Scabies is a highly contagious infectious disease of the skin caused by the itch mite. It is characterised by a sort of lesion (called papule-vesicular) along the burrows containing mites and their eggs. Thread-like lesions or vesicles may be seen on the skin.

It causes itching which is aggravated at night, possibly because of the increased mite activity due to the body warmth under sheets or blankets. The lesions are chiefly found around the finger webs, wrists, elbows, armpit, nipples, belt-line areas, around the umbilicus, lower abdomen, genitals, thighs and buttocks.

Sarcoptes scabiet -- the itch mite is the causative agent of scabies. People living in unsanitary and poor housing conditions usually suffer more from the disease. Poverty stricken people with poor hygienic habits and unclean clothing are the usual victim of the disease. But scabies ignores all social and economic barriers.

Mood of transmission
The disease spreads usually by close personal contact, such as sleeping together, playing together, nursing or examining a patient. Sometimes it may spread through the use of contaminated towels, bed line and clothing. Even casual contact, such as shaking hands may spread the organism.

Preventive measures
People should be educated in practicing good health habits with emphasis on the improvement of personal hygiene. All patients should be diagnosed and treated early to prevent further spread of the disease.

Control of scabies
Children should be excluded from the school the day after treatment. All affected persons of a family should be treated simultaneously. Before treatment, all patients should have a warm water bath.

The patient's family should also seek medical advice and receive treatment if necessary as prophylaxis so to avoid spread of the disease. Patient's clothing and bedding must be washed in hot water and ironed so as to get rid of the mite and its eggs.

Treatment
Patient who have symptoms of scabies should consult doctor promptly. The doctor will prescribe medicated lotions and medications for application onto the body. The medications can kill the mite and control itchiness. The usual treatment for scabies is Benzyl Benzoate (25%) emulsion to smeared to the whole body from neck to feet except face and genital areas for three successive days.

Some other drugs are advised in addition to the emulsion which can be obtained by a physician’s prescription.

A cleansing bath is taken 2 days after the last application and change to fresh clothes.