Prab at 14:41, 11 April 2023

2023-04-11T14:41:28Z

New page

{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name = Scabies
| synonyms = Seven-year itch
| image = [[File:ScabiesD06.jpg|thumb|Scabies]]
| caption = Magnified view of a burrowing trail of the scabies mite. 
The scaly patch on the left was caused 
by scratching and marks the mite's entry point into the skin. 
The mite has burrowed to the top-right, 
where it can be seen as a dark spot at the end.
| field = [[Infectious disease (medical specialty)|Infectious disease]], [[dermatology]]
| symptoms = [[itchiness]], [[papular|pimple]]-like rash
| complications =
| onset = 2–6 weeks (first infection), ~1 day (subsequent infections)
| duration =
| causes = ''[[Sarcoptes scabiei]]'' mite spread by close contact
| risks = Crowded living conditions (child care facilities, 
group homes, prisons), lack of access to water
| diagnosis = Based on symptoms
| differential = [[seborrheic dermatitis]], [[dermatitis herpetiformis]], 
[[pediculosis]], [[atopic dermatitis]]
| prevention =
| treatment =
| medication = [[permethrin]], [[crotamiton]], [[lindane]], [[ivermectin]]
| prognosis =
| frequency = 204 million / 2.8% (2015)
| deaths =
}}

'''Scabies''' is a highly [[contagious]] [[skin]] disorder caused by the [[mite]] ''[[Sarcoptes scabiei]]'', which burrows into the [[skin]] and produces an intense, itchy [[rash]]. Scabies affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds and is transmitted through close personal contact or shared clothing, bedding, or towels.
[[File:Scabies Thorax.JPG|thumb|Scabies Thorax]]
[[File:Scabies new photo for diagnosis avoid wrong diagnosis.jpg|thumb|Scabies new photo for diagnosis avoid wrong diagnosis]]
== Signs and symptoms ==
The primary symptom of scabies is intense itching, which is often worse at night. This is due to an allergic reaction to the mite, its eggs, and its feces. The rash associated with scabies is typically characterized by small, red bumps and blisters, often concentrated in the skin folds between the fingers, the wrists, the elbows, the armpits, the waist, the buttocks, and the genitals.

In addition to the rash, scabies may cause burrow-like lines on the skin, which are created by the female mite as she tunnels beneath the skin's surface to lay her eggs. The itching and rash can lead to secondary skin infections, such as [[impetigo]], if not treated properly.
[[File:Scabies Nodules hand.JPG|thumb|Scabies Nodules hand]]
== Causes ==
Scabies is caused by infestation with the mite ''Sarcoptes scabiei'', a microscopic, eight-legged parasite. The mite is transmitted through close personal contact, such as hugging, holding hands, or sexual contact. Scabies can also be spread indirectly through shared clothing, bedding, or towels. The risk of transmission is higher in crowded living conditions, such as nursing homes, hospitals, and prisons.

== Diagnosis ==
Scabies is typically diagnosed through a visual examination of the affected skin by a healthcare provider. In some cases, a skin scraping may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of the mite, its eggs, or its feces.

== Treatment ==
The primary treatment for scabies involves the use of topical medications, such as [[permethrin]] cream, which is applied to the entire body from the neck down and left on for 8 to 14 hours before being washed off. In more severe cases, oral medications like [[ivermectin]] may be prescribed. Over-the-counter creams and lotions containing [[sulfur]] may be used to treat scabies in infants, pregnant women, and individuals who cannot tolerate prescription medications.
[[File:Scabies-burrow.jpg|thumb|Scabies burrow]]
In addition to treating the affected individual, it is important to treat close contacts and family members, even if they do not show symptoms, to prevent re-infestation. Environmental measures, such as washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and drying them on high heat, can help eliminate the mites and prevent further transmission.

== Prevention ==

Preventing scabies primarily involves avoiding close personal contact with individuals who are infected. However, because the mite can survive for several days away from the human body, it is also important to avoid sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with someone who has scabies. In crowded living conditions or institutional settings, early detection and treatment of scabies cases can help prevent outbreaks.

Maintaining good hygiene and regularly washing clothes, bedding, and towels can also reduce the risk of scabies transmission. In cases where multiple family members are affected, simultaneous treatment is recommended to prevent re-infestation.

== Complications ==

If left untreated, scabies can lead to complications such as:

Secondary skin infections: Persistent scratching of the affected areas can break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infections like impetigo or cellulitis.
Crusted scabies: Also known as Norwegian scabies, this severe form of scabies is characterized by a thick, crusty buildup on the skin, typically affecting people with weakened immune systems or other underlying health conditions. Crusted scabies is highly contagious and more difficult to treat.
Post-scabies itch: Even after successful treatment, itching may continue for several weeks as the body continues to react to the dead mites and their byproducts. Over-the-counter antihistamines or corticosteroid creams can help alleviate this lingering itch.

== Summary ==
Scabies is a highly [[contagious]] [[skin]] disorder caused by a [[mite]] that burrows into the [[skin]] and produces an intense, itchy [[rash]]
== See also ==

* [[Sarcoptes scabiei]]
* [[Skin infection]]
* [[Parasitic skin diseases]]
== References ==
[Insert reference list]
{{stub}}
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Skin conditions]]
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]

Scabies - Revision history

Prab at 14:41, 11 April 2023