Beyond Skin Deep * How You Get Scabies And Its Causes
Alana Korol
December 23, 2018
What has long been considered an affliction of the poor and unclean, scabies respects no class or even cleanliness level? These equal opportunity mites can be found anywhere from luxury resorts to rural villages, and with historical evidence dating back roughly 2,500 years, scabies is one of the most successful and prominent skin mites in human history. Although the World Health Organization considers scabies to be a water-related disease, as there's a direct connection between hygiene as a means of controlling or preventing its proliferation, many feel this is an inaccurate classification as scabies is known to infect those with poor and excellent personal hygiene regimens.
When An Embrace Transforms Into An Infestation
In the most fundamental sense, the transmission of scabies is by direct skin-to-skin contact with a person who is currently infested. However, it's important to realize quick skin-to-skin contact, such as from a handshake or a hug, is generally not long enough to encourage transmission. Rather, prolonged contact is required for mites to work their way from the original host to their new victim. Many health care organizations and professionals classify scabies as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because many infections occur post-sexual activity. However, this classification is inaccurate as its transmission is not solely related to sexual encounters, unlike nearly every other STI.
Although there are literally hundreds of situations that may result in the transmission of scabies, the bulk of these scenarios fit within two umbrella encounters:
・Skin-to-Skin Contact – Whether from sexual encounters, prolonged embraces with friends or families, or via close contact with a large group of people, the most common way to contract scabies is via skin-to-skin contact. The U.S. National Library of Medicine states the transmission of scabies can occur quite swiftly in large crowds, such as childcare centers, hospitals, and even on crowded subways or at concerts. However, the likelihood of contracting scabies via public transportation or music venues is significantly lower than via prolonged bare skin contact.
・Infested Materials – Although rare, it's possible to become infected with scabies by coming in contact with infected materials, such as bedding, towels, and furniture. Because the American Academy of Dermatology states scabies may live anywhere from 48 to 72 hours without a human host, mites left behind on objects can potentially find a new host within this window of opportunity. While scabies infections via clothing, towels, and bedding are extremely uncommon, if a person has Norwegian Scabies or Crusted Scabies, the likelihood of transmission via non-skin contact modes is significantly higher, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
It's All In The Bumps – Scabies Signs And Symptoms
Unlike many other skin conditions, evidence of a scabies infestation does not showcase immediate signs or symptoms. The research outlined by Stanford University suggests those exposed to scabies for the first time may feature an incubation period lasting anywhere from two to six weeks; however, those who have had scabies in the past may begin to showcase symptoms in as little as one to four days.
As the mites burrow into your skin, they immediately begin to feed off your blood and skin while laying eggs to expand their internal population. As your body begins to notice the parasitic effects of these mites, the immune system reacts in the form of visible skin rashes and itching. Although you may experience unique symptoms due to your immune system response, the most common scabies symptoms include:
・Itching – This is the first sign of an infection. While the itch may be mild at first, after several days it can become quite severe. Commonly, the itching sensations increase at night when the mites become active and feed.
・Skin Rash – A scabies rash is often identified as small, pimple-like bumps, which form in a straight line. In some cases, the rash may appear scaly, such as those associated with eczema.
Along with identifying symptoms, you should pay attention to where the symptoms occur. In general, scabies tends to swarm to specific areas of the body, which include:
・Hands and Arms – Scabies tends to flock to areas between the fingers, around fingernails, within the elbows, and along your wrists. If a mysterious and itchy rash appears in such locations, a scabies infestation is a likely culprit.
・Covered Areas of the Body – Scabies enjoy dark and slightly damp locations. Therefore, it's not uncommon for these mites to be located along the creases of your buttocks, along your waistline, and in any other portion of your body that's consistently covered by clothing or jewelry.
NATURASIL
SCABIES TREATMENT STARTER PACK
The Beginnings Stage of An Infestation For
1 Person
This kit is designed for people with outbreaks the size of a palm or for someone with a prolonged infestation that is looking for somewhere to start obtaining relief and healing.
(2) 4-ounce bars of premium quality hand-made Scabies Relief Soap, (1) 15 mL bottle of Scabies Liquid Bath Soak*, (1) 4-ounce bottle of Scabies Topical Sulfur Cream, and our eBook to guide you through every step of the process.
Complete Infestation Solution for Up to 3 People & Your Home
(Our Top Seller)
This kit is our most popular and successful package when dealing with Scabies Mites. This kit is the perfect solution for treating the infestation and cleaning your house to prevent re-infestation.
The Scabies Family Pack Includes:
(2) 4-ounce bars of premium quality handmade Scabies Soap, (1) 50 mL bottle of Scabies Bath Soak, (4) 4-ounce bottles of Scabies Cream, (1) 32 Ounces of BenzaRid Disinfectant, and our eBook to guide you through every step of the process.
This Pack qualifies for our Money Back Guarantee.
Treats Prolonged Or Severe Infestation for
3-4 People & Your Home
This kit is designed to eliminate infestations in homes that have had prolonged infestations or homes with larger families.
The Scabies Super Pack Includes:
(4) 4-ounce bars of premium quality hand-made Scabies Soap, (1) 50 mL bottle of Scabies Bath Soak, (6) 4-ounce bottles of Scabies Topical Cream (1) Gallon of BenzaRid Disinfectant, (1) Pocket Lighted Microscope, (1) Naturasil Bite Relief, and our eBook to guide you through every step of the process.
This Pack qualifies for our Money Back Guarantee.
Scabies Extreme Treatment Soap
4 oz. Bar
Our Extreme bar combines the power of pure lavender oil with 100% pure dead sea mud and salts to give you added assistance in the fight against the scabies mite. This bar has extra grit to alleviate the intolerable itch associated with Scabies while also treating and eradicating the infestation that is plaguing your family.
Naturasil Scabies Treatment Soap
4 oz. Bar
This soap is used to cleanse and disinfect the area of your skin infested by scabies mites. This soap is made with micronized volcanic sulfur, pure lavender oil, and natural plant extracts. The lavender oil soothes the skin while the volcanic sulfur and natural plant extracts work deep within the skin to fight the infestation and heal the infected skin.
Naturasil Scabies Treatment Cream*
120 mL Bottle
Our signature cream is used after your bath, shower, or after the bath soak concentrate is applied directly and has time to be absorbed into the skin completely. The cream uses natural plant extracts to assist in treating the symptoms of a scabies breakout including redness and itching. Our cream is made without the harsh pesticides found in many traditional treatment methods.
Each bottle will treat a mild infestation that is about the size of a hand palm for around 30 days. Larger areas and prolonged infestations will require additional bottles.