scabies rash symptoms treatment pictures


What is scabies?

Scabies is a transmissible, ectoparasite, skin infection. It is characterized by superficial burrows, intense pruritus (itching), and secondary infection. The word 'scabies' is Latin for 'itch'.

Causes of scabies.

The causes of scabies comes from the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, variety hominis. It produces intense, itchy skin rashes. This occurs when the impregnated female tunnels into the stratum corneum of the skin and deposits eggs in the burrow. The larvae, which hatch in 3-10 days, move around on the skin, molt into a "nymphal" stage, and mature into adult mites. The adult mites live 3-4 weeks in the host's skin.

The motion of the mite, in and on the skin, produces an intense itch. This resembles an allergic reaction, in appearance. The presence, of the eggs, produces a massive allergic response which produces more itching.

Scabies is transmitted readily. Often, it moves through an entire household. This occurs due to prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person (e.g. bed partners). Therefore, it is sometimes classed as a sexually transmitted disease. Less frequently, it spreads from clothing, bedding, or towels.

Scabies rash symptoms.

30-40 days after infestation, a delayed hypersensitivity (allergic) response results in a papular eruption (red, elevated area on skin). Out of hundreds of papules, less than 10 burrows are typically found. The burrow appears as a fine, wavy, and slightly scaly line. It is a few millimeters, to one centimeter, long.

A tiny mite (0.3 - 0.4mm) is sometimes seen at the end of the burrow. Most burrows occur:
  • in the webs of fingers,
  • in the flexing surfaces of the wrists,
  • around elbows and armpits,
  • the areolae of the breasts in females and on genitals of males,
  • along the belt line, and
  • on the lower buttocks.
The face is usually not involved, in adults.

There is a chance the rash becomes secondarily infected. Sometimes, scratching the rash breaks the skin. It makes secondary infection more likely. In persons with severely reduced immunity (e.g. due to HIV infection, or treatment with immunosuppressive drugs like steroids) a widespread rash, with thick scaling, may result. This variety of scabies is called Norwegian scabies.

Scabies diagnoses, treatment, pictures, and outbreak.

Read additional information on scabies covering diagnosis, treatement, outbreak, and pictures.



Copyright © 2002-2008 www.grmlbrowser.com. All Rights Reserved.
Xanga Myspace LiveJournal | free pics images | free My space Backrounds
Myspace Backgrounds -> Mini-sites