Scabies is disease which affect the skin and it’s caused by a microscopic mite named Sarcoptes scabei. Even its name can tell a lot about this skin condition, and this one is derived from the Latin “scabere” which means “scratch”. Mites are tiny eight-legged parasites which dig hols in our skin and borrow themselves, making us scraping like hell. This kind of parasites can’t be saw with the naked eye.
As we can see the main cause is the mites which dig themselves under the skin. The icy sensation is more wildly spread then then mites. This condition is a contagious one and can be easily contracted by physical contact or wearing infected clothes. It last almost 6 weeks to feel any symptoms after contamination. The itching sensation is more severe at night then day and the most affected are the hands, the waist and the abdomen.
The symptoms are:
- Intense itching
- Pimple-like irritations
- Sores caused through scratching
The treatment is made by lotions which contain lindane, crotamiton and permethrin. This lotions can be bought with a prescription after the specialists is consulted. The lotions must be used on the entire body except the head and neck. Don’t forget about your family because it’s highly possible the wear the parasite even if they don’t have any symptoms. At this moment the best lotion is Permethrin because of its safety and its compatibility with the skin. After application the lotion should be left at least 8 hours. When it comes to infants the risk of skin irritation is higher and the lotion should be diluted with water.
Scabies is a disease which doesn’t discriminate its victims and attack everyone. Its contagious behavior is well know from the cases when entire school classes has been affected. Scabies is a skin condition worldwide spread and most often encountered in poor countries. Today’s isn’t a big issues for the rich country when the hygiene is high but when it comes to the third world this parasite is a big problem.