Scabies

What is Scabies?

Scabies is a contagious disease seen all over the world. Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis” mite and whose entire life cycle is in humans, the scabies virus becomes a mature parasite in 10-15 days, while its life span is 1-2 months. A total of 10-15 parasites are seen in an infected person. Scabies virus can survive for 2-3 days outside the human body on bedding, quilts and clothes. In Liv Hospital Dermatology Clinic, the diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment of scabies is performed by specialist physicians.
 

What Causes Scabies?

The disease can peak every 15-25 years in some regions. The spread of the virus is caused by wars, overcrowding, immigration, malnutrition, poor hygiene, homelessness and dementia. It is more common in crowded environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, child care homes, military barracks and prisons.
The disease spreads more easily between people who wear the same clothes, share the same bed or the same towel. It manifests itself with severe itching, mostly at night.
 

Does Scabies Transmit from Animal to Human?

Scabies is not transmitted from animals such as cats and dogs to humans.
 

When Do Scabies Symptoms Occur?

When a person is first infected with the parasite, symptoms may not appear for the first 2-6 weeks. However, these people can still transmit the disease to their environment. If a person has had scabies before, signs of the disease can be seen earlier in the second infection. The disease, which causes intense itching, may also cause the development of secondary skin infections due to skin irritations.
 

How is Scabies Transmitted?

Transmission occurs by close contact lasting 15-20 minutes. It is seen initially between the fingers, then on the lateral surfaces of the fingers, flexor surfaces of the wrists and elbows, and on the anterior surfaces of the axillary folds. Other favorite places are; genital area, breast areolas, hips, belly and waist circumference.
In infants and young children, it is found on the face, scalp, palmoplantar areas, legs and buttocks.
 

How Should It Be After Scabies Treatment?

All clothes, sheets and towels that are removed on the morning of the treatment should be washed and dried by boiling or at high temperature (at least 60°C). Items that cannot be washed at high temperatures should be kept airtight for at least 10 days and then washed. Treatment should be given to people living in the same house with the infected person, partners, especially those who have long-term direct skin contact. All individuals should be treated at the same time to prevent re-infection.
Since the symptoms of scabies are due to a hypersensitivity reaction to the parasite and its feces, itching may continue for 2-4 weeks after treatment, even if all parasites and eggs are cleared. If new lesions appear with itching, retreatment is given if necessary, after microscopic examination with dermoscopy or scraping sample.