What Is Scabies? Learn About Its Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Since scabies is very contagious, doctors also recommend treatment for other people coming into contact with its patient.
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What Is Scabies? Learn About Its Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Have you ever had skin itching? In the summer season, itching is often accompanied by a rash and severe burning sensation in the skin. Many times this problem happens to one member of the house, and the other members also begin to suffer. The first rains exacerbate this problem after summer. Skin rash and itching problem can also be Khaj or Scabies. Scabies problem is widespread in summer. Usually, when a member of the household is in contact, he or she also gets in touch with other members. Here we are giving information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of scabies.

What is scabies?

  • Scabies is an infection in the skin. The cause of this infection is because of a mite named Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are very microscopic. If left untreated, these microbes may persist for months on the skin. They fertilize the eggs, and while on the skin, they pierce the skin and lay eggs in the same hole. Later, it causes skin itching and rash.
  • According to a study, 13% to 59% of India's urban and rural areas have scabies. Scabies is a highly contagious disease. It can spread very quickly by coming into contact with the skin. But it is not a disease spread by sex. 
  • Infection of scabies mites can also occur through the use of clothes and bedding. It does not require close or intimate contact at all. The problem of scabies can be excruciating. But medical science has effective treatment for it. Treatment often includes drugs that kill scabies/scabies mites and their eggs. 
scabies

Scabies Symptoms

After the onset of scabies problem, it may take up to six weeks for severe symptoms to appear. Signs usually develop more quickly in people who have had itching problems before. Hallmark symptoms of scabies include a red rash and severe itching. This problem increases further at night. Continuous scratching or itching in the infected area can cause sores. These wounds further aggravate the infection. If this happens, additional treatment may also be taken with antibiotics to prevent skin infection. Children or older people usually have scabies problem in the following organs: 

  • Wrist 
  • Elbow
  • Armpit

  • Nipple
  • Waist
  • Middle finger
skin infection

Sometimes very young or newborn children/immunocompromised in the house also get scabies disease. Symptoms can also be seen in the following organs of these children.

  • Head
  • Face
  • Neck
  • Soles of feet

Scabies rashes include small cut marks, rashes or hives, swelling of the skin or pimples. Apart from this, the skin can also be seen many times with the movement of mites. They are very short and colourless.

Causes Of Scabies

The problem of scabies is due to infection from microscopic, eight-legged mites. These parasites are so small that they can barely be seen with the eyes on the skin. But even after that, you can see its effect. These mites live on the upper layer of the skin and receive food. Female insects lay eggs on the skin. The skin reacts to the faeces of these eggs and ticks. As a result, red rash and rashes start appearing on the skin. These mites are easily transferred between people. They spread among people due to exposure to the affected skin. Scabies mites are available in other mediums, such as: 

skin infection

  • Furniture
  • Clothing 
  • Bed

Treatment of scabies

For the treatment of scabies, doctors mostly recommend applying the cream, lotion or ointment on the skin. Oral medicine is also available for its treatment. Doctors recommend using these ointments only at night when the mites are most active. This medicine should be washed and removed in the morning. In most cases, applying lotions shows benefit within seven days.

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