Scabies is a contagious disease caused by a parasite called “sarcoptus”, invisible to the naked eye. It lodges under the skin where it digs small furrows. Scabies often causes itching between the fingers.
There scabies is a highly contagious infectious disease which causes strong itching the skin (especially between the folds). You just need to be in contact with the skin of a contaminated person to catch it. And theincubation is long : it can go up to 6 weeks. What are the first signs scabies? What are the treatments? What should be to clean ?
Definition: what is scabies?
Scabies (or scabiosis) is a benign skin parasitosis disease, that is to say an infestation of the superficial layer of the skin by a parasite. “It is an ectoparasite that lives on the surface of the skin, the sarcoptes scabiei. This micro-parasite invisible to the naked eye measures 0.2 mm” specifies Dr Pascal Del Giudice, dermatologist. There is a form of common scabies and a form of hyperkeratotic scabies, also called “generalized crusted scabies” Or “Norwegian scabies”.
Photo of scabies
Scabies is a contagious disease. “It is transmitted by direct contact with an infected personexplains Dr. Del Giudice. It takes a intimate and family contact (skin to skin).” “Crusted scabies, much more exceptional, is very contagious” specifies the dermatologist. Scabies can be sexually transmitted. There transmission occurs directly through human contact, through touch, contact with clothing or personal objects of an affected person. “On the other hand, there is no no transmission of scabies from animals to humans. They are different parasites.” indicates the specialist. This is not a lack of hygiene.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
“The symptom of common scabies is itching (itching) widespread, more often between the fingers, on the wrists, buttocks and genitals“ informs Dr. Pascal Del Giudice. The itching worsen at night. Often at the folds when children are still wearing diapers. The female sarcoptus bores small tunnels under the skin, in which she lays her eggs, which causes the itching. There is not necessarily lesions and if they are present they are discreet. “It’s the dermatologist’s eye that will detect them” says Dr. Del Giudice. Norwegian scab : it manifests itself by crusts and itchy red patches on the skin (face, trunk) as well as on the scalp. The skin is thickened all over the body. Among people immunocompromised or elderly, the attack may be disseminated to the entire body and the itching is less severe.
The baby with scabies itches, fidgets and twitches all over the place, as he tries to calm himself down by rubbing his back. Itching predominates on the extremities. Of the scratching lesions gradually spread over his entire body. If the baby’s face is most often spared, this is not the case for scalp. Superinfection of the lesions is frequently observed: it aggravates the rash and causes lymph nodes.
“It is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person”
How long does scabies last?
Under treatment, scabies generally heals within 2 to 4 weeks (duration of persistence of itching).
What is the incubation period for scabies?
The incubation period for scabies is relatively long, ranging 4 to 6 weeks. This corresponds to the time taken by the parasite (sarcopte scabiei hominis) which has just been in contact with its host, to reproduce, burrow into the skin (a few millimeters per day) by forming a furrow, and lay its eggs there. eggs and start a life cycle again. During incubation, the affected person does not suffer symptoms but can be contagious. In the event of re-infestation, this phase lasts shorter.
When to consult?
“Generalized itching should lead you to consult your doctor. If he suspects scabies, he refers his patient to a dermatologist so that he can make the diagnosis. inform the dermatologist.
“The diagnosis of scabies, which was difficult before, is now easy because we have a dermatoscope, a sort of magnifying glass, which allows us to see the parasite in the epidermis” explains Dr. Del Giudice.
What are the treatments for scabies?
In case of scabies, the patient must be treated, as well as people close to them, even if they do not scratch.
► Common scabies: Common scabies can be treated locally or generally with anti-parasitic drugs. Local route: “The treatment of common scabies is most often done today by topically (locally) specifies the dermatologist. “We have two products: the Benzyl Benzoate and Pyrethroid” he indicates. Taking protocols vary depending on the product used. Benzyl Benzoate is used as a single application, after taking a bath or shower. Brush your body, from head (including scalp) to feet, let dry for about 15 minutes then start again. Do not wash for 24 hours then repeat a 3rd application. Leave the product on for 24 hours before rinsing off. Change your clothes at this time. Take a bath on the 3rd day. THE Itching may persist for several days after treatment. Treat all family members. General route; Treatment is done with tablets of Ivermectin. “The whole family of the person with scabies should be treated.”
► Norwegian scabies: Hyperkeratotic scabies leads to hospitalization and local treatment and generally. Keratolytic treatments can be associated with it. In the case of hyperkeratotic scabies, people in the first circle, the second circle (those living or working in the same community as the affected person) and, possibly, those in the 3rd circle (those occasionally visiting the community where the affected person stays or those of the family circle of people who regularly attend this community) must be treated.
Linen should be cleaned at 60°C in case of scabies.
“Drug treatment must absolutely be accompanied by treatment of the environment with surface insecticides” explains the dermatologist. And this, immediately. What to treat? Bedding (mattress, etc.), furniture, clothing, bed linen, shoes, soft toys, play mats, car seats for children. “Failure is generally not related to treatment. People recontaminate themselves with their environment” specifies the doctor. In case of contamination:
► linen washable at 60°C (towels, sheets, pillowcases, tea towels, hand towels, etc.): machine wash at 60°C with usual washing products
► material not washable at 60°C (clothes, blankets, duvets, pillows, etc.): disinfection with an acaricide product such as “APAR®” purchased in pharmacies (wear gloves), to be used in a ventilated room and away from any flame. Spray on each piece of laundry. Place the laundry in a plastic bag, close it and leave to act for the indicated time. Machine wash.
Thanks to Dr Pascal Del Giudice, dermatologist specializing in infectious and tropical diseases and member of the French Society of Dermatology.