Scabies

Scabies is a common skin condition that causes intense itching and rash. It results when tiny mites called Sarcoptes Scabiei Mite burrow under the skin. These mites make tunnels inside the skin to live, feed, and lay eggs. The skin condition is highly contagious and can spread from person to person by skin-to-skin contact or by sharing contaminated items like clothes, bedding, etc. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), at least 200 million people suffer from scabies at a given time. Given the condition’s persistent and severe itching, it is also called a ‘seven-year itch’. The skin condition is common worldwide, but most commonly it occurs in hot, topical countries with dense populations. 

Scabies have 3 major types based on severity, immune response, and hygiene levels.

• Ordinary Scabies: Also called classic scabies is the most common type, known for causing intense itching especially at night. Ordinary scabies can cause symptoms like rash, small red bumps in the finger, wrist, elbows, armpit, waist, etc. 

• Crusted Scabies: Crusted scabies, also referred as Norwegian scabies is a severe and highly contagious form. Crusted scabies is often known to affect people with weaker immunity.

• Nodular Scabies: Nodular scabies are common in children and affect body parts like armpits, groin, and buttocks. Nodular scabies can cause bumps that can last for long. 

The symptoms start to appear after 2 to 6 weeks of initial infestation. The symptoms are the result of the body's response to mites, their eggs, and waste. Some of the common symptoms of scabies include:

• Intense Itching: The most common sign of scabies is intense itching that typically gets worse at night. This can make it hard to sleep.

• Rash: Rash is also a common symptom of scabies. Red bumps, pimple-like eruptions can appear in the fingers, wrist, elbows, armpits, etc.

• Burrows: Burrowing tracks or bumps may appear where mites burrow, resulting in raised, skin-coloured lines.

• Widespread Rash: This is more common in children and young adults, the rash may spread to the head, face, neck, palms, soles, and diaper area.

• Mites Infestation: The primary cause of scabies is infestation by mites called Sarcoptes scabies mites. These mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs. 

• Transmission: Scabies spreads through direct contact like skin to skin contact with an infected person like shaking hands, hugging, and other direct contact. 

• Indirect Transmission: Scabies can also be caused by indirect transmission like sharing personal things like clothes, towels, beddings, that have been contaminated by mites.

Scabies can be diagnosed by a dermatologist through visual examination and checking for symptoms like burrows and rashes. Diagnosis may also involve scraping a small sample of skin and examining it under a microscope to look for mites, eggs, and waste. 

• Cream, Lotion or Ointments: The recommended cream, lotion or ointment must be applied on the whole body, from neck to toes. Keep these creams applied for 10-14 hours, and further wash them off. 

• Medication: Oral medication may be recommended to treat scabies. Ivermectin, Antihistamines, Antibiotics, and Steroid Creams are often directed for use. 

Scabies are highly contagious and can spread easily. If not treated adequately, in rare cases scabies can cause complications like:

• Secondary Bacterial Infections: An untreated condition can cause skin breaking allowing the bacteria to enter resulting in impetigo, cellulitis, etc.

• Septicemia: A severe blood infection where bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause an inflammatory response. 

There is no vaccine to prevent scabies, however, avoiding places or people known to be affected by scabies is recommended. Some of the preventive measures include:

• Avoid Skin-to- Skin Contact: Minimise and avoid contact with individuals with scabies.

• Maintain Hygiene: Frequently wash clothes, bedding, towels, etc in hot water, especially if used by an infected person.