Scabies: What Is It, Symptoms, and Treatment

Scabies is a disease caused by microscopic organisms called Sarcoptes Scabiei, which are capable of living on the human body. The female Sarcoptes Scabiei mites create tunnels in the skin to lay their eggs. The mites increase in number through the eggs they leave, progressing through the tunnels, causing itching. Both the mites' movement and the allergic reaction in the skin lead to increased itching, resulting in pain and rashes. Scabies, which has very uncomfortable symptoms, should be treated promptly.

What is Scabies?

Scabies, also known as scabies, is a contagious disease caused by the infestation of the skin by the Sarcoptes Scabiei mite. It is common in our country and is often seen because it can spread not only through direct human contact but also through clothing and personal items. Therefore, it commonly occurs in crowded environments such as prisons, military barracks, nursing homes, and schools. The mite responsible for scabies moves slowly, and because it cannot jump or fly, it requires prolonged contact to spread. To avoid catching scabies or other contagious diseases in communal environments, it is important not to share personal belongings.

What Are the Symptoms of Scabies?

The symptoms of scabies do not appear immediately after the mites enter the body. Instead, they begin when the eggs laid by the mites hatch and new mites spread throughout the body. Therefore, symptoms typically appear 2-3 weeks after exposure, while in individuals who have had scabies before, the symptoms appear more quickly, usually within 3-4 days. The most noticeable symptom of scabies is intense and persistent itching, which worsens at night. Over time, other symptoms also appear on the skin in addition to itching. The primary symptoms of scabies are as follows:

Persistent itching that worsens at night
Rashes and redness on the skin
Formation of blisters, crusting, and sores on the skin
Sensitivity, pain, and discomfort on the skin
Lines on the arms due to the tunnels created by the mites

What Causes Scabies and How Is It Transmitted?

The parasite that causes scabies is a microscopic organism, measuring between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm, which is not visible to the naked eye. The Sarcoptes Scabiei mite burrows into the skin, creating tunnels, while the females lay their eggs in these tunnels. They typically lay their eggs in areas like the knees, elbows, and between the fingers. The eggs develop in about 21 days, giving rise to new mites.

Scabies is classified as an infestation because the symptoms do not appear immediately after the mites' introduction but only after 2-3 weeks when new mites spread. Due to the limited movement ability of the mites, prolonged contact or very close proximity is required for human-to-human transmission. In addition, because the mites can survive on items such as chairs, towels, and bedding for up to 36 hours, scabies can be transmitted via contaminated objects. Scabies can spread from human to human and from objects to humans but cannot be transmitted from animals to humans. Although scabies mites can pass from animals to humans, the type of mite found in animals is different and cannot survive or cause scabies in humans.

How Can Scabies Be Prevented?

Since scabies can be transmitted from person to person and via objects, individuals in crowded environments, such as schools, military barracks, prisons, and nursing homes, are at higher risk. Additionally, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to contract scabies. Therefore, it is essential to avoid sharing personal items and to minimize close contact in communal settings. It is especially important to avoid contact with individuals who have scabies or are suspected to have it. If scabies is detected in a family, all family members should be examined and treated if necessary. The house should be thoroughly cleaned, and towels, bedding, and clothes should be washed at temperatures above 50°C, as scabies mites cannot survive at temperatures higher than this for more than 10 minutes.

How is Scabies Diagnosed?

Not every case of persistent itching indicates scabies. Since many conditions can cause itching, treatments like creams and home remedies may not be effective. If symptoms similar to scabies occur, it is essential to visit a doctor for an examination, as the diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional. Without a proper diagnosis, treatments may be incorrect, potentially worsening the condition rather than improving it. During the examination, if necessary, the doctor may perform a dermatoscopic assessment, which involves viewing the skin surface under a light. Dermatoscopic examination is an effective method used by dermatologists to diagnose various skin conditions. In some cases, a scraping sample from the skin is taken and examined under a microscope to observe the mites and their eggs.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Scabies?

Scabies can cause both physical and psychological symptoms. Persistent itching, skin damage, crusting, and the formation of sores are physically uncomfortable. The constant urge to scratch, the need to avoid people, and the fear of spreading the disease can lead to psychological symptoms. Scabies is a physically and mentally exhausting condition, so it is crucial to consult a doctor and receive treatment as soon as possible. People who delay treatment and extend the disease process may develop a pessimistic mood, feeling as though they will never be free of the itching.

Scabies Treatment

The treatment of scabies involves a comprehensive approach, requiring careful adherence to the doctor's instructions. Treatment is not limited to the use of appropriate medications, creams, and lotions; it also involves taking various precautionary measures. From the start of treatment, the living environment and personal items must be cleaned properly. If necessary, other individuals who live with the patient are also included in the treatment. Since the symptoms may take time to appear in family members after scabies has spread, even if no symptoms are visible, other family members are advised to use lotions and creams. The creams and lotions used in treatment are applied from the neck down (excluding the head). Lotions and creams containing substances like permethrin or sulfur are generally applied in the evening, and the treatment should remain on the skin for at least 8 hours. After the required time has passed, a shower can be taken in the morning.

Oral medications used in scabies treatment are primarily aimed at addressing the allergic reactions caused by the condition on the skin. Antihistamines are commonly taken in the evening to help relieve the sensitivity and itching caused by scabies. Recently introduced oral tablets specifically target the mites responsible for scabies. These oral tablets kill the mites by inducing nerve paralysis, and the patient takes a single dose. Depending on the patient’s weight, the required number of tablets is taken in one go. If symptoms have not completely resolved after about 4 weeks, a second round of treatment may be applied, depending on the patient's weight. Oral tablet treatments for scabies are not suitable for children under 15 kg or for individuals with kidney conditions.

If you are experiencing unexplained and persistent itching, consult a doctor without delay. This way, you can receive treatment before the condition progresses and before the itching causes serious damage to your skin.

Last Updated Date: 22 February 2023

Publication Date: 22 February 2023

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