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.