February 16, 2009
What does the scabies rash look like?
The classical features of scabies infestations are burrows, red circular patches (papules), and constant itching (pruritus), especially at night.
What do the burrows look like?
The best place to see burrows are in the web spaces of the fingers (in between fingers). Burrows are also found in the armpits, groin, wrist creases, elbows, genital organs, belly button, belt line, nipples, buttocks and penis.
What Does The Rash Look Like?
The rash is described as erythematous papules, and looks very similar to hives, red round spots that appear to be like foot prints in the sand. It looks like mosquito bites following a trail. Associated with these red spots sometimes pustules and vesicles (clear blisters) can be seen. Often there are scratch marks in the skin around the areas of rash, as they are quite itchy. The rash is usually more commonly seen than burrows. The extent of the rash does not indicate the number of scabies present.
In children the rash appears in the armpits, head, face, diaper area, palms and soles of the feet. Often the rash is associated with pustules and vesicles, unlike in adult’s infestations.
How soon after infestation do the symptoms appear?
Generally up to 3 weeks after infection one sees the first symptoms of infestation. Upon reinfection symptoms may appear in a few days. Notably, the rash does not correlate with the number of mites
What are the complications of infestations?
In children scabies may be associated with super infection by group A streptococci or Staphylococcus, these are bacteria commonly found on the skin surface. However, when these bacteria find their way below the skin surface they become infectious.
Bullous scabies is another complication. This is a large blistering type of rash found on the arms and legs or on the trunk.
Nodular scabies is another complication of infestations. It is found in approximately 7% of cases. These nodules are very itchy and are found in the male genital areas, buttocks, groin and armpit areas. These lesions are about 2-20 mm in diameter and appear reddish brown in colour. Nodules can last for weeks after treatment of scabies.
Crusted scabies is generally found in people with HIV infection or following immune suppression with medication e.g. in transplant patients. Crusted scabies appears as a psoriasiform rash.
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Filed under Scabies, Scabies Rash by skinmd
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