Scabies

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Scabies is a condition characterized by itchy skin caused by the mite ,Sarcoptes scabiei. It is highly contagious. The word scabies come form the Latin word scabere, which means to scratch.

What caused the Scabies?

Scabies is caused by parasite,called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites make borrow into the skin where it deposit its egg. Eggs get mature in 21 days and spread to other ares of the body or skin of other people. Close contact or sharing clothes of infected individual can spread the mites.

What are the signs and symptoms of Scabies?

1. Itching in skin usually at night( results form allergic reaction to the mites and its eggs)
2. Rashes in the skin
3. Blister in the skin
4. Burrows or tracks appear in between fingers, around the waist, on the inner elbow, around breast, around the waist, in armpit, on knee , scalp, neck, soles of the feet

What are the differential diagnosis of Scabies?

1. Syphilis
2. Dermatitis
3. Urticaria
4. Ectoparasites

How is a Scabies diagnosed?

Diagnosis relies on patients history, physical examination and laboratory examination .

Presence of mites or its eggs under a microscope confirm the diagnosis.

How is a Scabies managed?

1. Wash clots and bed cloths in hot water
2. Personal hygiene
3. Permethrine 5% cream which kill the mites applied in whole body except in face two times in a week
4. Lindane not safe for children younger than 2 years .
5. Ivermectin with the dose of 200 micrograms per kg of body weight per mouth as a single dose and repeat is two weeks later also shown effective.
6. Antihistamines likes diphenhydramine ,cetrizine help to control the itching.
7. Treat sexual partner or closed relatives as well.

What is the prognosis of Scabies?

Prognosis is excellent.

References:

• http://www.emedicinehealth.com
• http://en.wikipedia.org
• http://www.mayoclinic.com
• http://www.medicinenet.com
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 17^th edition.
• Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 20th Edition

Filed Under: Dermatology

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