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Human scabies is caused by an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs.
Scabies is highly contagious and is spread by close contact. If untreated, it can last indefinitely. Scabies is not caused by poor hygiene.
Severe itching (pruritus), especially at night, is the earliest and most common symptom of scabies. A pimple-like (papular) itchy (pruritic) “scabies rash” is also common. Itching and rash may affect much of the body or be limited to common sites such as: Between the fingers.
How long does it take before a person with scabies has symptoms? In people that have never been infested with scabies before, symptoms (like itching and redness of the skin) usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after coming in contact with someone who has scabies and becoming infested.
Permethrin kills the scabies mite and eggs. Permethrin is the drug of choice for the treatment of scabies. Two (or more) applications, each about a week apart, may be necessary to eliminate all mites.
Some immunocompromised, elderly, disabled, or debilitated persons are at risk for a severe form of scabies called crusted, or Norwegian, scabies. Persons with crusted scabies have thick crusts of skin that contain large numbers of scabies mites and eggs.
Scabies is spread by prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. Scabies sometimes also can be spread by contact with items such as clothing, bedding, or towels that have been used by a person with scabies, but such spread is very uncommon unless the infested person has crusted scabies.
You also can't usually get scabies from toilet seats. Most of the time, it takes lots of close, personal contact with an infected person for scabies to spread.
Scabies can be classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), because it can be spread through sexual contact.
The immune response mechanism to scabies and the possible development of a vaccine for control of scabies was investigated. This study demonstrated that hosts infested with scabies develop immunity (resistance) to reinfestation.
Most people can be cured with a medicine that they apply to their skin. These medicines are often applied to all skin from the neck down. Infants and young children often need treatment for their scalp and face, too. A dermatologist will provide specific instructions to follow.
If you've never had scabies before, it can take up to 3-6 weeks after you get scabies for the symptoms to start. But if you've had scabies before and get it again, the symptoms can start within a few days. You can spread scabies to other people as soon as you get it — even before you have symptoms.
Medicines work quickly to kill the mites, but the itchy rash may last for several weeks after treatment. Marks on the skin from scabies usually go away in 1 to 2 weeks, but sometimes take a few months to go away.
The scabies rash takes the form of small, red bumps that may look like pimples, bug bites, hives or knots under the skin. You might be able to see the burrow tracks created by the mites, which appear as raised lines of tiny blisters or bumps. Some people develop scaly patches that resemble eczema.
Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated. A pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body. It's important to read the instructions carefully. Let the pharmacist know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
The only way to keep scabies away is to avoid prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact with a person who has them. You also want to avoid touching items, like bedding or clothing, that the person has used. If you, or someone in your home, has scabies or has been exposed to it, seek treatment right away.
Scabies is a common disease and typically described as a skin condition with sparing of face and scalp in adults. However, crusted scabies is not conventional scabies. It can also affect the scalp.
If you Google “scabies” and “natural remedies,” you will get hundreds of hits. There are many internet sites devoted to this pesky problem. Among the recommendations are applying tea tree oil, eating a diet of only fresh citrus fruit, and even ingesting raw egg yolks.
Famous for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is another amazing cure for scabies. Add one tablespoon of turmeric and a few drops of lemon juice to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste and leave for a little while and rinse it off.