Sarcoptes Scabiei var. hominis: The Parasite Behind Scabies

Sarcoptes Scabiei var. hominis: The Parasite Behind Scabies

Article
Focused Health Topics
Contributed byAlexander Enabnit+3 moreJan 19, 2024

Introduction:

Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, commonly known as the human itch mite, is a tiny parasitic arthropod responsible for causing scabies in humans. Scabies is a contagious skin infestation characterized by intense itching and a distinctive rash. This comprehensive article delves into the details of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, its life cycle, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Understanding of Sarcoptes Scabiei var. hominis:

Microscopic Parasite:

  • Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is a microscopic mite that burrows into the upper layers of the skin.
  • It belongs to the family Sarcoptidae.

Life Cycle:

  • The mite's life cycle involves four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.
  • It completes its entire life cycle on the host's skin.

Knowledge About Scabies:

Transmission:

  • Scabies is primarily transmitted through close personal contact with an infested individual.
  • It can also spread via contaminated clothing, bedding, or furniture.

Symptoms:

  • Common symptoms of scabies include severe itching, especially at night.
  • A rash with small red bumps and tiny blisters may appear, often in the webbing between fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, and genital area.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Clinical Evaluation:

  • Diagnosis of scabies involves a clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider, who examines the skin for characteristic signs such as burrows or rashes.

Microscopic Examination:

  • In some cases, microscopic examination of skin scrapings may be necessary to identify mites, eggs, or fecal matter.

Treatment:

  • Scabies is treatable with prescription medications, such as topical creams or oral antiparasitic drugs.
  • Close contacts of infested individuals may also need treatment as a preventive measure.

Prevention:

Personal Hygiene:

  • Maintaining good personal hygiene can help prevent scabies.
  • Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infested individuals are essential.

Household Measures:

  • Laundering clothing and bedding in hot water and vacuuming upholstered furniture can help eliminate mites from the environment.

Conclusion:

Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, the human itch mite, is the causative agent behind scabies, a contagious skin infestation. Recognizing the symptoms and transmission modes of scabies is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Proper hygiene practices and prompt treatment can effectively manage and prevent the spread of scabies.

Hashtags: #Scabies #SarcoptesScabiei #SkinInfestation #ParasiticMite


Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff
Alexandra Warren picture
Author

Alexandra Warren

Senior Editorial Staff
Sandhya Kumar picture
Author

Sandhya Kumar

Editorial Staff

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!