Scabies is an ectoparasitic infection caused by ‘Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis’.  It is a highly contagious skin disease. These bugs travel from person to person and can live on any surfaces for 3-4 days without being on any human.

These parasitic mites burrow tunnels under the top layer of the skin to live and feed, where adult female mites lay eggs which can be seen in the form of small bumps. These eggs later hatch and grow into adult mites in 1-2 weeks

These eruptions can have a peculiar appearance and distribution. Anyone can get scabies at any age.

Who gets Scabies?

• Over-populated places
• People with unhygienic habits
• Immunodeficient patients
• Inadequate diet
• Poverty

Causes

• As mentioned above scabies is caused by a parasite but this infection is transmissible to others through close body contact and foamites.eg- (clothes, towels)

Signs and symptoms 

• Generalised and intense itching which worsens at night.
• Rashes, red or skin colored in the form of bumps, papules, crusts, nodules can be spotted on buttocks, armpits, etc
• Burrows in the form of linear or thread like tracks may be seen in between the fingers and toes, soles, umbilicus, bend of wrists and knees etc
• Itching may remain even after the course is completed but eventually that too decreases.

Treatments

• All family members should get themselves checked for scabies.
• Wash and clean your bed linens, clothes, towels, sheets, etc in hot water and dry them
• Other clothing’s may need aeration.
• Chip your nails regularly and avoid scratching the rashes.
• Oral antiparasitic drugs are advised.
• Topical application of scabicide cream and lotions are required in all cases as a first line therapy. The cream is applied to your whole body below your head, including the hands, palms, and soles of the feet.
• Anti-histamines are prescribed for itching .
• Scabies usually has a good prognosis if the patient has satisfactory compliance.