The “7-year itch” is a term used also to describe the itch caused by a scabies infestation.
Early researchers felt that there was a cycle of 7-30 years for scabies epidemics. During periods of war the later observed that scabies epidemics may occur more frequently.
One group of researchers, over a period of two decades of observations found only one in thirty-one persons exposed to scabies acquires the infestation. These infestations are more common in winter months. Apparently the mites live longer in cooler temperatures. People make more close contacts in crowded places during the winter months. This is felt to be one of the reasons for more frequent winter time infestations.
Other studies revealed that the mite is sensitive to human sweat.
About 300 million people had scabies towards the end of the twentieth century. This accounted for 5% of the world’s population, at that time.
Children are more vulnerable to scabies. Ethnic differences are not due to biological differences between human populations.
Poverty, poor nutritional status, homelessness, dementia and poor hygiene increase risk of scabies infestation.
Health care workers are thought to be more susceptible to scabies infestations.
Scabies outbreaks typically occur in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons or kindergartens.
Scabies generally spreads from one person to the next. The most common method of acquiring an infestation is by direct contact. Although scabies can be acquired from clothing, bed linen or furniture, this is not felt to be a common means of spread. The Norwegian scabies mite can be acquired frequently from contaminated furniture, bed linen or clothing.
Transmission between family members is very common due to close contact. Sexual contact is also an important method of transmission.
Other conditions that imitate scabies:1. Contact dermatitis 2. Folliculitis or impetigo 3. Atopic eczema 4. Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) 5. Insect bites from mosquitoes, fleas, lice, bedbugs, chiggers 6. Papular urticaria 7. Dermatitis herpetiformis 8. Eczema herpeticum 9. Viral rashes 10. Syphilis 11. Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy 12. Pityraisis rosea How do we get rid of Scabies?General:
Environmental Treatments:
Medical Treatment: Your doctor can give you a prescription for anti-scabies medication.