$Unique_ID{BRK00885}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{What is Scabies?}
$Subject{scabies itch symptoms treatment}
$Volume{A-20, L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Scabies?


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QUESTION:  Would you please discuss scabies as much as possible?  What is it,
Is it a venereal disease, where does it come from and what treatments can be
used?  There are several people in our community who need these answers very
badly.

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ANSWERS:  I can understand your need, so here goes.  Scabies is a skin disease
caused by a tiny "itch mite" (Sarcoptes scabiei) that has plagued mankind for
centuries.  Scabies outbreaks occur when crowded conditions exist, since the
disease is highly contagious and passes easily from one infected person to the
next.  While sexual transmission is common, it is not the only method, since
even simple handholding games in children can be enough to spread the
condition.  Sharing clothing, towels or sleeping in the same bed are other
means of transmission.  When the male and female mite mate on the surface of
the skin, the female mite then burrows into the surface layer of the skin to
lay her eggs.  the eggs develop into larvae, return to the skin surface,
become mature mites and the whole cycle starts again.  Little burrows can be
seen under the skin, along with a red, very itchy rash, which seems to become
worse at night.  Frequently your physician may take a painless scraping of
your skin, to examine under the skin to make the diagnosis.  Fortunately,
effective medications are available containing lindane (Kwell) which can
eradicate the mite, although the itch may continue for several weeks.  Careful
personal hygiene is a must, as the scabies can recur and the body does not
develop an immunity to them.  Check with your doctor to confirm your diagnosis
and get the prescription for your medication.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
