Scabies – how to recognise it?
Scabies is a skin disease that can cause major problems, especially in densely populated areas such as schools or nursing homes. Caused by the human itch mite, it manifests itself in, among other things, extremely intense itching and a rash. In this article, we explain how to recognise the first symptoms, what measures can be taken to prevent the disease from spreading, and which treatments are most effective. If you want to find out how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the unpleasant consequences of infection, be sure to read to the end.
What is scabies and how do we get it?
Scabies is a skin disease caused by microscopic parasites called human scabies mites. The disease is characterised by severe itching and specific skin lesions, which often take the form of small blisters and bumps. Infection occurs mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. This means that scabies often spreads in places where people are in close contact for long periods of time, such as in nursing homes, schools or boarding schools. Poor personal hygiene is also a major factor in the spread of this parasite, as it makes it easier for the itch mite to survive and reproduce on the skin.
Therefore, personal hygiene and regular washing and disinfection of clothes and bed linen are particularly important. Poor housing conditions and insufficient access to sanitary facilities further increase the risk of scabies spreading. Children and people living in large groups are particularly vulnerable to infection. If there is any suspicion of infection, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment of human scabies. Avoiding close contact with an infected person is crucial to protect yourself and others from this unpleasant disease.
Main symptoms of scabies
The main symptoms of scabies are distinctive and quite bothersome, making them impossible to overlook. The most troublesome symptom is intense itching, which usually worsens at night. It is this violent nocturnal itching that is one of the most recognisable symptoms and should prompt further diagnosis. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction of the body to the presence of the itch mite and its faeces. The skin changes that accompany scabies include the formation of small blisters and lumps on the skin.
The skin of a person infected with scabies shows specific modifications that are the result of the parasite’s activity. In places of irritation, there are often sores caused by scratching. The symptoms most commonly affect the following areas of the body:
- the spaces between the fingers,
- wrists,
- elbows,
- abdomen,
- armpits,
- the lumbar region,
- the genital area.
All these characteristic symptoms are a signal to contact a doctor as soon as possible to take the necessary steps to combat human scabies.
Diagnosis of scabies – when to see a doctor
Only a specialist is able to confirm the diagnosis by thoroughly examining the skin lesions and possibly ordering laboratory tests. An early diagnosis can significantly reduce the time needed to implement an effective treatment and prevent the further spread of the disease in the immediate environment, as scabies is highly contagious.
Neglecting to consult a doctor and not receiving adequate treatment can lead to more serious problems, such as the development of secondary bacterial skin infections that appear as a result of scratching the itchy areas. Prolonged non-treatment can also result in much more troublesome symptoms and contribute to the spread of scabies to other people. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect that you have a human scabies infection and start treatment to minimise the risk of complications and ensure faster relief of symptoms.
Effective treatments for scabies
One of the most common methods is the use of topical preparations, which are applied directly to the skin. They contain active ingredients such as permethrin, which eliminate the parasites and alleviate the symptoms. Doctors usually recommend that topical preparations be applied to the whole body, not just to the affected areas, which increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
In addition to topical preparations, doctors may also recommend other forms of therapy, such as oral anti-parasitic drugs, in cases where scabies affects larger groups or when the patient does not respond to topical treatment. It is important that treatment is also carried out by people in the patient’s immediate environment, even if they do not show symptoms of infection. To aid the recovery process, it is worth taking care of personal hygiene and regularly washing and disinfecting clothes, bed linen and other potentially infected items.
Below are the key recommendations:
- – use of topical preparations on the whole body,
- – use of oral medication if necessary,
- adhering to personal hygiene,
- decontaminating potentially infected objects,
- treating close contacts of the patient.
Read also: Bird mite
Home remedies for relieving the symptoms of scabies
Home remedies can be helpful in relieving the symptoms of scabies, especially in combination with the treatment prescribed by a doctor. Itching, which often worsens at night, can be relieved by using several proven methods that will bring relief to irritated skin. One of the most important measures is to moisturise the skin regularly. Using moisturising lotions or ointments can reduce the feeling of dryness and itching. It is also worth getting creams with aloe vera or oats, which have soothing properties. Alternatively, baths in water with essential oils such as lavender or tea tree oil, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, can also help.
Another home remedy is cold compresses, which can provide immediate relief from intense itching. It is also worth remembering to wear loose and breathable clothing made of natural materials to avoid irritating the skin. In addition to moisturising and cooling, you can use products with colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritation.
Here is a list of recommendations:
- use moisturising lotions and creams with aloe vera,
- baths with essential oils (lavender, tea tree),
- apply cold compresses to itchy areas,
- wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural materials,
Home remedies are no substitute for professional treatment, but they can effectively help to combat the unpleasant symptoms of scabies.
How can the spread of scabies be prevented?
First of all, personal hygiene should be ensured by washing hands regularly, bathing and changing clothes. It is also important to keep the house clean, especially to wash and disinfect bed linen, towels and clothes that have been in contact with infected persons. Close contact with people who may be infected should be avoided.
Improving housing conditions is the next step in the prevention of scabies – providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities significantly reduces the risk of the disease spreading. It is also advisable to air the apartment regularly and avoid overcrowding, co może sprzyjać rozwijaniu się świerzbu. Współpracując blisko z lekarzem, można szybciej zidentyfikować pierwsze objawy i podjąć odpowiednie kroki w celu ochrony siebie i innych przed zakażeniem.