It is an infestation of the upper layer of the skin caused by a parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei.
It is usually spread between people who live together and/or have intimate contact, or through contact with sheets and/or mattresses infested by this parasite.
The incubation time from infection to onset of symptoms is 6 to 8 weeks. It manifests with intense itching of the skin (usually nocturnal), rash, small grayish-white grooves of a few millimeters (acarine grooves) between the fingers, wrists and / or ankles and after a few days lesions by scratching because of the intense itching.
Diagnosis is made by clinical history and physical examination.
Treatment consists of removing the mite from the skin and relieving the intense itching. The mite is eliminated with antiparasitic creams or ointments, and the itching is controlled by antihistamine drugs and/or topical corticosteroids. To eradicate the parasite, it is important that all family members or exposed persons with symptoms are treated and that bed linen and towels are thoroughly cleaned with hot water.
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