Scabies Information Including Causes, Treatment And Misconceptions
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It is a skin condition that results in very itchy skin and can be easily spread. There are unfortunate misconceptions regarding this condition, as it can be contracted by anyone. Often several family members will be affected by scabies at the same time due to their close living situation and sharing of particular items.
A couple of other names for this condition are the itch and sarcoptic mange. This particular skin infection has a parasite involved. The parasite is a mite by the name of sarcoptes scabiei or itch mite. It is not only found in humans, but can be present in animals as well, and in dogs and cats is called the mange.
This condition can affect anyone that has come in contact with a person that has it, or if a personal item has been shared with infected persons. It can also be spread by using keyboards, toilets, bed sheets and towels. There is a large misconception that contracting this condition means a person is not clean, and this is not true. Transmission of mites happens quite easily between people and objects.
Symptoms related are intense itching from the mite burrowing into the skin and depositing eggs in the burrows. The mites will also continually move around and this too will increase the itchy feelings. Rashes are often present, and on later diagnosis of this condition, the zigzag symbols of actual burrows can be seen.
The eggs placed by the female hatch somewhere between three and ten days later, these mites then begin to move also. The appearance of the allergic reaction on the skin is related to the fecal matter left by the mites and not by the intense itching created by them moving. Adult mites can survive up to four weeks inside the skin of the host.
Oral antiparasitic medications are often used to rid the person of mites. There are also a variety of topical treatments available as well including sulphur, permethrin, and lindane lotion to name a few. There is currently no vaccine available for this condition, so the main goal is simply prevention.
Once an infestation has occurred, it is necessary to prevent further transmission and to treat infested belongings. Bedding and furniture must be treated with some type of antiparasitic spray. Permethrin is used in many forms of insecticides on the market. All clothing and bedding should be washed in hot water and dried on a high setting; this should be done daily and not allow piles of clothing to accumulate. Bathrooms, especially tubs and showers need to be cleaned every day. All carpet and rugs must be vacuumed thoroughly.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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