QUESTION: Would you please discuss scabies as much as possible? What is it, Is it a venereal disease, where does it come from and what treatments can be used? There are several people in our community who need these answers very badly. ANSWERS: I can understand your need, so here goes.
Scabies is a skin disease caused by a tiny "itch mite" (Sarcoptes scabiei) that has plagued mankind for centuries.
Scabies outbreaks occur when crowded conditions exist, since the disease is highly contagious and passes easily from one infected person to the next.
While sexual transmission is common, it is not the only method, since even simple hand holding games in children can be enough to spread the condition.
Sharing clothing, towels or sleeping in the same bed are other means of transmission.
When the male and female mite mate on the surface of the skin, the female mite then burrows into the surface layer of the skin to lay her eggs.
the eggs develop into larvae, return to the skin surface, become mature mites and the whole cycle starts again.
Little burrows can be seen under the skin, along with a red, very itchy rash, which seems to become worse at night.
Frequently your physician may take a painless scraping of your skin, to examine under the skin to make the diagnosis.
Fortunately, effective medications are available containing lindane (Kwell) which can eradicate the mite, although the itch may continue for several weeks.
Careful personal hygiene is a must, as the scabies can recur and the body does not develop an immunity to them.
Check with your doctor to confirm your diagnosis and get the prescription for your medication.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
