Scabies is a group of atopic diseases that cause itching, redness, and excessive dryness of the skin. There are several types of them, depending on the cause and nature of the dermatomes. Skin problems can be the result of bacterial and viral infections, excessive sun exposure, as well as mental disorders and severe stress. This ailment can also appear in pregnant women. Find out what scabies is, how it manifests itself and how this unpleasant disease is treated.
What is scabies, and what are its causes?
Scabies is a term for a group of conditions whose common symptoms are itching, redness, and dryness of the skin. There are four types of diseases. The first is prurigo nodosum (also known as Picker’s nodules), which can be atopic but also bacterial or viral. This may be due to mycobacteria that cause tuberculosis or HIV. It happens that this type of scabies is associated with diseases of the internal organs, such as the liver or kidneys.
Another variety is summer scabies, which occurs as a result of excessive exposure to solar radiation. Bezier scabies develops in 2 percent of pregnant women. Symptoms occur between 20 and 34 weeks of gestation. The reasons are unknown, but there are suspicions that it may have a genetic predisposition. Fortunately, this condition is not dangerous for a woman or child. Strong experiences, stress, or traumatic events, in turn, can cause psychogenic scabies.
Scabies symptoms
The most common symptoms of scabies are severe itching, skin rashes, and redness and dryness. However, symptoms may vary slightly depending on the type of condition. Nodular scabies is characterized by purple bumps ranging in diameter from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They can appear all over the body, but are most common on the limbs and buttocks.
Summer scabies usually affects late blight when the skin is not used to sunlight. Redness and itchy blisters are visible on exposed parts of the body. The disease disappears as the skin gets used to UV radiation.
On the other hand, maternal scabies manifests itself as an itchy rash that appears between 20 and 34 weeks of gestation. They are found in the upper body and limbs. They do not pose a threat to the fetus.
Erythema, small blisters and lumps on the skin can also be a sign of psychogenic scabies, that is, caused by severe stress and mental problems.
Diagnosis and treatment of scabies
Scabies is diagnosed based on medical history. Treatment depends on the type and cause of the disease. Nodular scabies usually requires potent glycosteroid medications, and laser therapy and cryotherapy can help. In the case of summer scabies, avoiding the sun and using protective creams with a UV filter will suffice. Symptoms are relieved with steroid ointments.
For pregnant women struggling with scabies, itching medications and steroids provide relief. The disease goes away spontaneously after childbirth. If the cause of scabies is mental problems, only symptomatic drugs are used, the treatment is based on psychotherapy.
