Scabies

Scabies is caused by an invisible to the naked eye parasite, called sarcoptic mite. It fits under the skin of infected individuals, moves into small grooves which are visible to the naked eye. The mite female lays her fertilized eggs (on average two eggs a day) in the surface layer of the skin. The spread of scabies is favored by life in community (nursing homes, barracks, boarding schools, kindergartens, schools). Scabies can be transmitted by contact with contaminated laundry, including bedding (infection of healthcare workers, infestation by sleeping in sheets or blankets contaminated in a shelter for example).

Transmission of scabies usually requires close and prolonged contact. It is often considered a sexually transmitted disease. Incubation of scabies is two to three weeks.

Scabies disease evolution

Superinfected scabies is a bacterial infection (staphylococcus, streptococcus) in areas of pruritus election. Norwegian scabies is a clinical form of parasitic infection that occurs in patients with compromised immune systems (HIV, organ transplant). The mite has a very significant increase and contagiousness is obviously very important.

Depending on its location, scabies itching may evoke other diagnoses:

Anal itching: intestinal parasitosis;
Pruritus vulvae: vulvovaginitis;
Itching of scalp pediculosis (lice).

Scabies symptoms

After several weeks of incubation, intense itching occur anywhere on the body (except face), especially at night. Tiny furrows a few millimeters in length (corresponding to the growth of the parasite under the skin) appear between the fingers, wrists and ankles, as well as buttons to the armpits, nipples, buttocks and genitals (related to egg laying that causes an allergic reaction).

Scabies consultation

The doctor must search for specific signs of scabies. He will look for paths present in areas of pruritus, beaded vesicles (fluid), scabious cankers (glans and the penis sheath) and scabious nodules. The doctor, by questioning and clinical examination, will also seek and treat other sexually transmitted diseases.

Scabies causes

Scabies is an infection caused by a parasitic mite. This condition is very common and cosmopolitan. The number of new cases has decreased since 1985. The female mite digs a tunnel in the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and lays her eggs. The saliva of the parasite causes severe itching.

Scabies pictures

Scabies treatment

It will involve the affected individual and his entourage, even in the absence of symptoms.
In cases of scabies occurring in adults:

External Pest Control: After a soap shower (stripping of the stratum corneum of the skin making it accessible to the parasite treatment), patients apply the lotion to brush over the surface of the body except the face and scalp. Take a shower 24 hours later and change underwear. Itching may persist usually a few days after treatment;
Disinfect clothes by boiling. Sprinkle on the bed. In cases of secondary bacterial infection of excoriations, the oral antibiotics and local disinfection are essential.

Is there a treatment for scabies?

There are lotions, creams and shampoos that are effective. We must put on clean clothes immediately after treatment. To prevent recontamination, soiled clothing, as well as sheets and towels should be washed immediately to 55 ° C for at least 20 minutes. We must also repeat the treatment 7 days later to cover the period between egg laying and hatching, as no product is completely effective in killing eggs. It is unnecessary to shave the hair. Aerosols can also be used on contaminated objects (couch, carpet, mattresses, toiletries, etc..). It is normal for the itching to persist for several days even after successful treatment. However, if it persists more than a month after treatment, the pacient must return to her doctor.

What are the causes of Scabies treatment failure?

The incomplete treatment of all hairy parts of the body;
Non-treatment of persons with whom the pacient has had close contact;
The second application 7 days later;
Failure mode of application of product used;
The environmental measures are not implemented (washing clothes and bedding).

Scabies itching and scabies face

The groove that houses the mites can often be detected. The doctor put a drop of mineral oil and lightly scratching the skin to obtain a sample of scales. The mites or their eggs or feces are then visible under a microscope. When the furrows are difficult to collect, the doctor applies to the skin a special blue or black ink. Much ink is absorbed by a blotter and only the grooves retain the color. Wood's light is another useful diagnostic tool. The doctor uses a special antibiotic solution on the skin, after which he wipes. Ultraviolet light of this, which is located in a narrow band of wavelengths, allows the physician to directly observe the paths of mites.

Who is likely to catch scabies?

Everyone is likely to be infested, adult and child.

How do people with scabies prevent transmission?

Any sexual partner, even if he or she has no symptoms, should be treated. You should avoid sharing the same underwear, clothing and towels.