the top layer of skin caused by the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei often called mites. It is very common affecting people of all races and social classes worldwide. It is easily treated and usually causes no lasting harm although people with weakened immune systems and the elderly are at risk for a more severe form called Norwegian or crusted scabies.

For a person who has never been infested with scabies symptoms may take 4-6 weeks to erupt. For a person who has had scabies before (you never become immune) symptoms appear within several days. They include:

• Pimple-like irritations burrows or rash of the skin especially the webbing between the fingers; the skin folds on the wrist elbow or knee; the penis the breast or shoulder blades.
• Intense itching especially at night and over most of the body.
• Sores on the body caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria.

You get scabies by direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who is already infested. Contact must be prolonged. A quick handshake or hug will usually not spread infestation. Infestation is easily spread to sexual partners and household members. It may also occur by sharing clothing towels and bedding.

The female parasite burrows under the skin and begins laying eggs within a few hours of infection and continues to lay 2 to 3 eggs daily. When living on a person an adult female mite can live up to a month. It takes approximately 10 days for the eggs to hatch and become adult mites. At this point if not treated the cycle begins again.

Several lotions are available to treat scabies such as 5% permethrin cream. Always follow the directions provided by your doctor and on the package insert. Apply lotion to a clean body from the neck down to the toes paying particular attention to skin folds fingernails toenails groin and behind the ears and leave it overnight (8-12 hours). Take a bath or shower to wash off the lotion. Put on clean clothes. All clothes bedding and towels used by the infested person 2 days before treatment should be washed in hot water and put in a hot dryer. If this is not possible they should be sealed in a plastic bag for 5-7 days. A second treatment may be necessary 7-10 days later. Pregnant women and children are often treated with milder scabies medications. Children may return to school after treatment.

Any sexual partners and others who have close prolonged contact to the infested person should also be treated. If your doctor has instructed family members to be treated everyone should receive treatment at the same time to prevent re-infestation.

No new burrows or rashes should appear 24-48 hours after effective treatment although it is very important to know that itching may continue for 2 to 3 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe additional medication to relieve itching if it is severe.