What are the causes and symptoms of scabies ?  

Scratching seems to serve some purpose in scabies, as the mites are apparently often inadvertently removed. Most infestations with scabies are caused by no more than 15 mites altogether.

Infestation with huge numbers of mites (on the order of thousands to millions) occurs when an individual does not scratch, or when an individual has a weakened immune system. These patients include those who live in institutions; are mentally retarded, or physically infirm; have other diseases which affect the amount of sensation they have in their skin (leprosy or syringomyelia); have leukemia or diabetes; are taking medications which lower their immune response (cancer chemotherapy, drugs given after organ transplantation); or have other diseases which lower their immune response (such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS). This form of scabies, with its major infestation, is referred to as crusted scabies or Norwegian scabies. Infected patients have thickened, crusty areas all over their bodies, including over the scalp. Their skin is scaly. Their fingernails may be thickened and horny.


Source :

http://www.answerbag.com/ q_vie w/464013

Answered by Santosh Kuma at 1:50 PM on September 04, 2008

This mite is a mere 0.4 mm and it burrows into the skin specially affecting the webbing between the hands, the folds of skin on the wrist, elbow, or knee and the nether regions, breasts or even shoulder blades. The female scabies mite is specially attracted to body warmth and odour and is known to hide under or on any jewellery or even under nails. Though the mites do not survive for very long without a host, the female mite is known to survive for up to a month.

The scabies symptoms are scabies rash which are pimple-like irritations, nodular bumps or rash of the skin and may spread even in places where the burrowing has not occurred as the mite’s secretions cause itchiness. These are responsible for excessive itching and irritation of the skin, which especially increases at night-time and spreads throughout the body. The constant scratching causes sores on the body and these sores may ooze or become infected and be a breeding ground for bacteria. In more advanced cases, the skin starts to look crusty and develops scales.

formore detail refer
http://www.medicinenet. com/s cabies/article.htm

Answered by Uttam at 1:44 PM on August 29, 2008

hi there



Scabies is most common among people who live in overcrowded conditions, and whose ability to practice good hygiene is limited. Scabies can be passed between people by close skin contact. Although the mites can only live away from human skin for about three days, sharing clothing or bedclothes can pass scabies among family members or close contacts. In May 2002, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) included scabies in its updated guidelines for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

The itching, or pruritus, from scabies is worse after a hot shower and at night. Burrows are seen as winding, slightly raised gray lines along the skin. The female mite may be seen at one end of the burrow, as a tiny pearl-like bump underneath the skin. Because of the intense itching, burrows may be obscured by scratch marks left by the patient. The most common locations for burrows include the sides of the fingers, between the fingers, the top of the wrists, around the elbows and armpits, around the nipples of the breasts in women, in the genitalia of men, around the waist (beltline), and on the lower part of the buttocks. Babies may have burrows on the soles of their feet, palms of their hands, and faces.

Scratching seems to serve some purpose in scabies, as the mites are apparently often inadvertently removed. Most infestations with scabies are caused by no more than 15 mites altogether.

Infestation with huge numbers of mites (on the order of thousands to millions) occurs when an individual does not scratch, or when an individual has a weakened immune system. These patients include those who live in institutions; are mentally retarded, or physically infirm; have other diseases which affect the amount of sensation they have in their skin (leprosy or syringomyelia); have leukemia or diabetes; are taking medications which lower their immune response (cancer chemotherapy, drugs given after organ transplantation); or have other diseases which lower their immune response (such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS). This form of scabies, with its major infestation, is referred to as crusted scabies or Norwegian scabies. Infected patients have thickened, crusty areas all over their bodies, including over the scalp. Their skin is scaly. Their fingernails may be thickened and horny.


Source :

http://www.answerbag.com/q_vie w/464013

Answered by Reeta K at 3:12 PM on August 20, 2008

well sana Scabies:
Scabies is an itchy condition of the skin caused by a tiny mite (Sarcoptes scabiei).

Symptoms
The mite burrows into the skin, especially around the hands, feet, and male genitalia. It does not usually affect the neck and head, although it may in infants.

The itching is due to an allergic reaction to the tiny mites, and is associated with a rash of red, raised spots. The itch is worse at night, and may often affect more than one family member.

Causes
Scabies is caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) which burrows under the skin, but the rash and itch are much more widespread than the location of the mites.

The mite may be passed easily by close contact and commonly starts at the wrist, presumably having been picked up through holding hands.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often made clearer because more than one family member has an itchy rash. Sometimes burrows can be seen, especially near to the wrists. The doctor may sometimes manage to remove a mite from a burrow in order to look at it under magnification.

The diagnosis can be made difficult because the rash can look like other itchy conditions eg eczema.

Treatment
There are three main types of treatment in use for scabies in the UK. All are applied to the whole body except the head and neck, and the whole family should be treated at the same time.

The treatment of choice at the moment is Permethrin, in view of its relative safety, ease of application, and as it tends not to irritate the skin. This should be left on for at least eight hours. This may be used for the head and necks of children less than two years old.

Benzyl benzoate emulsion. This is washed off after twenty four hours, and repeated two or three times. In infants or young children it is wise to dilute in two or three times as much water, as this helps reduce skin irritation.

Malathion. This is washed off after twenty four hours.

The treatment kills the mites, but their bodies are still in the skin and as it is this that we are allergic to, the itch persists until our own natural defence systems break down and get rid of what is left of the mites. This process takes about two weeks and therefore the itch continues for about two weeks after the treatment.

Do not be disheartened, this is to be expected and does not mean that the treatment has failed. In the mean time you may find that an antihistamine tablet or medicine (either prescribed or bought over the counter) will reduce itching.

for more inf check http://www.hindustanlink.com/doctor tex/health-problems-diseases/scabie s-causes-diagnosis-symptoms.htm

Answered by sanjay at 4:43 PM on August 12, 2008

Scabies is an infestation that causes an itchy skin condition by a parasitic, microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabei. Scabies rash is highly contagious and spreads quickly under crowded conditions when the mite gets an opportunity to find new hosts by direct and prolonged skin contact. It occurs worldwide and is not caused by lack of personal hygiene or is limited to a race or social condition. It can affect any unsuspecting individual who may have only shaken hands with an infected person.

Symptoms of Scabies :The scabies symptoms are scabies rash which are pimple-like irritations, nodular bumps or rash of the skin and may spread even in places where the burrowing has not occurred as the mite’s secretions cause itchiness. These are responsible for excessive itching and irritation of the skin, which especially increases at night-time and spreads throughout the body. The constant scratching causes sores on the body and these sores may ooze or become infected and be a breeding ground for bacteria. In more advanced cases, the skin starts to look crusty and develops scales.

Answered by Ivan Dantes at 9:12 AM on August 12, 2008

Well Sana,
This mite is a mere 0.4 mm and it burrows into the skin specially affecting the webbing between the hands, the folds of skin on the wrist, elbow, or knee and the nether regions, breasts or even shoulder blades. The female scabies mite is specially attracted to body warmth and odour and is known to hide under or on any jewellery or even under nails. Though the mites do not survive for very long without a host, the female mite is known to survive for up to a month.

Treatment:
Any person with a weak immune system or elderly persons are at a higher risk of contracting scabies in its more severe form called Norwegian scabies or crusted scabies. Several topical lotions and creams, the most common of which are Kwell lotion (lindane) and Elimite (permethrin) or Benzyl benzoate emulsion are available for treating scabies that can be prescribed by a doctor in treating scabies. These need to be applied after the skin has been cleansed to the entire body and left overnight, after which it can be washed by taking a bath or shower. It is important to maintain hygiene and all the clothes, bedding and towels that are used by the infested person should be washed in hot water and dried at a high temperature to kill any remaining mites or eggs. It is also important to treat others in the home at the same time to prevent the spread of the infestation.

The bodies of the mites remain in the skin and that causes the allergy so it is possible that even after successful treatment itching may continue for a period of 2-3 weeks though no new burrows or rashes should occur within 48 hours of successful cure. It is entirely up to our own immune system to break down the remnants of the pests and rejuvenate the skin. In case of a lot of itching, an OTC antihistamine will also help to soothe the itch.

Home remedy :
are equally effective to stop infection and cure lesions. Washing the skin with a paste with fresh or dried neem leaves and an equal quantity of turmeric powder mixed with mustard oil. This paste can be applied on the body and left for at least an hour before bathing. Repeat for 7- 10 days till all lesions have healed. Similarly scabies can also be treated by application of the juice of fresh apricot leaves.

source site :
http://www.buzzle.com

Answered by Priyanka C at 9:08 PM on August 11, 2008

CAUSES OF SCABIES -By direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies. Contact generally must be prolonged (a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread infestation). Infestation is easily spread to sexual partners and household members. Infestation may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding.

People with weakened immune systems and the elderly are at risk for a more severe form of scabies, called Norwegian or crusted scabies. Scabies is spread more easily by persons who have Norwegian, or crusted, scabies than by persons with other types of scabies.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE-Intense itching is the most common symptom of scabies. This usually occurs at night. Unlike hair lice, it is essentially impossible to see the mite without the aid of a microscope. However, itching and scratching will often cause characteristic nodular bumps in areas infested with the scabies mite. These can occur anywhere on the body except the face.

SOURCE SITE :http://www.healthscout.com/en cy/68/427/main.html#Symptomsof Scabies

Answered by Sanya Tahir at 6:23 PM on August 11, 2008

dear sana!
Scabies is a skin infection caused by a parasite .It causes pustules over skin especially in the folds and cause severe itching.Living in unhealthy conditions,lack of personal hygiene, are the main reasons.It is a contagious disease mainly effecting children.

Answered by Cuty * at 9:15 PM on August 10, 2008

hello sana
Scabies is an infestation that causes an itchy skin condition by a parasitic, microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabei. Scabies rash is highly contagious and spreads quickly under crowded conditions when the mite gets an opportunity to find new hosts by direct and prolonged skin contact. It occurs worldwide and is not caused by lack of personal hygiene or is limited to a race or social condition. It can affect any unsuspecting individual who may have only shaken hands with an infected person. An estimated 300 million people are affected by the scabies rash every year.

Symptoms of Scabies

This mite is a mere 0.4 mm and it burrows into the skin specially affecting the webbing between the hands, the folds of skin on the wrist, elbow, or knee and the nether regions, breasts or even shoulder blades. The female scabies mite is specially attracted to body warmth and odour and is known to hide under or on any jewellery or even under nails. Though the mites do not survive for very long without a host, the female mite is known to survive for up to a month.

The scabies symptoms are scabies rash which are pimple-like irritations, nodular bumps or rash of the skin and may spread even in places where the burrowing has not occurred as the mite’s secretions cause itchiness. These are responsible for excessive itching and irritation of the skin, which especially increases at night-time and spreads throughout the body. The constant scratching causes sores on the body and these sores may ooze or become infected and be a breeding ground for bacteria. In more advanced cases, the skin starts to look crusty and develops scales.

formore detail refer
http://www.medicinenet.com/s cabies/article.htm

Answered by Saq at 12:54 PM on August 10, 2008

Scabies is an infestation that causes an itchy skin condition by a parasitic, microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabei. Scabies rash is highly contagious and spreads quickly under crowded conditions when the mite gets an opportunity to find new hosts by direct and prolonged skin contact. It occurs worldwide and is not caused by lack of personal hygiene or is limited to a race or social condition. It can affect any unsuspecting individual who may have only shaken hands with an infected person. An estimated 300 million people are affected by the scabies rash every year.

Symptoms of Scabies
The scabies symptoms are scabies rash which are pimple-like irritations, nodular bumps or rash of the skin and may spread even in places where the burrowing has not occurred as the mite’s secretions cause itchiness. These are responsible for excessive itching and irritation of the skin, which especially increases at night-time and spreads throughout the body. The constant scratching causes sores on the body and these sores may ooze or become infected and be a breeding ground for bacteria. In more advanced cases, the skin starts to look crusty and develops scales.

The telltale burrows can also be seen, especially close to the wrists and a doctor may manage to remove a mite by observing a burrowed area under magnification. The female mite also lays eggs under the surface of the skin which hatch within a couple of days and begin to move and soon develop into more harmful mites. This mite does not normally affect the neck and head regions though it may prey upon the soft tissue in these regions in infants.

For a person who has never been infected before these symptoms may manifest after a long period of 4-6 weeks. A previously infected person shows more immediate reactions and may begin to itch severely within a couple of days; a treatment done once does not guarantee immunity.
visit /www.buzzle.com

Answered by Jyothi at 8:16 PM on August 09, 2008