|
Cause |
Insect - A parasite mite called Sarcoptes
scabiei. |
|
Distribution |
Worldwide |
|
Transmission |
- Sexual - Prolonged close bodily
contact during sex.
- Non-sexual - May spread to other
family members, especially those who share beds with the infected
person.
|
|
Incubation |
3 - 6 weeks. |
|
Symptoms |
- Itch especially worse at night or
with increased warmth.
- Rash
- Greyish tract marks between the fingers and the toes and on
the wrists and elbows caused by mites burrowing under the skin.
- A more generalised rash consisting of reddish bumps, especially
in front of the armpits, around the waist, the buttocks, upper
thighs and external genitals.
|
|
Diagnosis |
- Physical examination.
- Microscopic examination fo skin
scrappings for mites.
|
|
Treatment |
- Anti-scabies creams or lotions containing
benzyl benzoate, gamma benzene hexachloride (not available in
Singapore), malathion and permethrin.
- Antihistamines by mouth to relieve
itch.
- Beddings and clothings need to be
laundered after treatment.
|
|
Complications |
Scratching may lead to impetigo,
a bacterial skin infection. |
|
Comments |
Family contacts and sexual partners
should be treated. Instructions on the method of application
need to be followed to ensure cure. Itching may persisi for a
few weeks after successful treatment and is due to an allergy
to remnants of mites in the skin. Repeat anti-scabies treatment
is not necessary.The itch stops after a few weeks. |
