Scabies is a contagious skin disease that is still quite common in the community. Although scabies may seem like a common skin condition, it is actually caused by an infestation of microscopic mites that live and reproduce in the layers of human skin.
However, many people dismiss itching as a minor irritation or a common allergy. However, persistent itching, especially at night, could be a sign of scabies, which requires medical attention. If left untreated, scabies not only worsens the skin condition but also carries the risk of spreading to others.
What is Scabies and Why Does It Cause So Annoying Itching?
Scabies, also known as mange, is a skin condition caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei . This mite is very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Mites burrow into the skin by digging small tunnels in the outermost layer, then lay eggs and reproduce there. Areas frequently infected include the spaces between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, and genital area.
The itching is caused by the body's allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs, and their feces. As a result, the itching can be very intense and tends to worsen at night.
What Factors Can Increase a Person's Risk of Getting Scabies?
The following factors can increase a person's risk of developing scabies:
- Direct skin contact with scabies sufferers.
- Living in a high-density environment such as a dormitory, Islamic boarding school, or orphanage.
- Sharing personal items such as clothes, towels, or bed linen.
- Close contact with an infected family member.
Because scabies is highly contagious, this skin disease often spreads rapidly in environments with high levels of physical interaction.
How to Recognize Scabies Symptoms Early?
Scabies symptoms often go unnoticed. However, the following signs should be looked out for:
- Severe itching of the skin which often feels worse at night.
- A rash, small bumps, or blisters appear on the skin.
- Thin lines like small tunnels are visible on the surface of the skin.
- The skin becomes red or irritated due to frequent scratching.
If scabies is left untreated, scratching can worsen the skin condition and lead to other skin infections.
What Happens If Scabies Is Not Treated Immediately?
If scabies is left untreated, it can cause various complications, including:
- Impetigo (bacterial skin infection) , which is an infection that causes yellowish crusty sores due to bacteria entering through the skin that is frequently scratched.
- Crusted scabies , a more severe form of scabies with thick crusts on the skin and a much greater number of mites.
- Ecthyma , a deeper skin infection than impetigo that can cause open sores and potentially scars.
- Recurrent skin infections , resulting from damage to the skin's protective layer due to constant scratching.
These complications make the skin condition more difficult to treat and require medical treatment or medication prescribed by a doctor for faster healing.
How to Treat Scabies to Get Rid of Mites?
Scabies treatment must be initiated promptly to kill the mites and prevent transmission. Some common treatments include:
- A topical medication containing permethrin , which works by killing the mites and eggs that cause scabies.
- Creams or lotions containing sulfur or benzyl benzoate, which are also used to help treat mite infestations on the skin.
- Take oral and topical medications as directed by your doctor to ensure the mites are completely gone.
- Clean clothes, bed linen, and towels with hot water , and do not share personal items during treatment.
In addition, it is important to follow all treatment recommendations from a dermatologist to prevent re-infection.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Consult a doctor immediately if the itchy skin doesn't improve despite self-care or over-the-counter medications. A medical examination is also necessary if symptoms worsen, spread to other areas of the body, or if signs of infection appear, such as crusting, pus, or pain on the skin.
Additionally, if you have a history of close contact with someone with scabies or live in an environment with a high risk of transmission, you should immediately consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment tailored to your skin condition.
This article was written by Dr. Syahriani, Sp.DVE, M.Kes., FINSDV (Specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, EMC Sentul Hospital).