Citizens in the United Kingdom expressed fear over scabies resurfacing in early and mid-January 2024. Users of different social media platforms, particularly the app known as the rant app, ‘X’, have been raving about scabies. “Covid surge & new variant. Scabies outbreak in London & matter of time until it’s everywhere. Goodnight,” the Habibi Barbie reacted in response to the current pandemic.
Having witnessed the COVID 19 global pandemic and thankfully surviving it, I would hate to be in such a circumstance again. So, before scabies spreads beyond country lines, it’s important to know what scabies is and what kind of harm it can cause. Simply put, scabies is an infectious skin disease caused by microscopic mites. These microscopic insects burrow into the skin, generating an itching sensation that can become severe. This article discusses the symptoms, mode of transmission, and treatment of scabies.
Symptoms of Scabies
Scabies is a nasty parasite infestation produced by tiny mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei which you should avoid. These tiny creatures dig into your skin’s upper layer, where they establish a camp and deposit their eggs. Here’s when things become irritating—literally.
Your body responds with an allergic reaction, causing extreme itching. It’s like an uninvited guest has made its home on your skin, generating a bothersome itch you’d prefer not to have. Scabies symptoms can present itself in a variety of ways, including:
- Intense itching, particularly worsening at night.
- Rash consisting of small red bumps or blisters.
- Rash tends to appear in specific areas: between fingers, wrists, elbows, and skin folds.
- Sores and secondary infections may develop due to scratching.
How Do Scabies Spread?
“Although it can occur at any age, scabies is commonly seen in children and young adults. It is not a fatal disease; however, it can cause severe morbidity and poor quality of life”, corresponding author, Hendrick Motswaledi reports.
Scabies is primarily transmitted by close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, which allows the mites to transfer from one host to another.
Furthermore, transmission can occur through shared things such as clothing, beds, or towels, where the mites could still be present. It is important to exercise caution in order to prevent the spread of scabies in such cases.
Types of Scabies
Did you realize that these pesky critters can bother you in a variety of ways? Scabies can be of various types. Let’s look at the various types.
Classical: It’s the usual, resulting in acute itching and the dreaded rash in typical locations.
Nodular: This kind is more serious, causing lumps under the skin. It’s as if scabies decided to settle deeper.
Contagious crusted: This is the most severe form, and things get a little intense. Unlike regular spots, this one covers a bigger area of your skin. The symptoms are also more severe, with a thicker, crusty rash.
Treatment and Diagnosis
If you’re experiencing a terrible itch and a suspicious rash, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional; they are your go-to scabies detective. They will check your skin and maybe take a small sample to confirm the existence of mites causing the skin disease.
To cure scabies, you’ll most likely be given a prescription ointment or lotion. It’s extremely important to follow the instructions precisely. Also, wash all of your clothes, blankets, and towels in hot water to get rid of any remaining mites.
Takeaway
To summarize, if you have symptoms like persistent itching or a suspicious rash, you should see a doctor right away. A comprehensive examination of the skin, including a microscopic sample analysis, aids in establishing the presence of scabies mites. Adherence to a prescribed treatment plan, combined with precise cleanliness measures, is essential for effective mitigation.
