Scabies, or "temre" in Turkish, is a contagious skin condition caused by a mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. It is characterized by intense itching and a pimple-like rash. Scabies is spread through close contact with an infected person or by sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, or bedding. Treatment involves eliminating the mites and relieving symptoms. Here's more detail on what scabies is and how it can be treated:
1. **What is Scabies?**
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the skin, where they lay eggs and cause an allergic reaction, leading to intense itching and a rash.
2. **Symptoms of Scabies:**
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Pimple-like rash
- S-shaped tracks on the skin (caused by the mites burrowing)
- Sores caused by scratching
3. **How Scabies is Spread:**
Scabies is highly contagious and is usually spread through prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also spread by sharing clothing, towels, or bedding with someone who has scabies.
4. **Diagnosis of Scabies:**
Scabies is usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the rash and the presence of burrows on the skin. A skin scraping may be done to confirm the presence of mites, eggs, or fecal matter.
5. **Treatment of Scabies:**
- **Medication:** The most common treatment for scabies is a prescription cream or lotion that contains permethrin. This medication kills the mites and eggs.
- **Antihistamines:** These can help relieve itching.
- **Antibiotics:** If the rash becomes infected, antibiotics may be necessary.
6. **Preventing the Spread of Scabies:**
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
- Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.
Scabies is a treatable condition, but it is important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have scabies or have been in contact with someone who does. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of scabies to others.
1. **What is Scabies?**
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the skin, where they lay eggs and cause an allergic reaction, leading to intense itching and a rash.
2. **Symptoms of Scabies:**
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Pimple-like rash
- S-shaped tracks on the skin (caused by the mites burrowing)
- Sores caused by scratching
3. **How Scabies is Spread:**
Scabies is highly contagious and is usually spread through prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also spread by sharing clothing, towels, or bedding with someone who has scabies.
4. **Diagnosis of Scabies:**
Scabies is usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the rash and the presence of burrows on the skin. A skin scraping may be done to confirm the presence of mites, eggs, or fecal matter.
5. **Treatment of Scabies:**
- **Medication:** The most common treatment for scabies is a prescription cream or lotion that contains permethrin. This medication kills the mites and eggs.
- **Antihistamines:** These can help relieve itching.
- **Antibiotics:** If the rash becomes infected, antibiotics may be necessary.
6. **Preventing the Spread of Scabies:**
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
- Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.
Scabies is a treatable condition, but it is important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have scabies or have been in contact with someone who does. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of scabies to others.