Scabies Flashcards
What causes scabies?
Human itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis
What is the lifecycle of the sarcoptes?
4-6 weeks
Describe the lifecycle of the sarcoptes
Mite burrows into human skin
Lays their eggs
Eggs develop, hatch and grow into adults after moulting - approx 10-15 days
Female lays 25 eggs and dies
How long does it take for egg to grow into adult sarcoptes?
10-15 days
What proportion of sarcoptes eggs develop into adults?
10%
What is the average number of mites in an initial infestation of scabies?
10-15
How many mites are implicated in subsequent infestation of scabies?
approx half of initial infestation eg 5-10
How does transmission of scabies occur?
Close skin contact with other person; unlikely through hand shake
How long can scabies mite live off a host?
24-36 hours
When might fomites transmission occur in scabies?
Uncommon
Wearing heavily contaminated clothing
Using a bed recently occupied by infested person
What characteristic of scabies infestation may make fomites transmission more likely?
‘Crusted scabies’ (greater number of mites and increased survival)
What is the main clinical feature of scabies?
Intense generalised pruritus, worse at night
What is the pruritus in scabies infestation due to?
Delayed type 4 hypersensitivity reaction to mite and mite products (faeces and eggs)
When do symptoms typically occur in INITIAL scabies infestation?
3- 6 weeks
In recurrent infestation of scabies, when do symptoms occur? Why?
1-3 days after re-infestation
due to prior sensitisation to the mite and products
Do you need pruritus to confirm scabies?
NO
Can occur without itch
What are the most common lesions in scabies?
Erythematous papules
often EXCORIATED
characteristic distribution