Scabies (Khushk Kharish): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Scabies, also known as Khushk Kharish in Urdu, is a contagious skin condition caused by mites characterized by intense itching and a rash.

Here’s everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of scabies.

Key Takeaways

• Scabies is caused by the burrowing of mites in the upper layer of skin.
• It can spread through direct contact with the infected person.
• The common symptoms of scabies are intense itching, rash, and redness.
• Persistent scratching can worsen the symptoms of scabies and lead to complications.
• If you have scabies, you should see a dermatologist for assessment and treatment.

What is scabies?

Scabies is caused by the infestation of the parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) that creates tunnel-like structures in the upper layer of the skin to grow and lay eggs. It causes an intense rash and itching (pruritus).

Scabies causes an intense urge to scratch the affected area of the skin. 

If you have scabies, you should resist the urge to scratch as it can lead to skin sores, bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, or serious complications such as septicaemia, kidney disease, and heart problems.

Also Read: Kharish Ka Ilaj – 5 Natural Treatments for Itching

Common symptoms of scabies

According to the CDC, scabies symptoms typically take 3 to 6 weeks to appear after initial exposure, though they may show up sooner, after 1 to 4 days, in people who’ve had it before. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense, persistent itching and a pimple-like rash.

The common areas where rashes occur are in the skin folds of the elbow, knee, wrist, and armpit, and between the fingers.

Other symptoms include bumps and itchy lines, bumps on female breasts and male genitalia. People with a weakened immune system are at risk of developing Norwegian or crusted scabies. This type of scabies can cause scaly areas and dryness on the skin. It spreads very easily and can be life-threatening.

Diagnosis

Usually, scabies is diagnosed from the typical symptoms; however, it can be confirmed by microscopy or dermatoscopy. It can be done by scraping the mite from the skin using the tip of a pin or needle and placing it under a microscope for parasitic mites.

Scabies treatment

Treatment of scabies is also recommended for household members, as infestation typically begins two weeks before symptoms appear, allowing them to infect others during this period.

The medications that treat scabies are called scabicides, which are only available with a recommendation from a healthcare professional. You should apply the ointment on all parts of the body, from the neck to the feet and toes.

Treatment for scabies can include oral medications, topical creams or lotions. Ivermectin tablets and permethrin cream are widely used medications for scabies treatment.

Additionally, as scabies can affect a person’s face, scalp, neck, and other parts of their body, lotion or cream should be applied to the entire head and neck of newborns and young children.

Things that have been used on patients, such as clothes, towels, and bedding, should be washed in hot water and sealed in for two or three days. An appropriate medication prescribed by a dermatologist should be used to treat skin sores that become infected.

How does scabies spread?

Scabies spreads through direct contact, especially if it is prolonged, like in a home setting. It can spread in closed places where skin contact is recurring, like in the house, care facilities, detention centers like prisons, homeless shelters, and child care facilities.

A brief handshake or contact does not necessarily spread scabies. It spreads through prolonged close contact, such as sharing clothing and bedding.

Scabies and other conditions

Scabies is often mistaken for other skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and other allergic conditions.

The reason for this is that all of these conditions have the same symptoms, such as rash, itching, and redness.

However, while dermatitis and eczema are caused by inflammation or allergies, scabies is caused by mites burrowing into the skin.

Prevention of scabies

• Avoid extended contact with the person diagnosed with scabies, as prolonged contact can spread mites that can cause scabies.
• Refrain from sharing clothes, bedding, towels, and other personal things with an infected person.
• To eliminate mites and eggs, thoroughly wash any clothing or towels used by an infected person in hot water and then dry them on high heat.
• To get rid of mites, regularly vacuum mattresses, carpets, and furniture.

Conclusion

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition that can lead to significant discomfort or even severe complications if left untreated.

The key is to identify the symptoms of the condition early on, which include intense itching, and a rash.

Consulting with a qualified dermatologist is recommended as they can evaluate the severity of the infestation and provide the appropriate treatment such as scabicides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can scabies go away on its own?

No. Scabies requires proper medical treatment. It will worsen and spread without medication and therapy.

2. Is scabies contagious?

Yes. It is highly contagious and spreads through direct or prolonged contact, as well as by sharing clothes and bedding.

3. How soon can you return to school/work after treatment?

Usually within 24 hours after starting treatment.

4. What if itching continues even after treatment?

Post-scabies itching is common and can last 2 to 4 weeks. Antihistamines or mild steroid creams may help.