Scabies is a skin infection caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a parasitic mite that causes a contagious and itchy disease on the skin of humans. This disease is common all over the world and can affect almost any age group. Scabies mites live by burrowing in human skin and during this time they cause itchy blisters, rashes and crusts on the skin. To prevent the spread of scabies, it is important to take hygienic measures, limit contact, and treat people who come into contact with people with scabies.
What is scabies?
Scabies is a skin infection caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, an itchy disease of the human skin. These mites are about 0.3 to 0.4 mm in size and are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Scabies is a disease that can be easily transmitted from person to person and can be spread through close contact or shared items in busy living conditions.
Scabies mites live by burrowing through human skin. Female mites create tunnels in the skin and lay their eggs in these tunnels. The eggs usually develop into larvae within 2 to 3 weeks. The larvae come to the surface of the skin and molt several times before developing into adult mites. This process causes itching, redness and blisters on the skin.
The most obvious symptom of scabies is severe itching. The itching usually gets worse at night and spreads more as it itch. As the scabies mites burrow into the skin, blisters, redness, crusting, and small blisters may appear in the itchy areas. Scabies usually shows symptoms on the hands, wrists, elbows, armpits, under the breasts and in the genital area. In addition, the intense itching caused by scabies can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively affect a person’s daily life.
Scabies is usually diagnosed by a doctor with a visual examination. The doctor may recommend a prescription cream or lotion so that the scabies can be treated effectively. These drugs are applied to infected areas of the skin and help kill the mites and their eggs. It is also important to limit contact with the person with the scabies and to clean shared items because scabies is contagious and can be spread easily by close contact.
Scabies is a disease that can be controlled with correct diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for relieving symptoms and preventing transmission. Learning more about scabies, recognizing the symptoms of scabies and taking appropriate precautions can help control the disease. Symptoms of scabies usually appear on the skin and cause a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms of scabies are:
- severe itching: Scabies causes severe and uncomfortable itching. The itching usually gets worse at night and spreads as it itch.
- Redness and blisters: Because scabies mites dig tunnels on the skin, redness and blisters may occur in the itchy areas. These blisters can sometimes be fluid-filled.
- crusting: Crusting may occur on the skin due to scabies. As a result of itching, crusted or scaly areas can be seen on the skin.
- small bubbles: Small blisters may appear in areas affected by scabies. These blisters usually appear on the skin surface.
- skin rash: Scabies can cause skin rashes. These rashes can be itchy and sometimes appear as peeled or dry skin.
What causes scabies?
Scabies occurs as a skin infection caused by a parasitic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are insects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye and live by burrowing through human skin. Scabies mites are usually transmitted from person to person through close contact or shared items. It can spread rapidly among families or groups of close friends, especially in crowded living spaces. Sexuality is among the causes of scabies. Scabies can also be transmitted through sexual contact.
Scabies mites live by burrowing in the skin and laying their eggs, causing itchy blisters and rashes to form. Limiting contact and taking hygienic measures are important to prevent and control the spread of scabies.
The question of how scabies is transmitted is very curious by many people. Prescription medications are often used to effectively treat scabies. Doctors often prescribe creams or lotions that contain permethrin or a permethrin-like medicine. These medications are applied to the skin and help kill the scabies mites and their eggs. Treatment for scabies is usually carefully applied to the whole body, especially to the affected areas, and is repeated regularly over a period of time. Your doctor will give you detailed information about the treatment process and application instructions.
During treatment, it is also important to limit contact with the person with the scabies and to clean shared items. Your doctor may also recommend antihistamine medications or corticosteroid cream to relieve itching caused by scabies. Compliance with the treatment and taking the necessary hygienic measures are important in terms of completely treating scabies and preventing its spread.
What is good for scabies?
Treatment of scabies should be done with prescription medications and should be directed by a doctor. However, the following methods may also be helpful to relieve symptoms and provide relief:
- cold compress: You can apply cold compresses to itchy areas to help reduce itching. For this, soak a piece of cloth or towel in cold water, squeeze out the excess water, and then apply it to the itchy areas.
- Anti-itch creams: You can use anti-itch creams or lotions recommended by your doctor. These products can relieve itching and soothe the skin.
- Antihistamine drugs: Antihistamine drugs can reduce itching caused by scabies. However, before using these drugs, consult a doctor.
- Cleaning and hygiene: It is important to take regular cleaning and hygiene measures to prevent the spread of scabies. Wash clothes and bedding regularly, keep personal items clean, and limit close contact.
- Avoiding very hot water and hot environments: It is important to avoid hot water or hot environments as they can increase the itching of scabies. Keep the water warm while showering or bathing and avoid prolonged exposure to extremely hot environments.
- Moisturizing the skin: You can use moisturizing lotions or creams to relieve itching. This can provide relief by maintaining the moisture balance of the skin.
It is important to consult a doctor to determine the most accurate and effective methods for treating scabies and relieving symptoms. Your doctor will recommend treatment and relaxation methods that are specifically suitable for you.