Scabies

Caused by parasite Sarcoptes scabei

Mites burrow underneath the skin

Can hardly be seen with the naked eye

Transmission

• Transmitted through close physical contact with a person who is infected, contact must be prolonged (a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread infestation).
• Contact with infested linens, furniture, or clothing.
• Easily spread to sexual partners and household members.

Signs/Symptoms

Occur within 4 to 6 weeks after infection however if the person has had scabies in the past symptoms will begin within 1 to 4 days.

• Pimple like small bumps or rashes that appear in dirty-looking, small curling lines, especially on the penis, between the fingers, on buttocks, breasts, the skin folds on the wrists, elbow, knee,  thighs, shoulder blades and around the navel.
• Intense itching, especially at night and over most of the body
• Sores on the body caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria

Treatment

• Several lotions are available to treat scabies.
• Always follow the directions provided by your physician or the directions on the package insert.
• Apply lotion to a clean body from the neck down to the toes and left overnight (8 hours).
• After 8 hours, take a bath or shower to wash off the lotion.
• Put on clean clothes.
• All clothes, bedding, and towels used by the infested person 2 days before treatment should be washed in hot water; dry in a hot dryer.
• A second treatment of the body with the same lotion may be necessary 7-10 days later.
• A person is considered infectious from the time of infestation until treatment is successfully completed.

Prevention

• Avoid direct contact with infested people, bed linens, clothing, and furniture.
• Latex condoms considered to be effective against scabies transmission.
• Limiting the number of intimate and sexual contacts.