SCABIES IN ENGLISH

                                                            

                                                  SCABIES IN ENGLISH

                         watch my youtube video to understand this topic in easy way-

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCTtugGvsBA

SCABIES-

           Scabies is a parasitic infestation of the skin caused by a mite whose penetration is visible as papules, vesicles or tiny linear burrows containing the mites and their eggs. It leads to extreme itching. Scabies is highly contagious disease.

CAUSATIVE AGENT-

           Scabies is caused by the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei or Acarus scabiei). The female parasite burrows into the epidermis where it breeds and causes the condition known as scabies or itch. The itch mite is just visible to the naked eye, measuring 0.4 mm in size and has a body shaped like a tortoise, rounded above and flattened below.

           A single female may lay up to 30 eggs at the rate of 2 to 3 per day and ultimately dies at the end of the burrow. The eggs hatch into larvae in 3 to 4 days .The larvae come to the surface and bore into the hair follicles where vesicles form. The larvae mature into nymphs in about 3 days. The nymphs develop into adults in 6 to 8 days. The life cycle from egg to adult may take 10 to 15 days. The adult mites live for 1 to 2 months.

HOW IT SPREADS-

           Mode of transmission is direct contact. Transfer of parasites commonly occurs through prolonged direct contact with infested skin and also during sexual contact. Transfer from undergarments and bedclothes occurs only if these have been contaminated and used infested people.

CLINICAL MENIFESTATIONS-

Itching is the main symptom of scabies.

Lesions in the form of papules, vesicles or tiny linear burrows may also be visible.

Itching and lesions are prominent around finger webs, anterior surfaces of wrists and elbows, anterior axillary folds, belt line, thighs and external genitalia in men.

 

Ø  Itching and lesions are prominent around finger webs, nipples, abdomen and the lower portion of the buttocks are frequently affected in women.

Ø  In infants, the head, neck, palms and soles may be involved.

Ø  Itching is intense, especially at night, but complications are limited to lesions secondarily infected by scratching.

DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS-

           History of itching and physical examination is used for diagnosis. Confirm Diagnosis may be established by recovering the mite from its burrow and identifying it microscopically. Care should be taken to choose lesions for scraping or biopsy that have not been excoriated by repeated scratching.

TREATMENT-

           (1) BENZYL BENZOATE : Benzyl benzoate (25 per cent) is an effective against itch-mite. It should be applied  to every inch of the body below the chin including the soles of the feet and allowed to dry followed by bathing after 12 hours. This treatment is done for 3 consecutive day.

Ø  All underclothes, clothes and sheets should be changed and washed after the treatment. Calamine lotion is applied to relieve itching.

Ø  Other anti mite drugs are also available for treatment may be prescribed by the doctor such as 5% permethrin and topical applications of 1% gamma benzene hexa-chloride.

           Anti allergic drugs may be prescribed

PREVENTION  -

Ø  In the control of scabies, it is essential to treat all members of the affected household simultaneously whether or not they appear to be infested.

Ø  Health education should be given to community on mode of transmission, early diagnosis and treatment of infested patients and contacts.

Ø  Isolation: Exclude infested individuals from school or work until the day after treatment. For hospitalized patients, contact isolation for 24 hours after start of effective treatment

Ø  Concurrent disinfestation: Laundering underwear, clothing and bedsheets worn or used by the patient in the 48 hours prior to treatment

Ø  Investigation of contacts and source of infestation: Search for unreported and unrecognized cases among companions and household members; single infestations in a family are uncommon. Treat prophylactically those who have had skin-to-skin contact with infested people or clothe sharing people.

Ø  Avoiding overcrowding is also a method of preventing scabies.

Ø  Sharing of clothes like towels, handkerchief, bedsheets, blankets should also be avoided.

Ø  Maintenance of personal and environmental hygiene also help in preventing skin diseases like scabies