The mange or scabies is a skin disease caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes easily spread Scabiei or scabies mites. It is a parasite that has four pairs of legs and that reaches all layers of the population, of all races and ages. During the incubation period, the female of this parasite enters the outer layer of the skin and develops tunnels, where it will deposit 2 or 3 eggs per day. As it penetrates the skin, the female secretes toxins that cause an allergic reaction. After 4 to 6 weeks it dies, having left between 30 and 50 eggs. The larvae will transform into nymphs after 3 days or a week and later, at 12 days, they will become adults.
It is a skin disease that can be easily treated, although it is always necessary to consult a dermatologist. At FastlyHealwe will let you know everything about the causes, symptoms and treatment .
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Causes of scabies
Scabies is produced by the Sarcoptes Scabiei mite, which does not live for more than 4 days in the environment, that is, outside the skin. There has always been a popular belief that it was caused by poor hygiene but today it is known that this is not the case. The mite that causes scabies can be contracted by :
- Skin-to-skin contact with another person who has scabies.
- Direct contact with the mite or through garments, clothing, towels and sheets.
- There have been cases of contagion through direct contact with infected animals, mostly dogs and cats.
Among other risk factors for scabies or scabies we find:
- Living with a person who suffers from scabies, since contact is frequent on a day-to-day basis.
- Intimate contact and sexual intercourse with someone who has scabies, although it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease.
- Sharing sheets or clothes.
- Living in camps, residences, prisons, military academies, etc.
Symptoms of scabies
The symptoms of scabies or scabies appear between three and four weeks after infection. However, if you have ever suffered from scabies, symptoms will appear much earlier, in less than a week, or may even in a matter of hours:
- Intense itching , especially at night. When the mite begins to invade the skin, the body fights back with an allergic reaction.
- Skin rash , mostly between the fingers.
- Ulcers on the skin from scratching and digging by the mite.
- Thin lines on the skin, similar to the tracing of a pencil.
In adults or older children we will observe the symptoms in the area of the hands, wrists, genitals and abdomen. When a baby is infected, the head, neck, shoulders, wrists, palms, and soles of the feet will be affected.
Treatment of scabies
Before treatment, it is recommended to wash all underwear, towels, clothing, pajamas and sheets in hot water , in addition to washing or cleaning everything that is upholstered. What cannot be washed or cleaned, simply remove it from any contact for 72 hours, the maximum period that a mite can live in the environment. The entire family or all members living in the same home should receive treatment, even if they have not manifested any symptoms.
The treatment applied by a specialist can be:
- Oral antihistamines, to relieve itching.
- Corticosteroids, to reduce allergy and relieve itching.
- Permethrin 5% lotion, to be applied all over the body.
- Other creams containing benzyl benzoate, sulfur with petroleum jelly, and crotamiton may also be prescribed.
- In difficult cases, your doctor may prescribe a pill known as ivermectin.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Scabies: symptoms, causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.