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Scabies
What is scabies?
Scabies is a skin infection caused by a tiny parasitic mite (sarcoptes scabiei) burrowing under the skin and laying her eggs. These eggs hatch after 10 days. Adult mites can survive in their host's skin for up to a month.
The mites are spread from person to person through close personal contact, including sexual.
Scabies commonly appears on the hands and feet but the most likely area to be affected is the genitals, with scabies frequently developing on the penis.
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What does scabies look like?
Scabies takes the form of a pinkish red rash, with slightly raised bumps. You may also be able to see the burrows created by the mites, which look like thin silvery lines. Sometimes the burrow will have a black dot at one end, where the mite is visible under the skin. (See pictures of scabies).
What are the symptoms of scabies?
Symptoms appear 2 to 6 weeks after infestation.
An itchy pinkish red rash will appear on the infected areas. The irritation is caused by an allergic reaction to the mite, its faeces and the eggs.
Complications are rare, but persistent scratching can cause bacterial infections such as impetigo.
Scabies treatment
There are two types of lotion used in the treatment of scabies (these medicines are permethrin cream and malathion lotion). The lotion will kill both the mites and their eggs, and will need to be left on the skin for 12 to 24 hours after application before being washed off.
One application should be sufficient to cure the scabies, although itching may persist for a while. A doctor or pharmacist may recommend calamine lotion or similar anti-irritant cream to soothe this. Seek medical attention if itching persists for several weeks or if it worsens, as a second treatment or referral to a specialist may be needed.
Current and recent sexual partners must also be treated, even if they are showing no signs of scabies, as should members of the household.
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