Comprehensive Guide to Recognizing and Treating Scabies

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It leads to intense itching, especially at night, and spreads easily through close contact. The tiny mites burrow into the skin, creating small holes, but cannot jump or fly. They survive in temperatures below 20°C, making environmental control challenging. Detection relies on visual signs like rashes and burrows, often seen on fingers, wrists, and other body folds. Over 300 million cases occur annually worldwide, affecting all ages, genders, and races. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent spread.

Transmission primarily occurs through skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity or close family interactions. While casual contact like handshakes offers minimal risk, contact with infected individuals increases vulnerability. Symptoms include a rash with red bumps, blisters, or bumps containing blood crusts, often appearing between fingers, on elbows, wrists, buttocks, genitals, and soles of feet. Infants and children are more susceptible in areas like the face, neck, palms, and head. These symptoms may take weeks to develop but can cause severe itching, worsening overnight. Identifying these signs early can lead to appropriate medical intervention.

Other signs include tiny threadlike burrows, visible as thin red or brown lines. Itching can be relentless, affecting sleep and daily life. Treatment typically involves prescription medications like permethrin cream applied overnight for a week, or oral drugs such as Ivermectin. Alternative treatments include Crotamiton lotion and sulfur-based compounds. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting therapy. Relief usually begins within a week to two weeks, but persistent symptoms should prompt further medical evaluation.