Scabies causes itching and rashes. It increases especially in the fall and winter seasons and can be highly contagious. Scabies, which occurs when the sarcoptes scabiei von hominis mite, which is very common in the world, settles on the upper part of the skin, causes itching due to the mite opening tunnels in the skin and progressing. The discomfort, which causes itching at night, causes a rash and wound formation when left untreated. Scabies can be seen in every person, regardless of individual cleanliness. Scabies, which spreads very easily in common areas, is transmitted from person to person, except for pets such as cats and dogs. Scabies transmitted from person to person must be treated.
Scabies, medically called scabies, is an infectious skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei von hominis, also known as the scabies bug. It is 0.3 to 0.5 mm in size, invisible to the eye, and the scabies caused by the mite occurs when the mite enters the skin. They tunnel through the upper layer of the skin and survive for about 4 to 8 weeks. But during this time, they lay their eggs and feces in the tunnels they have opened. This causes a reaction in the skin and causes severe itching. If left untreated, it can cause rashes, sores and various infections. The mites, which multiply with the eggs they lay, continue their life for 1-2 days outside the person's body. Therefore, the likelihood of transmission from individual to individual is quite high in parts that live collectively.
How is scabies transmitted?
Scabies is a very simple disease. The likelihood of the disease occurring increases in the fall and winter seasons. Scabies, which is very common in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and common areas, is also known as sarcoptes scabiei von hominis mite, which is popularly known as scabies bug. This disease is usually transmitted within family members. Since the way the disease is transmitted can be through skin-to-skin contact, the beds, sheets, towels and clothes that are used in common also carry this disease. The reason for this is that the mite survives outside the person's body for up to 48 hours. Although it is believed that scabies, which occurs in individuals of all ages and genders, occurs in people who do not pay attention to personal hygiene, this is not true. Scabies is not directly related to personal hygiene. When a scabies mite infects an individual in good health, they can enter under the skin, tunnel under the skin and reproduce rapidly. It takes between 2 and 6 weeks for the first symptoms to appear, but even within this time, this disease can be transmitted from person to person.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
Scabies is a parasitic disease. In general, it causes itching in the wrist, elbow, armpit area, chest, waist, buttocks, genital area, between fingers and toes. In children, itching may also occur behind the ear, on the face, palms and soles of the feet. The tunnels made by the mites can be seen with the naked eye on the surface of the skin. This disease, which causes intense itching that reduces the individual's standard of living, also causes the formation of various skin infections due to the damage caused by itching. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to consult a specialist in the presence of the following symptoms;
- Intense itching at night time
- Discoloration of the upper layer of the skin
- Itching that increases with hot bathing
- Dirt accumulation in the upper area of tunnels caused by mites
- Lesions with fluid in the upper layer of the skin
- Redness and rash
How is scabies diagnosed?
For the diagnosis of scabies, which is experienced by people of all age groups around the world, the specialist takes the anamnesis of the sick person and then performs a physical check. Usually, the symptoms caused by the scabies mite are sufficient for diagnosis, but in some cases, the specialist may also recommend taking a tissue sample and performing a laboratory test. Once an individual has been diagnosed with scabies, the specialist may invite family members for a check-up, even if they do not show symptoms of the disease. The reason for this is that there is a high risk of transmission of the disease to individuals living in the same environment and it takes 2 to 6 weeks for the first symptoms to appear after the scabies disease has passed.
How is scabies treated?
After the diagnosis of scabies, the specialist generally applies a treatment process consisting of creams and lotions. These creams and lotions are applied to the whole skin from the neck area downwards at night when the itching intensifies. The person should take a shower in the morning. In some cases, the specialist may prescribe additional medication to reduce itching and other symptoms in combination with oral medication. It is very important to take the medication as and when prescribed by the specialist to ensure that the treatment is effective.