Scabies is a potentially serious skin condition brought on via transmission from small mites that burrow into human skin. Sarcoptes scabei, the full name for the mites, burrow under the upper layer of your skin, called the epidermis, using their legs and mouths to bury their eggs. It takes anywhere between 8 and 13 days for this larvae to hatch and they again burrow their way further into the outer layer of the skin, where they mature into adults.

 

Unfortunately, scabies can be easily contracted by skin to skin contact with another person holding the mite infection, and even through sexual contact. The incubation period for scabies can be up to 8 weeks, meaning that the symptoms of this illness can be hidden for that entire time, meaning that treatment cannot be taken to prevent a larger outbreak. If treatment is never taken, the Scabies can grow and hatch indefinitely, they do not simply go away. They love warm and moist places, which human bodies are full of, so we naturally provide a welcoming home to them and their larvae. Those living in warmer subtropical areas such as India and Africa often see outbreaks amongst the population, due t the arid heat and often, the lack of good medical services available to the public.

For Scabies treatment you must contact your doctor in the first instance after discovering the infection. You will likely be prescribed 1 of 2 very common treatments, namely Malathion Lotion and Permethrin Cream. The latter is often given as the first option and if unsuccessful, the Malathion is prescribed to the person suffering the symptoms. If the blisters become dry and crusty, it is often the first sign of the illness beginning to subside, but do not stop the treatment until your doctor advises you to.

 

Itching of the skin affected by the scabies needs to be avoided wherever possible, as it can quickly spread it throughout other areas by way of contact with yourself. Your skin can become very itchy so this is a difficult task often, but keep in mind that it does spread quite easily. Regular cleaning of the hands is highly recommended, not only to protect yourself, but ti protect those around you also.

Those most at risk include children and the elderly, not only because of their weaker immune system, but because they often spend time in enclosed areas with many others, like nurseries and homes for the elderly, where the likelihood of contracting the infection instantly becomes much higher.