Scabies Transmits Person To Person Through Close Skin Contact :Skin Specialist
Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs, causing intense itching and a rash. Scabies can lead to skin sores and serious complications like septicaemia (a bloodstream infection), heart disease and kidney problems
Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, laying eggs and resulting in intense itching and a rash. Dr. Rajendar Dhirani, a dermatologist, shared these insights while speaking with APP on Wednesday.
He explained that scabies spreads easily from person to person, particularly among those who live in close proximity. Children and older individuals in resource-poor areas face a higher risk. While scabies can be found worldwide, it is especially common in tropical regions with limited resources, affecting children and older individuals. The prevalence among children in such settings can range from 5% to 50%, and recurrent infestations are frequent.
Transmission of scabies occurs through close skin contact with an infested individual, such as sharing living quarters. The risk of transmission is higher with a higher level of infestation, especially with crusted scabies. While transmission through contact with infested personal items like clothes and bed linens is unlikely with common scabies, it may be significant for those with crusted scabies. Additionally, since there is an asymptomatic period during infestation, transmission can occur before symptoms appear in the initially infested person.
Symptoms of scabies include severe itching, often worsening at night, as well as linear burrows and bumps on the fingers, wrists, arms, legs, and belt area. In infants and small children, a larger rash may be present, including on the palms, soles of the feet, ankles, and scalp.
He emphasized several precautions to prevent the spread of scabies, including avoiding skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, particularly if they have an itchy rash. Treating all household members if someone has scabies helps prevent the mites from spreading. Additionally, washing and drying bedding and clothing that has come into contact with the infested person, using hot water and sunlight or a hot dryer cycle, can help eliminate the mites. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for a week to eradicate the mites, and rooms should be cleaned and vacuumed after treatment, especially in cases of crusted scabies.
Regarding treatment, Dr. Rajendar Dhirani mentioned that scabies can be treated with topical creams or oral medication, especially in severe cases. Itchiness may worsen for 1–2 weeks after treatment initiation. Oral ivermectin is highly effective but should not be taken by pregnant women or children weighing less than 15 kg. Since treatments do not kill the parasite’s eggs, they should be repeated to eliminate newly hatched mites. Even individuals without symptoms should be treated to reduce the spread within households.
Furthermore, other treatments may be necessary to address complications of scabies, such as bacterial skin infections or impetigo, for which antiseptics or antibiotics may be prescribed.
