| Scabies is a very contagious type of skin disorder | | | | the occurrence of scabies and its generated |
| caused by infestation with microscopic mites. The | | | | symptoms. |
| parasite mite that causes scabies in humans is called | | | | The actual reason for the high incidence of scabies in |
| Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. This type of parasitic | | | | less developed urban societies is overcrowding. |
| organism is the only scabies mite that can complete its | | | | Scabies is very contagious and it can be easily |
| life cycle on the bodies of human hosts. Although | | | | transmitted through direct physical contact. Thus, living |
| animal mites can also cause temporary allergic | | | | in overcrowded conditions facilitates the spreading of |
| reactions to people, they are unable to infest humans. | | | | scabies from one family member to another. |
| The majority of symptoms generated by scabies | | | | Scabies epidemics are very common in overcrowded |
| occur as a consequence of allergic reactions to the | | | | orphanages, kindergartens, schools and hospitals. |
| mites’ secretions and eggs. The mites feed on | | | | During scabies outbreaks, everyone should follow an |
| human blood and they contaminate the skin with their | | | | appropriate treatment in order to prevent the |
| bites, releasing substances that are toxic to the human | | | | occurrence of the disease. |
| body. Once they burrow within the epidermis, scabies | | | | Scabies mites can live for several days in the absence |
| mites cause inflammation, rashes and itch. If scabies is | | | | of a human host. Within this period of time, the parasitic |
| not discovered in time, the mite infestation can | | | | scabies mites can easily infest bed sheets, towels, |
| generate serious symptoms such as skin lesions and | | | | clothes and various personal items. Although scabies is |
| ulcerations, formation of crust, painful nodules, blisters | | | | rarely acquired indirectly, doctors strongly recommend |
| and pustules. The skin regions affected by scabies are | | | | washing any items that may be contaminated with |
| very vulnerable to bacterial infections and some | | | | scabies mites. |
| patients also develop skin disorders such as impetigo. | | | | Scabies continues to be contagious even on the |
| There are many misconceptions and unfunded ideas | | | | duration of the medical treatment. As a precaution, |
| regarding scabies. Due to the high incidence of scabies | | | | people affected by scabies should avoid entering in |
| among people from lower classes of society, one | | | | close contact with other persons until they complete |
| would be tempted to believe that scabies is the result | | | | the treatment prescribed by a dermatologist. When the |
| of inappropriate hygiene and unhealthy lifestyle. In fact, | | | | symptoms of scabies persist for more than a week |
| the level of hygiene doesn’t really influence the | | | | after the treatment, it is a possible sign of re-infestation |
| occurrence or the development of scabies. Recent | | | | with mites. If the doctor finds new traces of mite |
| studies have revealed the fact that good personal | | | | infestation, the treatment for scabies should be |
| hygiene can’t effectively prevent infestation with | | | | repeated. |
| scabies mites. At best, proper hygiene can only delay | | | | |