Symptoms of Scabies
Symptoms of scabies occur because of skin infestation by a
microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabei. Scabies is not a result of poverty or
poor hygiene. It is common in places where people have prolonged close contact,
such as in hospitals. Infestation can occur by transfer from person to person
through skin-to-skin contact or even through clothes or bedding an infected
person has recently used and that another then touches.
Scabies symptoms include development of what looks like severe rash or tiny
blisters, which are caused by an infection. The infection is a result of scabies
burrowing under the skin. This burrowing causes severe itching and perhaps
crusting of the skin if the infection is severe or prolonged. The mites lay eggs
in their burrows and the eggs eventually hatch and produce larva that live under
the skin. These larvae can eventually develop into adult mites.
Scabies symptoms may include:
- Itching, which is the earliest symptom, can be severe and prolonged.
- A rash caused by the scabies; the scabies rash first appears as a line of tiny bumps or blisters.
At first, the scabies rash may appear in the folds of the skin,
such as between the fingers, on the elbows or wrists and on buttocks or at the
waistline. It may also appear under the folds of the breast for women and on the
penis for men. Scabies usually does not occur on skin above the neck. In very
small children, though, scabies can infect the entire body, including the palms
of the hands and soles of the feet. The itching of the rash is caused by an
allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and the waste they produce.
Eggs mature and hatch in 21 days after the female mites lay them. It can take
two to six weeks for symptoms to appear for newly infected persons. For persons
who are re-infected, they may show symptoms of scabies in as little as one to
four days. Excessive scratching can cause secondary opportunistic infections,
such as impetigo, to occur because the skin barrier has been broken.
For severe itching, soaking in cool water, use of over-the-counter anti-itch
medications such as calamine lotion and use of oral antihistamines should help
relieve the symptoms of scabies. Remember, though, that these things will not
cure scabies, only help alleviate symptoms of scabies and that one of the above
medications must be used.
It is also important to wash clothing and bedding infected persons have touched
in hot soapy water. Items that cannot be washed should be dry-cleaned or placed
in a plastic, airtight bag and placed out of the way, such as outdoors or in
your garage, for example. Any mites in the items will die by starving to death
within about two weeks.
Scabies symptoms are especially prevalent problem in people with altered immune
systems, such as those with HIV. It is also a problem with those who are very
ill and, therefore, scabies can be a persistent problem in skilled nursing
facilities, nursing homes and hospitals. If you experience symptoms of scabies
see your doctor to determine the exact cause.
Symptoms of Scabies to S
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