What is scabies?‍
Scabies is a contagious parasitic disease caused by the scabies mite (Lat. Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, Eng. Itch mite). This is a species of arachnid that is not easily visible without microscopic observation. They penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin and create small tunnels where they lay eggs and begin to reproduce. It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as symptoms characteristic of the disease are discovered.‍

How does scabies spread?‍
Scabies spreads quickly between people through close physical contact or through the personal items, clothing, bedding, towels, and other belongings of an infected person.‍

How to recognize the disease?‍
The scabies mite does not actually bite humans; it feeds on human skin cells and intercellular fluids. The intense itching, which is the most common symptom of scabies, is caused by the body's allergic reaction to the mite's excrement and eggs. Identification of the disease should be performed by a doctor, who will make a diagnosis based on symptoms and microscopic examination of a skin scraping. Scabies often looks like an allergic rash, but in reality, it has different characteristics and requires correct and timely treatment.‍

Symptoms of the disease:
-Fine red rash or blisters on the skin.
-The rash usually appears on the wrist, the inner side of the elbow, the armpit, around the chest, the waist, the belt line, the buttocks, and between the fingers and toes.
-The infected person may develop intense itching caused by an allergic reaction to the mites. The itching particularly intensifies in the evening hours when the body is in a state of rest.
-Unlike adults, in children, the rash may appear on the neck, face, and the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
-Sometimes accompanied by small linear burrows noticeable on the skin surface-tunnels made by the scabies mite, which may be skin-colored or grayish-white.

How to treat scabies?
Treatment of scabies includes medication therapy or the use of special therapeutic creams and lotions that destroy mites and their eggs. Self-diagnosis often leads to a worsening of the disease, so if suspicion arises, do not delay and always consult a doctor for treatment.

Wash the infected person's clothing, towels, and bedding thoroughly in hot water (above 50°C) and dry at a high temperature. Other personal items that cannot be washed can be placed in hermetically sealed plastic bags for at least one week. Thorough cleaning and vacuuming are sufficient to prevent their spread, while the treatment of a building with insecticide should only be carried out for preventive purposes based on a doctor's recommendation.

Preventive Disinsection Measures
If cases of scabies in a building are frequent and increasing, it is advisable, based on consultation with a doctor, to contact a professional pest prevention and control service company to carry out preventive disinsection measures.

In case of detecting scabies on a human body, immediately consult a doctor; on an animal—a veterinarian; and for the safe treatment of a building, contact Orkin.

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