Photo : TDM
Scabies is a highly contagious, itchy skin condition caused by a mite, namely, Sarcoptes scabiei. This skin condition is common and found around the world. The disease causes a red rash on the skin as the mites nest in the outer layers of the skin. That said, the early symptoms of scabies can appear as another skin condition like acne. However, in the case of scabies, the itching is intense and relentless. Although it is highly contagious and causes a lot of itching, current scabies treatments are effective in eliminating both the mites and the eggs. So, once you identify the skin condition, you can get treatment quickly. Here's what you need to know about scabies causes, treatment, symptoms and prevention.
> What is scabies?
It is a skin infestation caused by scabies mites. Since it is an infection, it is not correct to call it a scabies infection. Instead, the disease may be called a scabies infestation. Simply put, humans have an allergic reaction to skin mites, their eggs, and their waste. Treatment is aimed at reversing the effects of mite infestation.
> Types of scabies
1. Common scabies
The mite is spread from person to person through close contact and usually causes an itchy, red rash. In severe cases, the inflammation can cover most of the body. Scabies is more common in crowded or close quarters, such as nursing homes, dormitories, and childcare facilities. It can also be passed through sexual contact. Your doctor will probably prescribe a cream or lotion to kill the mites. The cream is usually applied from the neck to the entire body and left on for 8 to 14 hours. Then it is washed off. People in your family who are in close contact with you should also be treated.
2. Nodular scabies
Nodular scabies is a type of scabies characterized by the presence of nodules or bumps on the skin. These nodules are caused by mites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs. Nodular scabies is more serious than simple scabies and can be very uncomfortable. It is important to see a doctor if you think you have nodular scabies so that you can get the right treatment.
3. Norwegian scabies
Norwegian scabies is a form of scabies that is more severe than conventional scabies. It is caused by the same mites that cause traditional scabies but is more resistant to treatment. Norwegian scabies can cause a wide range of symptoms, including intense itching, rashes, and blisters. It can also be a secondary infection. Norwegian scabies often occurs in people who are immunocompromised or who have other health conditions that make them more susceptible to infection. Infections can be classified into 3 types: simple, nodular, and Norwegian. Among these, Norwegian or crusted scabies is a complication that can occur in people with compromised or weakened immune systems. Norwegian scabies look different because the thick crust of skin contains a large number of mites and eggs.
> Causes of Scabies
The infection is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. Hominis, the human itch mite. This mite is less than 0.5 mm long and a typical scabies person carries only 10-15 mites at a time. Although you may be able to see a tiny black dot with the naked eye, a microscope can reveal mites, eggs, and waste material. Burrows can be seen without a microscope as raised, faded lines. The female mite lays about 10/25 eggs inside a burrowCommon places where scabies mites live include:* the area between the fingers * the armpits * the inside of the elbows, wrists or knees * the area around the waist or belt-line * the area around the breasts and genitals * the buttocks * the scalp, neck, face, palms and children , young children, the elderly and the immunocompromised.
> Symptoms of scabies
The most common symptom of scabies is severe itching, often worse at night. Other symptoms of scabies may include small blisters or rashes, thin patches on the skin, and crusting and scaling of the skin. Scabies is usually spread through close physical contact, such as skin-to-skin contact or sharing clothing or bedding. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, or towels. Scabies is a skin condition caused by mange mites. These mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs, which can cause intense itching and burning. Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms of scabies include* severe itching * burning * red spots on the skin * thickening of the skin * blisters * sores
Scabies symptoms may take 4 to 8 weeks to develop in a person who has never been exposed to the infection. Remember that during this time, an infected person can spread scabies which means that even if these symptoms appear later, other people around them are at risk. In a previously infected person, symptoms appear within a few days, usually 1 to 4 days.
The most common symptoms are intense itching and a rash. Due to increased mite activity, itching often worsens at night. The rash can appear on different parts of the body and in common places such as between the fingers and around the male genitalia. Severe scratching can break the skin and cause sores, a bacterial infection, as in impetigo. The second symptom is small, track-like holes in the skin. The female itch mite creates these tunnels and they can appear as raised, discolored lines or small bumps and blisters. You can find burrows in common sites where mites live.
> How does scabies spread?
Scabies infestations are spread when mites are passed from person to person. Mites only crawl, very slowly, and cannot jump or fly. A common mode of spread is prolonged skin-to-skin contact. You usually don't get sick with a quick handshake. But it can spread through objects used by an infected person, such as clothes or towels. But it is more common in case of crusted scabiesYou can't get it from a pet, even if pets get scabies (mange), because the mites are different between pets and people.
> How it spreads
* Usually the disease is spread by sleeping in the same bed or in close company, using the same clothes or towels.
* The disease can spread even if you shake hands with an infected person. Due to this, outbreaks of the disease occur together in many people in the same family, school, hostel.
> Complications of scabies
Scabies complications include skin infections, secondary bacterial infections, and allergic reactions. Scabies can also spread to other parts of the body such as hair and nails.Scabies has several potential complications, including:* Secondary skin infection: A break in the skin caused by scratching can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection* Discomfort and itching:
Scabies can be extremely itchy and cause a lot of discomfort* Spread of infection: Scabies is extremelyContagious and can easily spread to others through close contact.
> Homeo Solution
Our skin or skin is the largest organ in our body. Skin protects us from various chemicals, harmful waves, diseases. Maintains the internal heat balance of our body. Skin is the most sensitive part of our body. So different skin diseases - itching, eczema, ringworm appear in our body at different times due to different reasons. Studies have revealed that about 20% to 30% of the population is affected by some skin disease. Only homeopathy medicine can cure this skin disease permanently. Here are the primary medicines for scabies that may come across the symptoms: Psorinum, Echinacea, Meserium.
Anthracoccal, arsenic elb, sulphurlow, belia, syphilinum, rust tox, etc. can come on many other medicine symptoms. So take the advice of an experienced doctor without using the medicine yourself. Recently many famous homeo doctors have come out, they treat scabies patients with patent tonics, ointments, creams. Dr. them. Hahnemann is called Shankar type of homeopath. Patients should remember—scabies is not a common skin disease, so consult an experienced physician for proper treatment.
> Warning
Scabies is very itchy. But due to excessive itching, many people peel off the skin in different places. Due to which bacteria get opportunity to do various infections in those places. Be very aware of this.
Finally, the best way to prevent scabies is to avoid skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Situations to avoid include: * Sexual activity * Prolonged stay in crowded places * Sending your child to a daycare center
It is also recommended that you avoid infected objects. Note that the mite can survive on the human body for only 2-4 days and is killed by exposure to 50°C for 10 minutes. So, washing and drying bedding, clothing, etc. is a good way to prevent vacuumingAnd staying clean and avoiding contact with the infected person. The infected person should be treated. Other family members who share the same bed, towels and clothes with the infected person and stay in close association should be treated whether they have symptoms of the disease or not. The clothes should be boiled and washed and the mattress should be put in the sun. Therefore, it is better to take remedies in the early stages to prevent these diseases. Otherwise, complications increase.
Writer, physician, columnist and researcher, Founder Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society
TDM/SD
