Scabies is a condition when a person is bitten by a mite called Sarcoptes Scabiei that may result to allergic reactions. These mites are oval but flattened in shape, with 8 legs and transverse corrugations. They are so tiny that can only be seen through a microscope. Once they have tunneled through the outer layer of the skin, scabies rash is then experienced from a small dot which can cause severe itching and discomfort.

Scabies is acquired through skin to skin contact with an infected person. It does not choose particular age group, race, gender or class. It is often found on beddings, furnishings and usually widely spread in institutions and areas with crowded people like hospitals and nursing homes. A simple handshake or a kiss on the forehead with an infected person can transfer the mite to another person. This particular mite can thrive long on a human body. After the mites mate, the male dies and the female lay her eggs or mite faeces on the skin of the host. The breeding ground’s usual affected areas are the cracks between toes and fingers, penis, buttocks, forearms, elbows, groin and at the back of the knees. The eggs will develop within 2 to 4 weeks before it becomes adult mites. A person can be infected by mites a couple of times.
Scabies rash looks like pimples or red bumps which can be very itchy at night. In children below 2 years old, it may manifest in a pustule or blister. People with very poor immune system can manifest worse symptoms like scaling and thickening of the affected area. This kind of scabies is the most difficult to treat as it may contain millions of mites. The patient may have little itch so is usually misdiagnosed to other skin conditions. While scabies rarely affect the head and the scalp, scaling or Norwegian scabies as it is commonly called are usually seen on the scalp.

Sometimes scabies can be mistaken with conditions like impetigo or ringworm as symptoms may be similar to each other. One way to find out what mite causes the allergy is through a medical instrument. Dermoscopy allows doctor to see what’s in the deep surface of the skin through removal of surface reflections. It is now considered the most accurate way to establish the identity of mites and comes with it better diagnosis.
There is various scabies treatment available. Insecticides with 25% Benzyl benzoate may be applied daily for three days, 5% Permethrin cream which is considered the safest even to small children can be applied best at bedtime from 8 to 10 hours and 0% Aqueous malathion lotion must be left on for the whole day. Some medications are not anymore recommended since they have been tested to be toxic and may irritate the skin.

When there is suspicion of this kind of skin condition, remember to always consult a doctor before treating oneself. Follow the proper application of the cream or lotion prescribed and make sure to cover every inch of the affected area. Still, prevention is the best cure to any disease, so maintain proper hygiene, avoid frequenting overly crowded places, keep out from infected persons and most of all eradicate mites in the home.