October 25th 2024.
If you've ever seen someone with an itchy rash, you can understand why it's hard to ignore. But if you're experiencing that same discomfort, it's important not to brush it off. And whatever you do, resist the urge to scratch it. Medical professionals are urging people to take this advice seriously as cases of scabies continue to rise. In fact, there were 3,689 confirmed hospital cases in the year leading up to April, which is a significant increase from the previous year's 2,128 cases.
But the actual number of scabies cases is likely even higher than what has been reported. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, explained to Metro that there is a social stigma surrounding scabies that often deters people from seeking medical help. With scabies making headlines, it's important to understand the condition and how to prevent it.
So, what exactly causes scabies? Randall Higgins, a pharmacist and skincare specialist, says it all starts with tiny mites that burrow and lay eggs under the skin. These mites, known as Sarcoptes scabiei, are part of the arachnid family and typically feed on animals like dogs and sheep. Each animal has its own specific type of mite, meaning they cannot reproduce on different species. For example, in dogs, a scabies infestation is called mange.
Unfortunately, these tiny mites are responsible for the itchy agony that comes with scabies. They can't fly or jump, but they can crawl at a rate of 2.5cm per minute to find a new place to burrow. And it only takes about 10 egg-producing females to cause a severe reaction on a human's body. However, these mites are barely visible to the naked eye, measuring just 0.4 millimeters in length.
So, what are the symptoms of scabies? While the thought of mites crawling under your skin may make you feel itchy, that's not actually what causes the symptoms. It's the allergic reaction to the eggs and feces deposited by the female mites as they tunnel under the skin. This reaction can take weeks to appear, and the resulting rash can be quite uncomfortable. Professor Hawthorne emphasizes that scabies may not be a serious condition, but it can spread and lead to complications if left untreated.
The location of the rash can vary depending on the person's age. In adults, the rash can appear similar to other skin conditions like eczema, but there may be small spots in between fingers, toes, and genital areas. The upper back, neck, face, scalp, palms, and soles of the feet are typically spared. In infants, the scalp, face, palms, and soles are the most common areas for the rash to appear.
Now, how exactly do you get scabies? The mite is usually transmitted through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, such as during sexual intercourse or sharing a living space with an infested person. It can also spread through contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels. While a female mite can live on a person for up to a month, they typically do not survive for more than three days outside of a human host. This is why it's important to treat scabies promptly and to also treat all likely contacts, even if they aren't showing symptoms yet.
Scabies can affect anyone, regardless of their level of hygiene. Dr. Tess McPherson of the charity British Association of Dermatologists dispels the misconception that only "dirty" people get scabies. Unfortunately, the social stigma surrounding scabies can prevent people from seeking help and informing their contacts. This is a major concern for health professionals, especially in elderly communities like retirement homes and nursing facilities where the mites can easily spread.
But don't worry, scabies is treatable! The most common treatment is a topical cream or lotion, such as permethrin or malathion, which can be purchased at a pharmacy or prescribed by a doctor. These creams must be applied everywhere, including the groin and between fingers and toes. If symptoms persist after treatment, it's important to follow up with a doctor.
For those with the crusted form of scabies, oral medication may be prescribed. It's also crucial to treat all likely contacts and to wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat or have them dry cleaned. Furniture should also be cleaned to prevent re-infestation. Scabies may sound scary, but with proper treatment, it can be resolved quickly and effectively.
In conclusion, scabies is a condition that can make your skin crawl, both literally and figuratively. But by seeking prompt treatment and taking necessary precautions, it can be easily managed. So don't be ashamed if you or someone you know has scabies. As Professor Hawthorne says, there's no reason to be embarrassed, and it's important to seek help to prevent the spread of the condition.
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