February 21, 2009
Scabies and the Seven Year Itch?
The “7-year itch” is a term used also to describe the itch caused by a scabies infestation.
Early researchers felt that there was a cycle of 7-30 years for scabies epidemics. However, during wartime, the frequency of peak scabies infestations occur more often.
A 20 year study showed that generally one out of 31 people exposed to scabies have a chance of infestation. Infestations are higher in winter than summer months. Mites are thought to survive longer away from the body in cooler temperatures. As well there tends to be more crowding of people during winter months. Mites may also be sensitive to chemicals in human sweat.
It has been estimated that approximately 5% of the world’s population was infested with scabies at the end of the 20th century. This accounts for 300 million cases.
Children are more frequently infested with scabies. Ethnic differences are thought to be due to overcrowding, housing, socioeconomic and behavioural factors. Poverty, poor nutritional status, homelessness, dementia and poor hygiene increase risk of scabies infestation.
Health care workers are thought to be more susceptible to scabies infestations.
Scabies outbreaks typically occur in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons or kindergartens.
Transmission is generally person-to-person. Body contact is the most frequent method of transmission. Infrequently, contact with contaminated clothing, bed linen or other furniture such as couches may result in scabies infestation. Infestation with the crusted or Norwegian scabies variety may occur more frequently from non human contact, such as contact with bed linen or furniture.This species of scabies sheds thousands of mites daily.
Transmission between family members is very common due to close contact. Sexual contact is also an important method of transmission.
The typical scabies rash:
Other conditions that imitate scabies:
1. Contact dermatitis
2. Folliculitis or impetigo
3. Atopic eczema
4. Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body)
5. Insect bites from mosquitoes, fleas, lice, bedbugs, chiggers
6. Papular urticaria
7. Dermatitis herpetiformis
8. Eczema herpeticum
9. Viral rashes
10. Syphilis
11. Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy
12. Pityraisis rosea
How to Eliminate Scabies Infestations:
General:
· Avoid social contact with high risk individuals
· Be cautious in high risk environments e.g. nursing homes
· Check pets for scabies
· Avoid close contact with infested person for 10 days
· Use gloves, protective clothing, alcohol and frequent hand washing when in high risk environments or in the presence of infested persons.
Environmental Treatments:
· Vacuum mattresses, clean mattress encasings, carpets and clothing
· Clean furniture and couches
Treatment:
· See your family doctor for treatment that is appropriate for you.
Bad Bug Bites Pictures Slideshow: Identify Bugs and Their Bites on … - The fire ant sting typically causes red hive-like lesions that burn and itch. Painful pus-filled lesions can also occur. Cold packs, pain relievers, and antihistamines can help relieve the discomfort. A large number of stings may trigger a toxic … The itching is very severe and usually worse at night. The rash typically is seen on the sides and webs of the fingers, the wrist, elbows, genitals, and buttock. You’ll need prescription lotion or pills to get rid of scabies. …
Diagnosis and Treatment of Scabies - Men’s Health - That is why; scabies is also termed as “Seven-year itch”. Scabies symptoms are pretty similar to eczema, psoriasis, insect bite and other skin irritations. Therefore it gets difficult to diagnose scabies. Diagnosis of Scabies …
Related Posts
Filed under Scabies by skinmd
Leave a Comment