Scabies
These are tiny mites living on the skin, which
feed off dead skin cells.
What to look for
When the female mite start to breed, the
symptoms will be as follows:
- intensely itchy rash located between the
fingers or around the wrists, elbows, navel, nipples, lower abdomen, and genitals.
- scabs that tend to form over scratched
areas.
The primary symptom, itchy, red lacerations
result when the female mite tunnels into the skin and deposits eggs and faeces.
Environments such as nursing homes and childcare centres provide perfect breeding grounds
for the mite, which needs a human host to survive.
Causes
Scabies mites are very difficult to get rid
of once they infest you. They transfer to other people via close personal contact. You
will not usually get these mites from your dog or cat. The symptoms usually appear two
weeks after infestation and are your bodys reaction to the mites.
Always see your doctor for an accurate
diagnosis, as you may not receive the tell-tale red lines.
Traditional Treatments
Treatment is usually a simple case of
applying the lotion which your doctor recommends to you. Anybody you have been in contact
with should also be treated at the same time. The whole household will have to be treated.
The mites can live on any surface for about 3 days, therefore all areas and surfaces must
be vacuumed and cleaned thoroughly. The mites can also live in toys and books etc.
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