General talk about scabies
- By:groshan fabiola
Scabies is a health problem caused by Sarcoptes scabei. Sarcoptes scabei is a small arachnid mite that causes a parasitic skin infestation. These mites have very small dimensions about 0.3 to 0.45 mm. Because of their size these mites can not be seen with the naked eye.
The main cause of scabies is the fact that it is very contagious. This health problem spreads rapidly and may affect all kinds of people from children to the older ones and from any social class. Some people believe that scabies is a problem caused by poor hygiene. This is not always true. It is well known that scabies spreads rapidly after a skin to skin contact or even after touching a contaminated surface. That is why some people opinion about scabies being a poor hygiene problem is not to believe.
In order to avoid scabies it is recommended not to share your clothes or any other personal items with an infected person.
It is also known that the scabies mite can not survive off the human body for more than 72 hours. The minimum time of survival off the skin is 24 hours.
Besides the ways of spreading scabies we have to mention the most common breeding environments. Scabies easily develops in overcrowded living conditions, in schools, families, roommates, sexual partners, nursing homes or any other centers.
Scabies cause a few symptoms too. The most common symptom is the intense itching. The itching is getting more and more intense at night but after a period of 4 to 6 weeks the symptoms begin to ease.
Scratching the infected areas might lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Another common symptom is a rash appearing in the folds of the skin.
Scabies is not a severe problem but if it is not treated may lead to complications. In order to treat scabies it is recommended to see a doctor. He will prescribe a proper treatment for your age and stage of infection.
One of the most common treatments for scabies is 5 % permethrin cream. This lotion is applied on the affected areas and has excellent results. Helpful in treating scabies proved to be lindane and crotamiton, treatments that are an alternative for permethrin. All of these lotions have to be applied on the affected areas and have to be washed away after a period of 8 to 12 hours.
It is also recommended that all members of the family of the infected person to use these lotions. It is well known that the incubation period is about a month so members of the family might not develop the symptoms in the same time.
Proper body hygiene is also recommended. It is the most effective method of preventing scabies.About the author:
For more resources on different scabies related issues like causes of scabies,symptoms of scabies and many more visit http://www.scabies-center.com/