SCABIES

Scabies is a common skin infection that causes small itchy bumps and blisters due to tiny mites, sarcoptes scabiei, that burrow into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs.

Mites are small eight-legged parasites (in contrast to insects, which have six legs). They are tiny, just 1/3 millimeter long, and burrow into the skin to produce intense itching, which tends to be worse at night. The mites that cause scabies are not visible with the naked eye but can be seen with a magnifying glass or microscope.

Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close physical contact in a family, child care group, school class or nursing home. Because of the contagious nature of scabies, doctors often recommend treatment for entire families or contact groups to eliminate the mite.

Cause

The scabies mite causes symptoms when it digs a little tunnel below the skin (referred to as a burrow) and causes a type of allergic reaction. If the person has never been exposed to scabies before, he or she may not show symptoms until four to six weeks after the initial infestation. Individuals who have been exposed in the past usually show symptoms within a few days.
Close physical contact and, less often, sharing clothing or bedding with an infected person can spread the mites.

Symptoms

After being exposed to someone with scabies, it can take 4-6 weeks for a rash to develop, which appears as:-

• Little red bumps, nodules, or pimple like irritations, which are most commonly located on the webbing between children's fingers, on the inner part of their wrist, under their arms, and on their elbows, knees, and along their belt line.
• short zigzag or S shaped lines or burrows
• Sores, which can be caused by a secondary bacterial infection of impetigo, a Streptococci or Staphylococci bacterial skin infection, may occur after scratching. Cellulitis may also occur, resulting in localized swelling, redness and fever (DermNet).

In addition to the rash, the most characteristic symptom of scabies is that the rash is intensely itchy, especially at night. Itchy skin may become thick, scaly, scabbed, and crisscrossed with scratch marks.

Diagnosis

To diagnose scabies, a dermatologist examines affected skin, looking for signs of mites, including the characteristic burrows. When the dermatologist locates a mite burrow, he or she may take a scraping from that area of skin to examine under a microscope. The microscopic examination can determine the presence of mites or their eggs.

An ink test is also sometimes done. This involves placing ink on what you think is a burrow, wiping it away, and then seeing if some of the ink remains down inside the burrow.

Scabies is often mistaken for other itchy rashes, particularly if only one child is affected. The main problem is that by the time you see your Pediatrician, your child's itching has usually 'ruined' the burrows, which are the most of the characteristic parts of the rash.

Be sure to ask your Pediatrician about scabies if your child has an intensely itchy rash, especially if other family members or close contacts have or have recently had the same rash. Since it can take 4-6 weeks for the rash to develop, keep in mind that all family members may not have symptoms at the same time.

Treatment

Curing scabies is rather easy with the administration of prescription scabicide drugs. Because scabies spreads so easily, your doctor may recommend treatment for all family members and other close contacts, even if they show no signs of scabies infestation. Along with that, certain other measures have to be taken:-

1. Wash all clothing, towels, and bed linens that you have used in the last three days. Use hot water.
2. Nails should be properly cut,and clean under them thoroughly to remove any mites or eggs that may be present.
3. Thoroughly vacuum your rugs, furniture, bedding, and car interior and throw the vacuum-cleaner bag away when finished.
4. Try to avoid scratching. Keep any open sores clean.

Role of Homoeopathy-
Homoeopathy proves effective in treating the cases of scabies. Homoeopathic medicines will help in decreasing the intensity of the symptoms and preventing further attacks. The medicine is selected on the basis of symptoms of the patients after thorough case taking. It shows excellent results in curing scabies.

What is the best cure for scabies in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best cure for scabies in Bangalore.

What is the best cure for scabies in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best cure for scabies in Bangalore.

What is the best scabies treatment in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best scabies treatment in Bangalore.

Please E-mail dr_ramanand@rediffmail.com for any questions/treatment