Scabies
About Scabies
What is it?
A mite is the cause of this common skin condition and it is so small that you cannot see it on the skin. People get scabies when the mite burrows into the top layer of skin. When the skin reacts to the mite, an extremely itchy rash develops. Worldwide, there are millions of cases of scabies each year.
Mites travel from person to person and most people get scabies from skin-to-skin contact. Sometimes people get mites from infested items such as bedding, clothes, and furniture and can survive for about three to four days without being on a human. Anyone can get scabies, people of all ages, races, etc. People who are very clean and neat can get scabies, which is similar to head lice. It tends to spread easily in nursing homes and extended-care facilities. The good news is that a dermatologist can successfully diagnose and treat scabies and today’s treatments for scabies are quick.
What causes it?
Commonly known as the human itch mite is what causes scabies. People get scabies when the mite burrows into the skin, from either direct skin contact, or from a towel, clothing, or even furniture. You cannot get scabies from an animal that has mites, only humans get this type of scabies. Most people will not get scabies from a handshake or hug. The skin-to-skin contact must be longer for a mite to crawl from one person to another. Adults often get scabies through sexual contact.
Anyone from Children, adults, old or young, people in healthcare facilities can get this. Having a weakened immune system also increases the risk of getting scabies. The elderly and people who have a weak immune system due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS, lymphoma, or leukemia have an increased risk. People who received organ transplants also have a higher risk.
Crusted scabies is especially contagious, which is when a crust filled with mites falls off. This shed crust can provide food and protection for the mites, allowing them to live for as long as one week without human contact on surfaces. Scabies among people in nursing homes and extended-care facilities has become a common problem. Scabies can spread when people do not have any signs or symptoms.
Common treatments
The good news with this skin ailment is that it is easily treatable. Once your doctor diagnoses you, they will prescribe a treatment for you and will also recommend that anyone you have been in contact be treated as well. Even people who do not have any signs or symptoms must be treated, this is the only way to prevent new outbreaks of scabies weeks later.
The majority of people can be cured with a topical medicine that they apply to their skin. Your dermatologist will provide specific instructions to follow, and for how long you will need to continue treatment. It’s important to follow their instructions, as over-treating can cause even more irritation. There are many different prescription creams that will be considered, so put your trust in your highly trained doctor to know what will work best for your skin type.
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