Scabies Rash

Scabies rash

        Scabies is a skin disease most common in North America and it is experiencing a resurgence in recent years. It is caused by a parasite called scabies. It lives and feeds on the superficial layer of the skin by digging furrows along which the female lays her eggs.

How is scabies rash transmitted?

        Scabies is spread the same way as crabs, often during sex but no penetration is necessary for its transmission. It can also spread quickly in closed environments such as nurseries, schools and shelters.

What is the life cycle of scabies rash ?

        The female scabies is attracted by the warmth of the host potential. It penetrates the skin settles and begins to lay her eggs, about 1 to 3 per day. The presence of these eggs produced inflammatory effect similar to an allergic reaction, which explains the intense itching that accompanies this infection. The eggs hatch, producing larvent which, once mature, perpetuates the cycle. Without proper treatment, a female can procreate for five weeks.

Scabies rash pictures

How HIV / AIDS affects scabies?

        In people with HIV / AIDS, this infection is very frequent, symptoms are often atypical, sometimes making the diagnosis and treatment difficult.

How is scabies rash diagnosed?

        The diagnosis of scabies usually arises with classic symptoms and the presence of characteristic lesions on the skin. The diagnosis of scabies is sometimes hampered by its outward signs and diffuse the resemblance of its symptoms with those of eczema. This is why doctors often establishes a diagnosis based on history reported by the patient and treatment provides the desired confirmation. A drop of oil can also be applied to the surface of a suspicious lesion to remove a sample which is transposed to a glass slide. Microscopic analysis then reveals the presence of the parasite's eggs or feces. Your doctor may also use a technique called "ink test" by drawing a line with a marker on a suspicious lesion. If it is a groove, the ink will penetrate, thus confirming the diagnosis of scabies. When scabies is diagnosed as having been transmitted through sexual intercourse, it is recommended to conduct a full screening for STIs.