Scabies
Scabies is more than a nuisance and control is a challenge - Daniel Engelman
image by: Eslam Elfateh Scabies awareness campaign
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Scabies: Itchy global scourge is often misdiagnosed
Scabies is frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated, partly because most physicians are unfamiliar with it and partly because its symptoms mimic so many other skin diseases.
A correct diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that symptoms can often appear six to eight weeks after a person becomes infested with the microscopic arthropod, making it seem as if the problem came from nowhere. But unlike other skin diseases, scabies is usually accompanied by a tell-tale sign: one or more burrows in the skin where female mites lay their eggs.
Scabies is easily cured, but only if patients and their close contacts conscientiously follow directions for medical treatment and environmental…
Resources
Scabies: Treatments
No treatment is perfect. Permethrin 5% Topical - 1st line in many countries. Ivermectin - Off-label in most countries, but known to be effective. Avoidance of Lindane – less effective than other therapies and has adverse neurologic sequelae.
Before You Use A Nursing Home, Make Sure It Does Not Have Scabies
When selecting a nursing home for a loved one, do not choose one with tiny little insects that can burrow into your skin, lay eggs, and poop. That is a good general rule. But how many people know to look out for scabies when choosing a nursing home?
Everything You Need to Know About Scabies
Some nasty buggers are basically using your skin as their personal toilet.
Scabies Means Misery. This Pill Can End It.
Burrowing skin mites drive victims mad with itching, but distribution of a few pills can drive the infestation from entire communities.
Scabies: a neglected parasitic disease we already know how to treat
Mites living in your skin are just the start of the problems that come with having scabies. The highly infectious parasitic condition is linked with extreme itchiness, bacterial infections and kidney damage, plus debilitating social and economic consequences. But we’re not addressing the problem. Although a drug of known safety and efficacy is available, scabies still affects more than 100 million people across the world who can’t break free of illness and reinfection cycles. But scabies can also be killed effectively with ivermectin, an oral medication that comes in tablet form.
Scabies: Advances in Noninvasive Diagnosis
A greater knowledge of these techniques among general practitioners and other specialists involved in the intake care of overcrowded populations vulnerable to scabies infestations is now viewed as urgent and important in the management of outbreaks, as well as in consideration of the recent growing inflow of migrants in Europe from North Africa.
How to Help a Child with Scabies
To be as helpful as possible, I’ve compiled exactly that - a “quick guide” to scabies and I’ve also included a link to an eBook download that you might find useful as you seek to solve your baby’s rashes, deal with immunizations, and handle other challenges you might be facing with your little one.
My scabies nightmare experience...
After having almost a week of scabies I have learnt a lot more about it (via research and doctors), and thought I will share my experience and give out any tips that I think is useful. Please consider that it took alot of courage to post these pics online.
Scabies Infection – The Mite Bite
Some people with weakened immune system can develop “crusted scabies” or “Norwegian scabies” which are described as large, crusty red patches or bumps on the skin that spread easily. The scalp, hands, and feet are affected most often. These lesions are usually not itchy but can contain many mites.
Scabies Mites and the Itch
Unclean sheets and linens carry human scabies mites, which feed on human skin, causing intense itching. The condition is called scabies, or simply "the itch."
Toward the Global Control of Human Scabies: Introducing the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies
The International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) is a recently formed group from across the globe to advance the agenda of scabies control. The alliance is committed to the control of human scabies infestation, and to promoting the health and well-being of all those living in affected communities.
Ivermectin (Stromectol) for typical and crusted scabies
Reserve ivermectin as second line for typical scabies Maintain topical treatments (permethrin 5% cream or benzyl benzoate 25% lotion) as first line for typical scabies. Mite-resistance through overuse of ivermectin may limit future treatment options.
Sleep Tight, and Don’t Let the Ectoparasites Bite: Part 1
Permethrin 5% cream generally constitutes first-line treatment for scabies infestations, and should have good scabicidal and ovicidal action against mites and their eggs. Each application should cover the child’s body below the head, and should be removed by bathing after eight to 14 hours. Treatment should be applied to the scalp, face, and neck in infants and younger children because of the nature of more widely disseminated infestations in this age group. A second treatment should be applied one week later.
Migrants’ latest health challenge: Scabies
Infection with S. pyogenes can potentially lead to fatal bloodstream infections (septicaemia) and post-infection complications, including end-stage renal failure and acute rheumatic fever. Repeated episodes of this can lead to rheumatic heart disease, which is estimated to affect at least 2.4 million children worldwide, with 79 percent occurring in developing countries.
Scabies: Itchy global scourge is often misdiagnosed
Scabies is frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated, partly because most physicians are unfamiliar with it and partly because its symptoms mimic so many other skin diseases.
International Alliance for the Control of Scabies
The International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) is a global network of researchers, clinicians and public health experts dedicated to improving the control of scabies.
LifeWithoutScabies
If you’re looking a helping hand on your journey to eradicate a scabies infestation then you’ve come to the right place. Let me start by saying I am really sorry that you have to go through this. I had scabies for over a year and it was, without a doubt, the most depressing, uncomfortable and isolating experience I have ever had to go through.
Dr Scabies
Dr. Scabies is an all-natural brand of products that work together to eliminate scabies infestation. We have specifically formulated each product for maximum effectivity and safety for the patient with scabies. We only use natural ingredients in Dr. Scabies products so it is very safe for personal daily treatment and also safe for the environment.
Scabies is Fascinating
What did you do on your vacation this summer? Laid on the beach or hiked in the mountains maybe. Me? I got scabies.
American Skin Association
People with scabies are treated with a prescription cream or lotion from the doctor. Even after treatment, the itching and rash may last for weeks. If you have scabies, all washables clothing, towels and bed linens that have been in contact with the infected person should be machine laundered in hot water and machine dried on high heat for 20 minutes to destroy the mites.
MayoClinic
Medications commonly prescribed for scabies include: •Permethrin 5 percent (Elimite). Your doctor may recommend that you apply this cream — which contains chemicals that kill scabies mites and their eggs — twice, with a week or so between each application. Permethrin is generally considered safe for children and adults of all ages, including women who are pregnant or nursing. •Lindane. This medication — also a chemical treatment — is available as a cream, lotion and shampoo. This medication isn't safe for children younger than age 2 years, women who are pregnant or nursing, or people with weakened immune systems. •Crotamiton (Eurax). This nonchemical medication is applied once a day for two to five days. Your doctor may recommend it if your baby has scabies.
MedicineNet
Just as the itch of scabies takes a while to reach a crescendo, it takes a few days to subside after treatment. After a week or two, relief is dramatic. If that doesn't happen, the diagnosis of scabies must be questioned.
MedlinePlus
Hospitals, child-care centers, and nursing homes are examples. Scabies can easily infect sex partners and other household members. Sharing clothes, towels, and bedding can sometimes spread scabies. This can happen much more easily when the infested person has crusted scabies. You cannot get scabies from a pet. Pets get a different mite infection called mange.
NHS
Scabies like warm places, such as skin folds, between the fingers, under fingernails, or around the buttock or breast creases. They can also hide under watch straps, bracelets or rings.
Patient
It is often difficult to diagnose due to the spectrum of associated signs and symptoms and its clinical mimicry of other conditions. Globally it is an enormous public health problem, causing significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries, and a feeling that it has been neglected prompted the formation of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS). There are also concerns about increasing resistance to drugs currently available.
WHO
Scabies is one of the commonest dermatological conditions, accounting for a substantial proportion of skin disease in developing countries. Globally, it affects more than 130 million people at any time.
CDC
Products used to kill scabies mites are called scabicides. No “over-the-counter” (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved to treat human scabies. The following medications for the treatment of scabies are available only by prescription.
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