Infestation of the upper layer of the skin produced by a parasite known as Sarcoptes Scabiei.
Its transmission is usually among people living together and/or that have intimate contact, or through contact with sheets and/or mattresses infested by these parasites.
The incubation time is between 6 to 8 weeks. The most common symptoms are: intense itching on the skin (mainly at night), a rash, greyish-white grooves of a few millimetres (scabby grooves) in between the fingers, toes, wrists and/or ankles and scratching lesions after a few days due to intense itch.
The diagnosis is reached through reviewing the patient's clinical history and a physical examination.
Scabies treatment entails eliminating the scabies from the skin and easing the intense itch. The mite is eliminated with anti-parasitic creams or ointments and the itching is controlled with antihistamines 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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- Johnston G, Sladden M. Scabies: diagnosis and treatment. BMJ 2005; 331:619.
