Scabies

Scabies 
What is scabies?Scabies is a parasitic infestation in which Sarcoptes scabei mites burrow under the skin and cause intense itching.

What are the symptoms of scabies?Aside from intense itching, which usually is worse at night, symptoms may include hive-like bumps on the skin. These lesions tend to first appear between the fingers or on the elbows, wrists, buttocks, or waist. The mites can also burrow under fingernails or around the skin near watchbands or rings. The itching of scabies results primarily from the body's allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and their waste.

Vigorous scratching can break the skin and allow a secondary bacterial infection to occur. Superficial infections of the skin, known as impetigo, are caused most often by staph (staphylococcal) and occasionally strep (streptococcal) bacteria. These bacterial infections can cause localized inflammation marked by redness, swelling, heat and pain as well as a honey-colored exuded fluid.

Scabies can become a serious problem in those with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV or cancer. Scabies can also be an issue for those with chronic illnesses or living in institutionalized settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, childcare facilities and nursing homes. If the condition becomes chronic, a more severe and very contagious form of scabies may develop called crusted scabies, which causes a hard, scaly rash that covers large areas of the body and can be difficult to treat.

Prevention: To prevent re-infestation and the spread of mites to other people, use hot, soapy water to wash all clothing, towels and bedding that were used at least two days before treatment. Machine-dry with high heat. Dry-clean items you can't wash at home. Vacuum the whole house carefully and throw away the vacuum cleaner bag to prevent any mites from escaping into the house.

Apply permethrin 5% cream or  benzyle benzoate 25% immulsion . For children less than 2 months use sulfer 5% cream for 2-3 days or crotamitone 10% cream for 3-5 days.For infected scabies use flucloxacilline or erythromycine. 

Consider placing items you can't wash in a sealed plastic bag, and leaving it

• in an out-of-the-way place such as in the garage for a couple of weeks. Mites can't survive off of the body for longer than three days.