Mary Fauver by Mary Fauver

Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-23 22:29:37 UTC

The pathogen that causes scabies is a skin mite that burrows into the skin, where it lives and lays eggs.

Scabies

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-23 22:31:52 UTC

Scabies is a sexually transmitted infection, caused by a parasitic skin mite, that causes severe irritation of the skin in infected individuals.

Contraction

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-23 22:40:15 UTC

Typically, Scabies is transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. However, scabies can live outside of the body for up to three days, therefor it can be contracted from another surface, though it is rare.

Size and Location

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-23 22:46:58 UTC

The mites are microscopic, and difficult to detect, but they are usually found on the body in locations such as the genitals, stomach, elbows, and hands.

Symptoms

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-23 22:52:38 UTC

An individual with scabies will have an intense itch and rashes covering various areas of their body. This can cause raw, inflamed, and very irritated skin. Because the mite lives under the skin, there will be linear burrows and bumps on the skin.

Scabies in Children

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-23 23:58:40 UTC

Infants with scabies are more likely to develop large pustules, vesicles, and crusted skin than adults. The scabies also presents in more locations in children than adults, including a concentration on the face, scalp, and palms.

Diagnosis

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-24 00:03:07 UTC

Scabies can be diagnosed after a doctor carefully examines infected areas, looking at any rashes and burrows in the skin. They may also scrape a small portion of skin to identify the mites under a microscope.

Treatment of Scabies

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-24 00:03:53 UTC

Treatment for scabies consists of an application of 5% permethrin cream to all skin below the neck at night, before bed, and should be washed off after 8-14 hours. Repeat as needed. Malathion 0.5% lotion is used if permethrin is ineffective.

Long Term Effects

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-24 00:04:27 UTC

When treated, scabies has no long term effects, but if left untreated, scabies can cause many complications from secondary bacterial infections. These infections can cause sepsis, heart disease, and kidney damage.

Affected individuals

maryfauver4 — 2024-04-24 21:57:59 UTC

All people of all ages can contract scabies. It is found worldwide, but is most common in low-income, tropical areas. It thrives in warm conditions and crowded places.