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 equally parasites of wild and domesticated animals. While different species of itch mites may be inclined to inhabit certain areas, they all tend to produce the same disturbing symptoms.
Typically, a scabies infection begins as soon as a female mite comes into contact with a suitable host. At this time, the female will attach to the host with her teeth, as well as a special scissor-like apparatus on her front legs. From there, the female will continue to burrow under her 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 3-10 days and then live another 3-4 weeks.
Problems for humans and animals
When a human or animal becomes infested with scabies, the condition is often referred to as scabies. Since scabies causes severe itching at night, many people scratch their skin to the point of causing serious damage. At that point, it becomes quite easy for bacterial and fungal infections to set in. It goes without saying that this can complicate recovery and lead to more 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’s best to avoid skin-to-skin contact with these surfaces to avoid attracting scabies.
Most fur-bearing animals will lose all their hair in the infected region, and will experience intense 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 it spreads through a herd of animals.
naturalsolutions
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 do get scabies, you should do everything you can to make sure that everyone you’ve had physical contact with is also treated. Although scabies is not considered a disease caused by poor hygiene, you will do just fine if you wash all your clothes and bedding on the “hot” cycle. Since itch mites can’t live more than 48 hours without a host, you’ll need to store items for at least that long after washing. It is also very important to shampoo carpets and any other areas where moths may hide for warmth 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 for improvement. 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 several nursing homes and schools in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Additional outbreaks are expected across the country.
