Scabies Explained!

Scabies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Scabies?
Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. These microscopic mites belong to the species Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. The infestation leads to intense itching and a characteristic pimple-like skin rash. Let’s delve into the details:

1. Causes and Transmission
Close Skin Contact: Scabies spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also occur during sexual contact.
Burrowing Mites: The scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where they live and lay eggs.
2. Symptoms
Intense Itching: The hallmark symptom of scabies is intense itching, especially at night.
Raised Rash or Spots: The rash appears as raised spots, which may look red. On brown or black skin, they might be more challenging to see but can be felt.
Egg-Laying Lines: Tiny mites lay eggs in the skin, leaving characteristic lines with a dot at one end.
Common Areas: Scabies rash commonly occurs between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin, and bottom. Older adults and young children may develop a rash on their head, neck, palms, and soles of their feet.
Crusted Scabies: In rare cases, individuals with weakened immune systems may experience crusted scabies, characterized by a crusted, flaky rash affecting elbows, knees, hands, and feet.
3. Diagnosis and Treatment
Pharmacist’s Recommendation: Scabies is usually not serious but requires treatment. A pharmacist can recommend a cream or lotion to apply over the entire body. It’s crucial to follow instructions carefully.
Repeat Treatment: Treatment should be repeated after 1 week.
Household Treatment: Everyone in the household should be treated simultaneously, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Avoid Pharmacy Treatments for Children Under 2: Children under 2 years old should see a GP instead of using pharmacy treatments.
Sexual Contacts: Anyone with sexual contact in the past 8 weeks should also be treated.
4. Preventing Spread
Wash Bedding and Clothing: Wash all bedding and clothing at 60°C or higher on the first day of treatment.
Seal Unwashable Clothing: Put unwashable clothing in a sealed bag for 3 days to allow mites to die.
Avoid Close Contact: Refrain from sex or close physical contact until completing the full course of treatment.
No Sharing: Do not share bedding, clothing, or towels with someone who has scabies.
5. Recovery and Follow-Up
Return to work or school 24 hours after the first treatment.
Although the treatment kills scabies mites quickly, itching may persist for a few weeks.
Consult a GP if:
A child under 2 years old shows symptoms.
Someone else in your household has scabies.
You suspect skin infection or have another skin condition (e.g., eczema).
Remember, early treatment is essential to prevent scabies from spreading. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice promptly.

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