scabies

Definition

Scabies is a relatively contagious infection caused by a tiny mite.

Description

Scabies is caused by a tiny, 0.3 mm long insect called a mite. When a human comes in contact with the female mite, the mite burrows under the skin, laying eggs along the line of its burrow. These eggs hatch, and the resulting offspring rise to the surface of the skin, mate,

and repeat the cycle either within the skin of the original host, or within the skin of its next victim.

The intense itching almost always caused by scabies is due to a reaction within the skin to the feces of the mite. The first time someone is infected with scabies, he or she may not notice any itching for a number of weeks (four to six weeks). With subsequent infections, the itchiness will begin within hours of picking up the first mite.

— Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

1. A contagious skin disease caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) and characterized by intense itching.
2. A similar disease in animals, especially sheep.

[Middle English, from Latin scabiēs, from scabere, to scratch.]

A contagious disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, the itch mite, characterized by intense itching of the skin.

Scabies. (Zitelli/Davis, 2002)

Definition

Scabies, also known as sarcoptic acariasis, is a contagious, parasitic skin infection caused by a tiny mite (sarcoptes scabiei).

Description

Scabies is caused by a tiny, 0.3 mm-long, parasitic insect called a mite. When a human comes into contact with the female mite, the mite burrows under the skin, laying eggs along the lines of its burrow. These eggs hatch, and the resulting offspring rise to the surface of the skin; mate; and repeat the cycle either within the skin of the original host; or within the skin of its next victim, causing red lesions.

The intense itching, or pruritus, that is almost always caused by scabies is due to a reaction within the skin to the feces of the mite. The first time someone is infected with scabies, he or she may not notice any itching for four to six weeks. With subsequent infections, the itchiness will begin within hours of picking up the first mite.

Causes & Symptoms

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.

Mite burrows within the skin are seen as winding, slightly raised gray lines along a person's skin. The female mite may be found 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. The itching from scabies becomes worse after a hot shower and at night. Scratching, however, 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 that 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 appears scaly, and their fingernails may be thickened and horny.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made simply by observing the characteristic burrows of the mites causing scabies. A sterilized needle can be used to explore the pearly bump at the end of a burrow, remove its contents, and place it on a slide to be examined. The mite itself may then be identified under a microscope.

Occasionally, a type of mite carried on dogs (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis) may infect humans. These mites cannot survive for very long on humans, however, so the infection is less severe.

Treatment

A paste made from two herbs, neem (Azadirachta indica) and turmeric (Curcuma longa,) applied to the affected area daily for 15 days has been found to be effective in treating scabies.

Allopathic Treatment

Several types of lotions (usually containing 5% permethrin) can be applied to the body and left on for 12–24 hours. One topical application is usually sufficient, although the scabicide may be reapplied after a week if mites remain. Preparations containing lindane are no longer recommended for treating scabies as of 2003 because of the potential for damage to the nervous system. Itching can be lessened by the use of calamine lotion or antihistamine medications.

In addition to topical medications, the doctor may prescribe oral ivermectin. Ivermectin is a drug that was originally developed for veterinary practice as a broad-spectrum antiparasite agent. Studies done in humans, however, have found that ivermectin is as safe and effective as topical medications for treating scabies. A study published in 2003 reported that ivermectin is safe for people in high-risk categories, including those with compromised immune systems.

Expected Results

The prognosis for complete recovery from a scabies infestation is excellent. In patients with weak immune systems, the biggest danger is that the areas of skin involved with scabies will become secondarily infected with bacteria.

Prevention

Good hygiene is essential in the prevention of scabies. When a member of a household is diagnosed with scabies, all that person's recently worn clothing and bedding should be washed in very hot water. Extensive cleaning of the household, however, is not necessary because the mite does not live long away from the human body.

Resources

Books

Darmstadt, Gary L., and Al Lane. "Arthropod Bites and Infestations." In Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, edited by Richard Behrman. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 1996.

Maguire, James H. "Ectoparasite Infestations and Arthropod Bites and Stings." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, edited by Anthony S. Fauci, et al. New York: McGraw–Hill, 1998.

"Scabies (The Itch)." Section 10, Chapter 114 in The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, edited by Mark H. Beers, MD, and Robert Berkow, MD. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 2002.

Stoffman, Phyllis. The Family Guide to Preventing and Treating 100 Infectious Diseases. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1995.

Periodicals

Burroughs, R. F., and D. M. Elston. "What's Eating You? Canine Scabies." Cutis 72 (August 2003): 107–109.

Burstein, G. R., and K. A. Workowski. "Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines." Current Opinion in Pediatrics 15 (August 2003): 391–397.

Fawcett, R. S. "Ivermectin Use in Scabies." American Family Physician 68 (September 15, 2003): 1089–1092.

Santoro, A. F., M. A. Rezac, and J. B. Lee. "Current Trend in Ivermectin Usage for Scabies." Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2 (August 2003): 397–401.

Organizations

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). 930 East Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. (847) 330-0230. .

[Article by: Kathleen D. Wright; Rebecca J. Frey, PhD]

Definition

Scabies is a relatively contagious infection caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.

Description

Scabies is caused by a tiny insect about 0.3 mm long called a mite. When a human comes in contact with the female mite, the mite burrows under the skin, laying eggs along the line of its burrow. These eggs hatch, and the resulting offspring rise to the surface of the skin, mate, and repeat the cycle either within the skin of the original host or within the skin of its next victim.

The intense itching almost always caused by scabies is due to a reaction within the skin to the feces of the mite. The first time someone is infected with scabies, he or she may not notice any itching for a number of weeks (four to six weeks). With subsequent infections, the itchiness begins within hours of picking up the first mite.

Demographics

Prevalence rates are not clear; some studies suggest that between 6 and 27 percent of the population have scabies at any one time. Scabies is more common among schoolchildren and individuals living in crowded conditions.

Causes and Symptoms

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 (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 are 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 the elderly; those who live in institutions; the mentally retarded or physically infirm; those who have other diseases which affect the amount of sensation they have in their skin (leprosy or syringomyelia); leukemia or diabetes sufferers; those taking medications which lower their immune response (cancer chemotherapy or immunosuppressant drugs given after organ transplantation); or people with 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.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made simply by observing the characteristic burrows of the mites causing scabies. A sterilized needle can be used to explore the pearly bump at the end of a burrow, remove its contents, and place it on a slide to be examined. The mite itself may then be identified under a microscope.

Occasionally, a type of mite carried on dogs (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis) may infect humans. These mites cannot survive for very long on humans, and so the infection is very light.

Treatment

Several types of lotions (usually containing 5% permethrin) can be applied to the body and left on for 12 to 24 hours. One topical application is usually sufficient, although the scabicide may be reapplied after a week if mites remain. Preparations containing lindane are no longer recommended for treating scabies because of the potential for damage to the nervous system. Itching can be lessened by the use of calamine lotion or antihistamine medications.

In addition to topical medications, the doctor may prescribe oral ivermectin, a drug that was originally developed for veterinary practice as a broad-spectrum antiparasite agent. Studies done in humans, however, have found that ivermectin is as safe and effective as topical medications for treating scabies. A study published in 2003 reported that ivermectin is safe for people in high-risk categories, including those with compromised immune systems.

Prognosis

The prognosis for complete recovery from scabies infestation is excellent. In patients with weak immune systems, the biggest danger is that the areas of skin involved with scabies will become secondarily infected with bacteria.

Prevention

Good hygiene is essential in the prevention of scabies. When a member of a household is diagnosed with scabies, all that person's recently worn clothing and bedding should be washed in very hot water.

Parental Concerns

One of the biggest concerns among family members of an individual with scabies is its ready transmissibility. Care should be taken to avoid sharing bedding, towels, and clothing with an infected family member. Some healthcare providers recommend that all family members be treated with a scabicide, whether or not scabies is evident. Linens of all family members should be washed in the hottest water possible to avoid cross-contamination.

Resources

Books

"Arthropod Bites and Infestations." In Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Edited by Richard E. Behrman et al. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2004.

"Infestations and Bites." In Clinical Dermatology, 4th ed. Edited by Thomas P. Habif et al. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 2004.

"Scabies." In Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Edited by Fred F. Ferri. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 2004.

Organizations

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). 930 East Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Web site: www.aad.org.Web sites "Facts about Scabies." Available online at www.safe2use.com/pests/scabies/scabies.htm (accessed December 30, 2004).

[Article by: Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD Rebecca J. Frey, PhD]

A skin infection caused by a mite, Sarcoptes scabei. The female mite burrows under the skin, particularly around the fingers and genitalia, and lays eggs. Scabies is transmitted by close body contact, especially in crowded and unhygienic places, but the mite is no respecter of social class. Infection does not interfere with physical activity, although it can be transmitted in close contact sports such as wrestling. Treatment is application of a cream that gets rid of the mites. Athletes can return to contact sports the day after the mites have been removed.

Infestation by mites of the genus Sarcoptes. See also sarcoptic mange.

• feline s. — see notoedres cati.
• s. incognito — a variant of sarcoptic mange in dogs in which mites are difficult or impossible to recover in skin scrapings, presumably because of the extensive grooming and generally high level of skin hygiene that lacks only the use of a scabicide. Also there are usually only a few mites present once an immunity develops. Further infection may cause a hypersensitivity but the mites present will still be in small numbers.
• Norwegian s. — a variety characterized by immense numbers of mites and marked scaling of the skin. Seen in immunocompromised patients.

For scabies in dogs, see mange.

This article is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. WikiProject Medicine/Dermatology task force may be able to help recruit one. (March 2009)

Scabies
Classification and external resources
Sarcoptes scabiei
ICD-10	B86.
ICD-9	133.0
DiseasesDB	11841
MedlinePlus	000830
eMedicine	derm/382 emerg/517 ped/2047
MeSH	D012532

Scabies, also known as the itch, is a contagious ectoparasite skin infection characterized by superficial burrows and intense pruritus (itching). It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The word scabies itself is derived from the Latin word for "scratch" (scabere). Other names for the condition include Mite, Itch Mite, Mange, Crusted Scabies, Norwegian Scabies, Sarcoptes scabiei, or The Seven-Year Itch.

Contents 1 Signs and symptoms 1.1 Compromised immune systems 1.2 Gallery of scabies infections 1.3 Evolution of infection 2 Cause 3 Diagnosis 4 Management 4.1 Medications 4.1.1 Topical 4.1.2 Oral 4.2 Public health and prevention strategies 4.3 Itchiness during treatment 5 Epidemiology 6 History 7 Domestic animals 8 See also 9 References 10 External links

Signs and symptoms

A scabies burrow under magnification. The scaly patch at the left is due to scratching of the original papule. The mite travelled from there to the upper right, where it can be seen as a dark spot at the end of the burrow.

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2008)

The characteristic symptoms of scabies infection include superficial burrows, intense pruritus (itching), a generalized rash and secondary infection. Acropustulosis, or blisters and pustules on the palms and soles of the feet, are characteristic symptoms of scabies in infants.^[1]

S-shaped tracks in the skin are often accompanied by small, insect-type bites called nodules that may look like pimples.^[1] These burrows and nodules are often located in the crevasses of the body, such as between fingers, toes, buttocks, elbows, waist area, genital area, and under the breasts in women.^[1]

The intense itching and rash characteristic of scabies infection is caused by an allergic reaction of the body to the burrowing of the microscopic scabies mites. The rash can be found over much of the body; the associated itching is often most prevalent at night.^[2]

Secondary infection is often due to impetigo, a type of bacterial skin infection, after scratching. Cellulitis may also occur, resulting in localized swelling, redness and fever (DermNet).

In immuno-compromised, malnourished, elderly or institutionalized individuals, infestation can cause a more severe form of scabies known as crusted scabies or Norwegian scabies. This syndrome is characterized by a scaly rash, slight itching and thickened crusts of skin containing thousands of mites.^[2] Norwegian scabies is the form of scabies that is hardest to treat.

In individuals never before exposed to scabies, the onset of clinical signs and symptoms is 4–6 weeks after infestation, some people may not realize that they have it for years; in previously exposed individuals, onset can be as soon as 2–4 days after infestation.

Compromised immune systems

Norwegian scabies in AIDS patient

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2008)

People with compromised immune systems, such as HIV, cancer or transplant patients may be susceptible to crusted or Norwegian scabies. In this case the scabies go unregulated by cytotoxic cells and spread over the whole body, except the face. These cases require additional treatment options for resolution. Ivermectin is a single oral treatment of choice in these patients combined with any other topical treatment.

Gallery of scabies infections

Scabies of the foot

Scabies of the arm

Scabies of the hand

Scabies of the finger

Evolution of infection

Day 4

Day 8 (treatment begins)

Day 12 (under treatment)

Healed

Cause

Main article: Sarcoptes scabiei

Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis (dog scabies mite)

Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread by scratching, picking up the mites under the fingernails and simply touching another person's skin. They can also be spread onto other objects like keyboards, toilets, clothing, towels, bedding, furniture, and anything else that the mite may be rubbed off onto, especially if a person is heavily infested. The parasite can survive up to 14 days away from a host, but often do not survive longer than two or three days away from human skin.^[3] Scabies is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, variety hominis, as shown by the Italian biologist Diacinto Cestoni in the 18th century. It produces intense, itchy skin rashes when the impregnated female tunnels into the stratum corneum of the skin and deposits eggs in the burrow. The larvae, which hatch in 3–10 days, move about on the skin, molt into a "nymphal" stage, and then mature into adult mites. The adult mites live 3–4 weeks in the host's skin.

The action of the mites moving within the skin and on the skin itself produces an intense itch which may resemble an allergic reaction in appearance. The presence of the eggs produces a massive allergic response which, in turn, produces more itching.

Scabies can be transmitted readily throughout an entire household, by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person (e.g. bed partners, schoolmates, daycare). It can be spread by clothing, bedding, or towels. Washing clothing in very hot water and dry on high heat will help prevent the transmission. Alternatively, permethrin sprays can be used for items that cannot be laundered.

The symptoms of itching and rash are caused by an allergic reaction that the human body develops over time to the mites and their by-products under the skin. As such, there is usually a 2-6 week incubation period between infestation and presentation of symptoms. However, in individuals with prior exposure to scabies, the incubation period is much shorter: as little as 1–4 days.^[4]

There are usually relatively few mites on a normal, healthy person (who is infested with scabies) — about 11 females in burrows. Scabies are microscopic although sometimes they are visible as a pinpoint of white. The females burrow into the skin and lay eggs there. Males roam on top of the skin, although can also occasionally burrow.

Diagnosis

Signs and symptoms of early scabies infestation mirror other skin diseases, including dermatitis, syphilis, allergic reactions, and other ectoparasites such as lice and fleas.^[5]

Generally diagnosis is made by finding burrows - which often may be difficult because they are scarce, and because they are obscured by scratch marks. If burrows are not found in the primary areas known to be affected, the entire skin surface of the body should be examined.

The suspicious area can be rubbed with ink from a fountain pen or alternately a topical tetracycline solution which will glow under a special light. The surface is then wiped off with an alcohol pad; if the person is infected with scabies, the characteristic zigzag or S pattern of the burrow across the skin will appear.

When a suspected burrow is found, diagnosis may be confirmed by microscopy of surface scrapings, which are placed on a slide in glycerol, mineral oil or immersion in oil and covered with a coverslip. Avoiding potassium hydroxide is necessary because it may dissolve fecal pellets. Positive diagnosis is made when the mite, ova, or fecal pellets are found. Although this sounds simple in practice, actual detection of scabies sites is very difficult - requiring the scraping of dozens of suspicious lesions down to the superficial dermis. This will result in minor bleeding in spots. Even a negative (not finding any mites) scraping will not completely rule out scabies. Sometimes, the best diagnosis is by the history, physical findings and noticing response to effective topical treatment.

Management

Medications

Topical

• Permethrin 5% is topical medication of choice.^[6] Toxicity may resemble allergic reactions. It is usually applied to the skin before bedtime and left on for about 8 to 14 hours, then showered off in the morning. Package directions or doctor's instructions should be followed, but one application is normally sufficient to cure an infection.^[7]
• Eurax (USP Crotamiton) This is not a cure but helps to relieve itch (pruritis)^[8]
• Malathion Applied for 24 hours; effective in killing both adults and eggs.
• Lindane (Kwellada): For use with patients where permethrin has failed or is contraindicated.^[9]

Lindane is FDA approved when used as directed for both scabies and lice. Serious side effects may result from product misuse.^[10][11] Lindane is illegal in 17 countries, and 33 more countries have restricted its use.^[11][12] Assessment of lindane and other hexachlorocyclohexane isomers. February 8, 2006</ref> Lindane should be washed off with warm, and not hot, water to avoid absorption through the skin.^[13] Lindane has been indicated in one death from multiple topical applications for repeating mite infestations.^[14]

• There is some evidence^{[weasel words]} that a 10% sulfur ointment in petroleum jelly applied topically is effective. It is cheap and readily available over-the-counter.^[15][16] It also has the advantage of being able to be used in pregnant women and infants under two months of age.
• Neem oil is deemed very effective in the treatment of scabies although only preliminary scientific proof exists which still has to be corroborated, and is recommended for those who are sensitive to permethrin, a known insecticide which might be an irritant. Also, the scabies mite has yet to become resistant to neem, so in persistent cases neem has been shown to be very effective.^[17]
• Tea tree oil at 5% was only partially effective and does not seem to be a viable solution for treatment. In one study, it was more effective than commercial medications against the scabies mite in an in vitro situation.^[18]

Oral

A single dose of Ivermectin has been reported to reduce the load of scabies but another dose is required after 2 weeks for full eradication. In 1999, a small scale test comparing topically applied Lindane to orally administered Ivermectin found no statistically significant differences between the two treatments.^[19] As Ivermectin is easily administered (not requiring a rub down of the whole body like lindane or permethrin twice per treatment), compliance is much better. Ivermectin is used in eradication programs of many parasites of both human and animal. Side effects may include mild abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, myalgia and/or arthralgia, which subside. The product is considered safe for use in children over five months of age.^[20]

Public health and prevention strategies

There is no vaccine available for scabies, nor are there any proven causative risk factors. Therefore, most strategies focus on preventing re-infection. All family and close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if asymptomatic. Cleaning of environment should occur simultaneously, as there is a risk of reinfection. Therefore it is recommended to wash and hot iron all material (such as clothes, bedding, and towels) that has been in contact with scabies infestation.

Cleaning the environment should include:

• Treatment of furniture and bedding.
• Vacuuming floors, carpets, and rugs.
• Disinfecting floor and bathroom surfaces by mopping.
• Cleaning the shower/bath tub after each use.
• Daily washing of recently worn clothes, towels and bedding in hot water, drying in a hot dryer and steam ironing.

Itchiness during treatment

Options to combat itchiness include antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Prescription: Hydroxyzine (Atarax).

Epidemiology

Scabies is impressively democratic in its epidemiology: mites are distributed around the world, affecting all ages, races and socioeconomic classes in all different climates.^[2] However, it is more often seen in crowded and unhygienic living conditions.^[21] Globally, there is an estimated incidence of 300 million cases of scabies a year, 1 million of which occur in the United States.^[4]

History

Scabies is an ancient disease. Based on archeological evidence from Egypt and the Middle East, scabies is estimated to date back over 2,500 years.^[4] The first recorded reference to scabies is believed to be from the Bible (Leviticus, the third book of Moses) ca. 1200 BC.^{[original research?]} Later, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle reported on “lice” that would “escape from little pimples if they are pricked” in the fourth century BC;^[22] scholars believe this was actually a reference to scabies.

Nevertheless, it was the Roman physician Celsus who is credited with designating the term “scabies” to the disease and describing its characteristic features.^[22] The parasitic etiology of scabies was later documented by the Italian physician Giovanni Cosimo Bonomo (1663-1699 AD) in his famous 1687 letter, “Observations concerning the fleshworms of the human body.”^[22] With this (disputed) discovery, scabies became one of the first diseases with a known cause.^[4]

Domestic animals

Puppy with Scabies (Sarcoptic mange)

Many domestic animals have their own species of Sarcoptes mites. Though all can transiently affect humans,^[23][24] the mites that cause scabies in animals reproduce on the human body and will multiply within a few days. Humans are especially susceptible to small dogs carrying the mites. Recent outbreaks have started to reach epidemic proportions.^[25] The most frequently diagnosed form is sarcoptic mange in dogs. In dogs and other animals, scabies produces severe itching and secondary skin infections. Affected animals often lose weight and become unthrifty. Sarcoptes is a genus of skin parasites, and part of the larger family of mites collectively known as “scab mites”; they are also related to the scab mite Psoroptes, also a mite that infests the skin of domestic animals. Sarcoptic mange affects domestic animals and similar infestations in domestic fowls causes the disease known as “scabies leg”. The effects of Sarcoptes scabiei are the most well known, causing “scabies”, or “the itch”. The adult female mite, having been fertilised, burrows into the skin, usually the hands or wrists, however other parts of the body may also be affected, and lays its eggs.

See also

• Crab louse
• Head louse
• List of parasites (human)

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "Scabies". DermNet NZ. New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. http://www.dermnetnz.org/arthropods/pdf/scabies-dermnetnz.pdf. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} "DPDx - Scabies". Laboratory Identification of Parasites of Public Health Concern. CDC. http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Scabies.htm. 
3. ^ http://www.cdc.gov/scabies
4. ^ ^{a b c d} Markell, Edward K.; John, David C.; Petri, William H. (2006). Markell and Voge's medical parasitology (9th ed.). St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-4793-6. 
5. ^ Arlian LG (1989). "Biology, host relations, and epidemiology of Sarcoptes scabiei". Annu. Rev. Entomol. 34: 139–61. doi:10.1146/annurev.en.34.010189.001035. PMID 2494934. http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.en.34.010189.001035?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 
6. ^ Scheinfeld NS (2004). "Controlling scabies in institutional settings: a review of medications, treatment models, and implementation". Amer J Clin Dermatol 5 (1): 31–7. doi:10.2165/00128071-200405010-00005. PMID 14979741. 
7. ^ [1]
8. ^ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202170.html
9. ^ FDA Public Health Advisory: Safety of Topical Lindane Products for the Treatment of Scabies and Lice
10. ^ "Lindane Post Marketing Safety Review" (PDF). U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2003. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/lindane/lindaneaeredacted.pdf. 
11. ^ ^{a b} http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2003/006309lotionlbl.pdf.
12. ^ Commission for Environmental Cooperation. North American Regional Action Plan (NARAP) on lindane and other hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers. November 30, 2006.
13. ^ Medication Guide Lindane Lotion USP, 1%. Updated March 28, 2003.
14. ^ http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PublicHealthAdvisories/ucm052201.htm
15. ^ Lin AN, Reimer RJ, Carter DM (1988). "Sulfur revisited". J Am Acad Dermatol 18: 553–58. doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(88)70079-1. 
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25. ^ [2]

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Scabies

• American Academy of Dermatology pamphlet on Scabies
• Scabies FAQ from the National Pediculosis Association
• Scabies: taxonomy, facts, life cycle at MetaPathogen

v • d • e Diseases of the skin and appendages by morphology Growths Epidermal wart · callus · seborrheic keratosis · acrochordon · molluscum contagiosum · actinic keratosis · squamous cell carcinoma · basal cell carcinoma · merkel cell carcinoma · nevus sebaceous · trichoepithelioma Pigmented Freckles · lentigo · melasma · nevus · melanoma Dermal and subcutaneous epidermal inclusion cyst · hemangioma · dermatofibroma · keloid · lipoma · neurofibroma · xanthoma · Kaposi's sarcoma · infantile digital fibromatosis · granular cell tumor · leiomyoma · lymphangioma circumscriptum · myxoid cyst Rashes With epidermal involvement Eczematous contact dermatitis · atopic dermatitis · seborrheic dermatitis · stasis dermatitis · lichen simplex chronicus · Darier's disease · glucagonoma syndrome · langerhans cell histiocytosis · lichen sclerosus · pemphigus foliaceus · Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome · Zinc deficiency Scaling psoriasis · tinea (corporis · cruris · pedis · manuum · faciei) · pityriasis rosea · secondary syphillis · mycosis fungoides · systemic lupus erythematosus · pityriasis rubra pilaris · parapsoriasis · ichthyosis Blistering herpes simplex · herpes zoster · varicella · bullous impetigo · acute contact dermatitis · pemphigus vulgaris · bullous pemphigoid · dermatitis herpetiformis · porphyria cutanea tarda · epidermolysis bullosa simplex Papular scabies · insect bite reactions · lichen planus · miliaria · keratosis pilaris · lichen spinulosus · transient acantholytic dermatosis · lichen nitidus · pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta Pustular acne vulgaris · acne rosacea · folliculitis · impetigo · candidiasis · gonococcemia · dermatophyte · coccidioidomycosis · subcorneal pustular dermatosis Hypopigmented tinea versicolor · vitiligo · pityriasis alba · postinflammatory hyperpigmentation · tuberous sclerosis · idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis · leprosy · hypopigmented mycosis fungoides Without epidermal involvement Red Blanchable Erythema Generalized drug eruptions · viral exanthems · toxic erythema · systemic lupus erythematosus Localized cellulitis · abscess · boil · erythema nodosum · carcinoid syndrome · fixed drug eruption Specialized urticaria · erythema (multiforme · migrans · gyratum repens · annulare centrifugum · ab igne) Nonblanchable Purpura Macular thrombocytopenic purpura · actinic purpura Papular disseminated intravascular coagulation · vasculitis Indurated scleroderma/morphea · granuloma annulare · lichen sclerosis et atrophicus · necrobiosis lipoidica Miscellaneous disorders Ulcers Hair telogen effluvium · androgenic alopecia · trichotillomania · alopecia areata · systemic lupus erythematosus · tinea capitis · loose anagen syndrome · lichen planopilaris · folliculitis decalvans · acne keloidalis nuchae Nail onychomycosis · psoriasis · paronychia · ingrown nail Mucous membrane aphthous stomatitis · oral candidiasis · lichen planus · leukoplakia · pemphigus vulgaris · mucous membrane pemphigoid · cicatricial pemphigoid · herpesvirus · coxsackievirus · syphilis · systemic histoplasmosis · squamous cell carcinoma

v • d • e Infectious diseases - Parasitic disease: ectoparasitic infestation / arthropod (B85-B89, 132-134) Insecta Phthiraptera/Lice Pediculus humanus corporis/Pediculus humanus capitis (Pediculosis, Head-louse infestation) Phthirus pubis (Phthiriasis) Hemiptera Cimex Pterygota fly maggots (Myiasis) · Tunga penetrans (Tungiasis) Arachnida Acariasis (mites) Sarcoptes scabiei (Scabies) · Trombicula (Trombiculiasis) · Demodex Ticks Tick infestation see also anti-arthropod medications

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Dansk (Danish)
n. - fnat, scabies

Nederlands (Dutch)
schurft

Français (French)
n. - gale

Deutsch (German)
n. - Krätze

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (παθολ.) ψώρα

Italiano (Italian)
scabbia

Português (Portuguese)
n. - sarna (f) (Med.)

Русский (Russian)
чесотка

Español (Spanish)
n. - sarna

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - skabb

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
疥疮

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 疥瘡

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 개선, 옴

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 疥癬

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) ألجرب‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮גרדת, גרבת‬

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