Scabies

Question 1

What is scabies?

Answer 1

A parasitic infection by scarcoptes scabiei

Question 2

How is scabies transmitted?

Answer 2

By close personal contact and rarely by bedding and clothing

Question 3

How does scabies infect?

Answer 3

Female mute burrows into skin, lays eggs then dies - allergic reaction to eggs and faeces after 2-6 weeks

Eggs hatch and cycle begins again

Question 4

What are the symptoms of scabies?

Answer 4

1. Persistent itchy skin eruption
2. Small erythematous papules
3. Pruritis - worse at night and after bathing
4. Finger webs, hands, wrists, elbows and ankles affected
5. Pruritis can persist for several weeks after manifestation has been eliminated
6. Can get eczema or secondary bacterial infection

Question 5

What is crusted scabies?

Answer 5

1. Occurs in people with an impaired IS
2. Hyperkeratotic, crusted lesions are usually seen on hands, feet, nails, scalp and ears
3. Crusted scabies may not cause itching but is highly contagious