Related articles: Scabbia
Definition
Scabies is a skin infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiae . This parasite is inoculated below the skin, where it multiplies: in the stratum corneum it digs small tunnels that act as burrows.
Scabies are easily transmitted from person to person through direct physical contact. The infection becomes symptomatic 4-6 weeks after exposure to the parasite.
Scabies can affect anyone, in any age group, regardless of social status or hygienic conditions. The severity of the disease is related to the patient's immune status.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Alopecia
- bubbles
- Erythema
- papules
- itch
- Leg itch
- Itching in the hands
- Itching in the head
- Pustules
- Scales on the skin
- blisters
Further indications
Scabies causes erythematous papules that can spread to any area of the body. The rash is associated with very intense itching, which typically gets worse at night. The cutaneous signs occur more frequently between the fingers and toes, the wrists and elbows, under the armpits, the waist, the genitals or on the lower areas of the buttocks. Infection, in general, does not occur in the skin of the face or scalp, except in infants and immunosuppressed. Other characteristic signs of the disease are the cutaneous burrows, which appear as linear or undulating, thin and slightly scaly traces, long from a few mm to 1 cm.
In some cases, the symptoms of scabies may be atypical. In children, the disease can simulate a dermatitis; in many cases it is associated with the appearance of blisters and pustules on the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet. In crusted scabies, the most serious form of the disease, scaly skin eruptions, scabs, alopecia and nail involvement also occur.
The diagnosis is based on physical examination and is confirmed by the presence of mites, eggs or faecal pellets under microscopic examination (the material is obtained by scarifying the passages). The primary treatment consists in the use of oral or topical scabicides. Symptoms and injuries take up to 3 weeks before they disappear.
