Scabies is a parasitic skin disease caused by an itch mite. The life activity of the fluke is dependent on oxygen and the fluke does not penetrate deeper than the stratum corneum (the surface layer of the skin). Infection occurs through skin-to-skin contact – close physical contact with a person with scabies (such as sexual partners) or prolonged physical contact (such as parents and children).
Symptoms of the disease develop up to 3-6 weeks after infection: severe itching that worsens in the evenings, fine papular rash (papules in pairs) and crusting. Common sites of rash are the fingertips, wrist creases, breasts, around the navel, buttocks, thighs, genitals. In children and the elderly, the rash can also affect the face, palms and soles of the feet.
Principles of treatment:
- all family members and contacts are treated at the same time, regardless of whether or not they (already) have symptoms;
- the medicine is applied to the whole body (except the head in adults);
- after washing with soap and water, reapply the medicine to the hands;
- change your clothes and bed linen at the start and end of treatment;
- after treatment, wash clothes at least 60°C, dry-clean outerwear (or avoid using contaminated items for 3-4 days).
