Some things you need to know about scabies
Overview and location
Scabies, or Sarcoptes scabiei, are also commonly known as itch mites. Itch mites are small anthropoids that burrow into the skin of humans and animals. They are just as parasitic to wild animals as they are to domesticated ones. While different species of itch mites may be inclined to inhabit certain areas, they all tend to produce the same disturbing symptoms.
Generally, a scabies infection begins as soon as the female mite comes into contact with a suitable host. At that time, the female will attach herself to the host with her teeth, as well as a special scissor-like appliance on the front legs. From there, the female will continue to burrow under the skin, laying eggs and feeding on the host’s blood. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will continue to spread under the skin. In most cases, the eggs hatch in 3 to 10 days and then live for another 3 to 4 weeks.
Problems for humans and animals
When a human or animal is infected with scabies, the condition is often referred to as scabies. Since scabies is intensely itchy at night, many people scratch their skin to the point of causing serious damage. At that point, it is fairly easy for bacterial and fungal infections to occur. Needless to say, this can complicate recovery and lead to further suffering.
Interestingly, it is estimated that at least 2% of people in Britain have scabies. For the most part, these infestations start on the wrists and hands. No matter where in the world you live, it is best to avoid skin-to-skin contact with these surfaces to avoid attracting scabies.
Most furred animals will lose all of their hair in the infected region, in addition to experiencing severe itching and redness. In many cases, chickens and other domestic birds will also develop “scaly feet” when infested with itch mites. Today, pigs are often the most common carriers of itch mites. Although the life cycle of this particular parasite is quite short, it can cause serious damage when spread through a herd of animals.
Natural Solutions
As a general rule, the best cure for scabies is to avoid it. Unfortunately, these parasites are highly contagious even before an outbreak occurs in a given person. If you become infected with scabies, you should do everything you can to ensure that everyone you have had physical contact with is also treated. Although scabies is not considered a disease caused by poor hygiene, you will benefit from washing all your clothes and bedding on the “hot” cycle. Since itch mites cannot live more than 48 hours without a host, you will need to store items for at least that long after washing. It is also very important to shampoo carpets and any other areas where mites can burrow for heat until a suitable host arrives.
Many people looking for a home remedy for scabies rely on turmeric and neem oil. As with other insecticides, neem oil interferes with estrogen receptors on target organisms. To use this particular remedy, you will need to bathe in it and add some oatmeal to the mix. Turmeric can also be added to the bath to enhance it. If this method doesn’t work, you can ask your doctor for a cream or ointment that contains permethrin.
Recent outbreaks
Scabies outbreaks can occur in any facility where people are in close contact with each other. In the United States alone, there are currently outbreaks in various nursing homes and schools in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Additional outbreaks are expected across the country.