Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the scabies mite. The condition is intensely itchy, especially at night. Scabies is an annoying but not serious disease. It is well treatable. It is very important that people in the immediate environment of the patient with scabies are treated as well, even if they have no itch or skin lesions. Scabies does not indicate a lack of hygiene. Anyone can get it.
Symptoms
- Intense itching, especially at night.
- Skin rash with small bumps and blisters, often between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, buttocks, breasts, and around the genitals.
- S-shaped burrows on the skin, sometimes visible as thin, broken lines.
- Scratching can lead to secondary skin infections.
Causes
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies.
- Indirect contact such as through clothing, bedding, or towels that have recently been used by an infected person.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of scabies is often made based on the symptoms and the presence of characteristic skin rash and burrows.
- Microscopic examination of a skin sample where the mite, its eggs, or feces are found.
Treatment
- Creams and lotions applied to the skin, such as permethrin or benzyl benzoate.
- Oral medication such as ivermectin pills for severe cases or when topical treatments are not effective.
Self-care Tips
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels at a high temperature (at least 60°C) and dry them in a hot dryer.
- Vacuum furniture and carpets that the infected person has come into contact with.
- Use anti-itch remedies such as calamine lotion or antihistamines to relieve itching.
- Keep nails short to minimize damage from scratching.
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