The following is an article submitted by Dr Maria Callus. Dr Callus is a trainee in the Malta Specialist Training Programme in Family Medicine. She works at Mater Dei Hospital, Floriana Health Centre, and district clinics (bereġ).
Scabies is a skin disease caused by the tiny parasite Sarcoptes scabies.T he disease is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, with a higher risk with a prolonged contact. However it can also be transmitted from objects including bedding and clothing.
The female
parasite burrows under the skin and begins laying eggs within 2-3hours and
generally lays 2-3eggs per day. The eggs hatch into adult mites within 10 days.
Symptoms usually
appear approximately 4 weeks from the time of contact. Signs and symptoms
include intense itching and superficial burrows. Itching is usually made worse
by warmth and is usually experienced as being worse at night. Affected areas
usually include the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, back and external genitalia.
A number of
medications are effective in treating scabies, however tretment often involves
the entire household to prevent re-infection. Permethrin (a special shampoo) is
the most effective treatment for scabies. It is applied from the neck downwards
and left for 8 to 14 hours. It is then showered off in the morning. One
application is usually sufficient for mild infecions. For moderate-to-severe
infection, another dose is applied 7-14 days later.
Bedding and
clothing should be washed and dried at very hot settings or dry-cleaned.
Complications are
not common but may include secondary bacterial infections caused by aggressive
scratching.
Dr M. Callus
References
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