Characteristics and symptoms of scabies (scabies) and signs

Scabies or scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by microscopic mites Sarcoptes scabiei. Like what are the characteristics of scabies and what forms of health problems are generally experienced? Check out the following discussion about the characteristics and symptoms of scabies (scabies) based on the type and progression of the disease!

The signs and symptoms of scabies are based on the type

Symptoms of scabies are often thought of as impetigo or eczema. However, skin infections due to mites are different from the symptoms of other infectious skin diseases.

Symptoms of scabies also do not appear immediately after the mites enter the skin tissue. For people who have never previously been infected with mites, it can take a long time for the body to react to develop symptoms. The mites that cause scabies will usually incubate for 2-6 weeks until they multiply in the skin.

You may have no symptoms at all for a long time, but you can still pass scabies to others through close and prolonged physical contact.

However, if this is the umpteenth time you have scabies, the symptoms can appear more quickly.

1. Symptoms of scabies in general

A sign that the mites are actively laying eggs in the skin is the appearance of papules or small holes measuring 0.1-1 cm in size, usually in the folds of the skin.

This characteristic of scabies is difficult to recognize because it takes place in the skin. Meanwhile, the symptoms of scabies on the surface of the skin are usually marked by a rash in the form of raised red spots (rash) which are often found in the:

between the fingers
under the armpits
hip area
around the wrist
the inside of the elbow
soles of the feet
around the breast
around the male genital organs
buttocks
elbow

In addition, other parts of the skin that are moist due to frequent closure of tight clothing or attention are also more susceptible to infection with mites.

Before a red rash appears, the body's first reaction to a mite infection is an itching sensation. This disorder can be very annoying because the itching can sometimes be so unbearable that it interferes with rest periods or makes it difficult for the sufferer to sleep.

As a result, too often scratching the affected skin can become irritated, the skin can become dry and peel off.

2. Symptoms of scabies in babies

Children and babies can also contract this contagious skin disease, even scabies can spread so widely that they cover most of the skin. So, is there a difference between the symptoms of scabies in adults and children and babies?

As with adults, the characteristics of scabies in children are also characterized by the appearance of spreading red rashes. The difference is, the symptoms of scabies in children or babies are most often found on the palms of the hands and feet and the scalp.

Mite infections on the skin can be very disturbing to your little one. As a result, they become more fussy, have decreased appetite, or have trouble sleeping.

3. Characteristics of nodular scabies

According to the study published in Dalan Current Infectious Disease Reports, 7 percent of all scabies cases were nodular scabies. Compared to other types of scabies the nodular shape of nodular scabies is rounder with a smoother texture.

This characteristic of scabies is characterized by nodules or nodules measuring 2-20mm that appear on very thin areas of the skin, namely:

around the genitals
buttocks
groin
armpit

4. Characteristics of crusted scabies

Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a condition in which thousands to millions of mites infect the skin. Hence, this symptom form of scabies is so severe and highly contagious.

This type of scabies is usually found in people who have experienced a drastically depressed immune system, such as those with HIV or autoimmune diseases, after undergoing chemotherapy treatment, immunosuppressants, or organ transplants.

The characteristics of crusted scabies are characterized by symptoms called dermatitis psoriasisformis such as:

White rash crusts on the skin.
Scaly skin surface.
The distribution of symptoms can spread throughout the body.
Unbearable itching sensation.
Decreased body health conditions.

5. Characteristics of scabies complications

Constantly scratching the affected skin can break down the protective skin layer so that the skin becomes susceptible to infection by bacteria from the environment outside the body. One of the risky complications of disease is impertigo.

The impertigo condition occurs when the bacteria strep (streptococcus) infects the surface of the skin causing a red, fluid-filled rash to appear. This red rash can appear anywhere on the body. However, it most commonly occurs around the nose, mouth, and around the hands and feet.

After breaking, the rash will leave a crusted yellow and brown skin.

When is it necessary to check with the doctor for symptoms of scabies?

If you experience the characteristics of scabies as previously described, consult a dermatologist immediately. The reason is, there are no over the counter or OTC drugs that can be obtained at pharmacies that are useful for dealing with this disease. Medical treatment is still the single most effective step in dealing with scabies.

There's also a chance that you may mistake the symptoms of scabies for psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. With a definite diagnosis from a doctor, you can undergo proper treatment and care for the skin affected by scabies.

What are the signs that scabies has healed?

Through medical treatment and the application of proper preventive measures, the symptoms of scabies will gradually subside within 2-4 weeks. Although the rash has mostly disappeared, the itching usually persists for the next few weeks.

In the early stages of treatment, it is not uncommon for the symptoms of scabies to get worse. This indicates that the mite infection is reacting against the treatment. Conversely, if your symptoms do not improve even after undergoing treatment, you need to go back to see a doctor.

The doctor will provide another scabies treatment, namely a systemic treatment that combines the use of oral drugs and topical drugs. Immediately contact the doctor at the nearest health care center, when the sign of scabies shows: