Online CPR Certification Blog

Scabies is when a mite infests the skin thus causing intense itching. Otherwise known as mange mite or human itch, the infestation can be contagious. Once you catch scabies, some pregnant female mites start digging burrows in your skin and lay eggs in them which hatch into young mites. Scabies mites are transmittable through direct contact of skin to skin with a person who is infected or sharing blankets, clothing, towels, furniture or sheets.  Close physical contact involved during sexual activity lead to easily spreading of scabies. They however aren’t just transmitted in sexual settings only as they are also common among people living in close quarters especially in nursing homes, hospitals, day care centers, homes and prisons. Anyone is vulnerable to catching scabies and this includes nurses, doctors, teachers, nurses, elderly people and even toddlers.

Who are more vulnerable to getting scabies?

Worldwide, about 300 million cases of scabies tend to occur among women, men and children irrespective of their races and ages. Certain groups of people in the society are more vulnerable to getting this condition especially those who engage in sex with multiple partners, people living in crowded areas, healthcare workers and patients in nursing homes and hospital, caregivers, teachers and students in caregivers as well as those working or living in prisons or institutions.

What are the common symptoms of scabies?

Intense itching is very common among scabies patients and tends to worsen at night. This can be on any skin part and not limited to areas with nodules or rashes. A scabies rash can also affecting various skin surfaces especially the hands, skin folds, elbows, wrists, waist, underarms, buttocks, waist, the breasts, the genitalia and even the shoulder blades. Another symptom is the appearance of brown or red nodules or larger skin bumps

Effective prevention measures for scabies

To minimize getting scabies, people are advised not to share clothing and towels. In case your child will be sleeping over parties, make sure that you provide a blanket, a sleeping bag and a pillow from home. In case someone is diagnosed with scabies in a family, his or her clothing, towels and beddings need to be washed in hot water. This will go a long way in killing the mites together with their eggs. Those clothes that are not washable need to be sealed first and then stored for about a week and the mites will die within four days.

Treatment options for scabies

Scabies can be treated by use of various topical medications that are applied on the skin like crotamiton, lindane and permethrin. The doctor will advise on the best medication based on the patient’s age, medical history, coexisting skin conditions and whether one is pregnant or not. Some topical agents like calamine lotion are very good in controlling itching. Finally all close contacts of the patient especially family members and sex partners need to get treatment for scabies infestation as well.