How do you get Scabies?

Scabies is a skin disease or infection by mites (Sarcoptes scabiei). Scabies mites are microscopic parasitic organisms that dig deep into the skin and cause inflammation, itching and rash. Advanced symptoms of scabies are: crusty appearance of the skin, pustules, blisters and nodules. Most symptoms caused by the mites are actually allergic reactions to dust mites, eggs and manure, which are toxic for the human body. Rash is the first symptoms when suffering from scabies, just days after infection with the parasitic mites. Scabies rash is very persistent, and it may take up to several weeks or months for effective treatment.

Scabies is highly contagious and the parasitic mites which are the origin of the disease can be acquired either directly by or indirectly with people, or through contact with their bedding, clothing or other shared material. Scabies are common in residential and nursing homes as a result of over-population and lack of hygiene. To fight off infection, it is very important to have a good personal hygiene and prevent the sharing of personal items with others.

Scabies usually infest the broken or weakened areas of skin, like armpits, feet, the areas between the toes, and buttocks and the Palmellina region. This disease is usually diagnosed with the first clinical symptoms of scratching and itching followed by a red bumpy rash. Although the scabies mites are microscopic, their presence can be easily detected on the surface of the skin. Their little tunnels can be observed with the naked eye. To confirm the clinical diagnosis, doctors often place samples of infections of the skin under the microscope for analysis.

The medical treatment of scabies is done on several levels, medications are available for killing mites, or parasites, while other drugs alleviate the symptoms produced by the rash on the skin. The treatment of scabies is usually creams or lotions for external use only. Creams containing permethrin are very effective in treating the infestation of mites and are often used in the treatment of scabies. Most infections are treated with permethrin and the rash and itch can be mitigated by frequent hot showers. If itching and rash is severe, doctors may also require treatment with hydrocortisone, antihistamines and analgesics.

Although the treatment of scabies can quickly eliminate the infestation of mites, the symptoms of scabies may continue for long periods. This is because even after their death, mites may remain under the skin, causing allergies and skin rashes. In infants and small children, after the outbreak can be very severe. Upon completion of the treatment of scabies, many young children to develop Acropustulosis, a disease of the skin, which required treatment that can take more than a few months!

Because of the contagious and persistence nature of symptoms, scabies as a very serious disease of the skin.

Preventing Spread

To prevent the reoccurrence of scabies and to prevent the mites from spreading to others, take these steps:

• Clean all of your clothes and household linens. Using hot water with detergent to wash all clothing, towels and bedding you used at least two days before treatment should do the trick. Dry everything cleaned with high heat. Take the items you can’t wash at home to the dry cleaners.
• Starve the mites. If you can’t get to a dry cleaners, try placing items you can’t wash in a sealed plastic bag and leaving it sealed for a couple of weeks. Mites will die if they don’t eat for a week

Natural Treatments - Do they work?

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