Scabies in children
- By:groshan fabiola
Scabies is a contagious health problem caused by the microscopic organisms called Sarcoptes scabei which affect the skin. These parasitic mites lead to skin irritation and terrible itchiness. Most of the people consider scabies a problem caused by poor hygiene. The reality is not always this. Scabies commonly affect children that are part of different social classes.
After you got in contact with a person with scabies it will take more than 4 weeks for a rash to develop. When developing, the rash appears as little red bumps or nodules such as pimples. These irritations occur on the webbing between children’s fingers or toes, on the inner part of their wrist, under their arms, on their elbows, knees and along the belt line. The rash may also appear as short or s shaped lines or even as sores that may be caused of a secondary bacterial infection.
One of the most common symptoms caused by scabies is the intense itchiness. This common symptom is getting more intense during the night. Even so after a period of a few weeks the itchiness eases.
A diagnosis for scabies is not easy to set. Because of the small dimensions of the mites a microscopic exam is recommended. The procedure consists of the appliance of a drop of mineral oil on a burrow. Afterwards the doctor takes a scraping and looks at it under the microscope to search for the scabies mites or their eggs. This procedure is not always necessary because doctors can set the diagnosis by the pattern of symptoms.
Another way of seeing the diagnosis is the ink test. It involves placing ink on a burrow followed by wiping it. If some ink remains down inside the burrow than it is a problem.
In many cases children scabies is mistaken with other skin infections. The problem in setting the right diagnosis is caused by the child’s itching that usually ruins the burrows, the most characteristic parts of the rash.
A medical check is recommended if children have intensely itchy rash but especially when other members of the family develop the same symptoms. It is well to know that the time needed for the rash to develop is more than 4 weeks and can sometimes take up to 6 weeks so the members of the family may not have the same symptoms in the same time.
The most common treatment for scabies involves 5 % permethrin cream or lotion. This is the most recommended being the most effective treatment for scabies. Other treatments such as lindane or crotamitone might help.About the author:
For more resources on different scabies related issues like causes of scabies, scabies rash, scabies natural treatments and many more visit http://www.scabies-center.com/ .