Scabies (Sarcoptes Scabiei) - Medtick

Scabies (Sarcoptes Scabiei)

  • Scabies are caused by mites and is also known as Sarcoptes scabiei.
  • They make burrows in the skin where the skin folds or there is a lot of moisture and lays their eggs (about two or three daily).
  • After three to four days the eggs hatch and become adults within 10-15 days (they are 0.3mm by 0.4mm in size), lay their eggs and die after four to six weeks.
  • They can live outside the skin on bedding and clothing for 24-36 hours
  • They breed at a rapid rate and can lay 40-50 eggs during their lifetime.
  • An average sufferer could have 10-15 adult mites at one time.
  • It is their saliva/faeces that trigger off the symptoms; normally extreme itching and rash/bites. It is transmitted through physical contact and is highly contagious.
  • It can be spread by close contact by simply holding one’s hand to having sexual activity when bodies rub.
  • Mites cannot fly or jump.
  • Some persons are unaware they have the condition due to delay itching response, or think the rash is another condition.
  • It is important to get treated as soon as possible.
  • They can survive one to three days outside the human body and can be transmitted via bed linen and sharing towels and clothes.
  • Low social class is not a factor.
  • Persons in crowded areas are more likely to catch the condition.
  • One should check their body for rashes or burrow regularly as one can have delayed symptoms.

Symptoms

Does one have:

  • Small red papules around (Can be in one or more places)?
  • Any silver lines (2-15mm in length) with small spec (mite) at one end (seen at times as dark points) around face , scalp and neck or in adults where small red papules are?
  • Extreme itching (Itching can be a delayed response to scabies saliva and can occur within 2-6 weeks of first contact) especially at night after bathing/showering and then develop rash?
  • Blisters of pus filled spots on sole of feet and legs?
  • Other members in household come in contact with someone recently with this condition?
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