Scabies

Definition of Scabies

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the scabies mite. It often causes intense itchiness.

What is going on in the body?

The scabies mite, or Sarcoptes scabiei, is specific to humans and spread by skin-to-skin contact. The mites live just below the skin's surface in an infected person. Generally, with the first episode of scabies, itching and skin lesions begin 1 to 1 1/2 months after infection.

With reinfestation, symptoms often begin immediately. Scabies symptoms may continue for weeks or months prior to diagnosis and can continue for years if left untreated.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms of scabies include the following:

• itchy bumps in characteristic locations such as between fingers, on the wrists, or on the genitals
• generalized itching
• tiny burrow lines on the scaly, itchy areas of the hands and wrists

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Scabies is caused when the mites get onto a person's skin. Children under the age of 2 years are at high risk for scabies, as are their mothers. Scabies is frequently spread by sexual contact. Soldiers, residents of nursing homes, and prison inmates in crowded conditions can also contract scabies readily.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Since scabies is spread by skin-to-skin contact, avoiding direct contact with infected people who have not been treated is the only prevention.

How is the condition diagnosed?

A healthcare professional can generally diagnose scabies with a medical history and physical examination. In some cases, the professional may do a simple test to check for the mites or their eggs. A drop of mineral oil is placed on the skin lesion, and the surface of the lesion is scraped with a scalpel. The scraping is checked under a microscope to see if the mites or their eggs are present.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

There are no long-term effects after a scabies infestation has been effectively treated.

What are the risks to others?

Scabies is contagious and can be passed from one person to another through direct contact.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Scabies is treated by applying permethrin cream (i.e., Elimite, Acticin) or lindane lotion (i.e., Kwell, Scabene) to the skin. Other medications include crotamiton (i.e., Eurax) and sulfur ointments (i.e., Plexion, Rosac, Rosanil, Rosula, Sulfacet-R). Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (i.e., Benadryl), may be used to relieve itching.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Infants and children with a prior history of seizures have been known to have a seizure when lindane is used. Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the lotions and creams used to treat scabies. Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness or dry mouth.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

In general, symptoms of scabies are quickly relieved. Sometimes the skin irritation can continue. Occasionally, an individual may develop a secondary bacterial infection or skin inflammation that requires treatment.

People who have been in close contact with the infected person, such as family members, baby-sitters, or sexual partners, should also be treated for scabies.

How is the condition monitored?

Any signs of infection, or other new or worsening symptoms, should be reported to the healthcare professional.

The consumer health information on Activeforever.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen.