Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a mite known as the Sarcoptes scabiei.If left untreated it reproduce on the surface of our skin and then burrow into it and lay eggs. This causes an itchy, red rash to form on the skin.

This contagious itching disease is caused by the mite sarcoptes scabiei invading. Living and breeding in the stratum corneum of the human skin. Transmission of this infection is by skin to skin contact, with an affected individual, and this generally occurs in bed. Warmth is necessary for the acarus or the mite to remain mobile and there by pass from one to another. Important sites where these mites burrow are finger webs, elbows, ankles, breasts and genitals. They develop widespread, highly irritating, excoriation, and often secondary infected folliculo-papular eruptions. Itching is severe when papules appear over genitals. Children generally develop these papules on their palms, soles and axillary folds.

SYMPTOMS OF SCABIES

Scabies signs and symptoms include:

• Itching, often severe and usually worse at night
• Thin, irregular burrow tracks made up of tiny blisters or bumps on skin

The burrows or tracks typically appear in folds of skin. Though almost any part of the body may be involved, in adults and older children scabies is most often found:

• Between the fingers
• In the armpits
• Around the waist
• Along the insides of the wrists
• On the inner elbows
• On the soles of the feet
• Around the breasts
• Around the male genital area
• On the buttocks
• On the knees

In infants and young children, common sites of infestation usually include the:

• Scalp
• Palms of the hands
• Soles of the feet

CAUSES OF SCABIES

The eight-legged mite that causes scabies in humans is microscopic. The female mite burrows just beneath the skin and makes a tunnel where it deposits eggs.

The eggs hatch, and the mite larvae work their way to the surface of the skin, where they mature and can spread to other areas of skin or to the skin of other people. The itching of scabies results from body'ies allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and their waste.

Close physical contact and less often, the sharing of clothing or bedding with an infected person can spread the mites.

Animals and humans all are affected by their own distinct species of mites. Each species prefers one specific type of host and does not live long away from that preferred host.

Humans may have a temporary skin reaction from contact with the animal scabies mite. But people generally can not develop full-blown scabies from this source, as they might from contact with the human scabies mite.

COMPLICATIONS OF SCABIES

Vigorous scratching can break  skin and allow a secondary bacterial infection, such as impetigo, to occur. Impetigo is a superficial infection of the skin that is caused most often by staph (staphylococci) bacteria or occasionally by strep (streptococci) bacteria.

A more severe form of scabies called crusted scabies, may affect certain high-risk groups, including:

• People with chronic health conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV or chronic leukemia
• People who are very ill, such as people in hospitals or nursing facilities
• Older people in nursing homes

Crusted scabies, also called Norwegian scabies, tends to make skin crusty and scaly and affects large areas of the body. It is very contagious and can be hard to treat.

Normally, someone with scabies has about 10 to 15 mites. In contrast, someone with crusted scabies may be infested with millions of mites.

PREVENTION FROM SCABIES

To prevent re-infestation and to prevent the mites from spreading to other people, take these steps:

• Clean all clothes and linen-Use hot, soapy water to wash all clothing, towels and bedding used within three days before beginning treatment. Dry with high heat. Dry-clean items which can not wash at home.
• Starve the mites- Consider placing items one can not wash in a sealed plastic bag and leaving it in an out-of-the-way place, such as in our garage, for a couple of weeks. Mites die after a few days without food.

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR SCABIES

SULPHUR : Useful for scabies when they alternate with other complaints like asthma, etc. There is unhealthy skin which breaks out and takes long to heal.There is very dry, unhealthy, scaly skin.Given when every little injury suppurates.There is voluptuous itching ehich is worse at night and from the heat of the bed.

PSORINUM : Useful for chilly patients.Given when eruptions appears on the skin folds, axillae, first on the left side then on the right.

SEPIA : Useful for rough, hard or cracked skin.There is herpetic eruption on the lips,around the mouth and nose.Given when scratching does not relieve itching.Useful for Hyperdrosis and bromidrosis.Useful for sweat on feet which is worse on toes and a very intolerable odour.

HEPAR SULPH : Very useful for unhealthy skin,every little injury suppurates,very sensitive to slightest touch and cold.Given when patient cannot bear to be uncovered, wants to be wrapped up.Useful for Ulcers which are very sensitive to contact and it burns, sting and bleed easily.

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