5. How is scabies transmitted?
Skin contact with infected person.
Infected persons can pass the mite on to
others
Scabies is usually not transmitted via
clothing or bedding its very uncommon (the
usual wash cycle can be used when these
items are laundered)
6.
7.
8.
9. Scabies Signs and SymptomsScabies Signs and Symptoms
Pruritus of skin
Intense scratching especially at night
Papular rash
10. SIGNS and SYMPTOMS
Classical sites of
scabies rash...
between fingers
wrists
auxiliary areas
female breasts (particularly the
skin of the nipples)
the umbilical area
penis and scrotum
buttocks
inside of legs
ankles
15. DIAGNOSIS
Definite diagnosis - a definite diagnosis is
made by taking skin scrapings from burrows
and identifying the mites, their eggs or faeces
by microscopy
Presumptive diagnosis - it is often difficult to
find burrows and obtain suitable specimens,
therefore presumptive diagnosis relies on
history and clinical appearance
16. TREATMENT
scabicides
Permethrin cream 5%
Complete change of linen and clothing
after 1st
treatment and then 8 hours later
shower and rinse off, change into 2nd
issued linen and clothing
18. Other drugs:
Ivermectin (Mectizan, Stromectol) -- Binds selectively
with glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in
invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing cell
death.
19. OUTBREAKS
prevention
Promote good surveillance of new residents
Observe for rashes on arrival at the home, then at
3 weeks and at 6 weeks
Maintain a high level of suspicion if patients present with
undiagnosed skin rashes
Whole family should be treated at the same time
Let’s now discuss another skin condition that is frequently seen within our institution and that is Scabies. Here is a magnification of the scabies mite (bug). Scabies is a highly contagious skin disorder not visible to the bare eye. 1/100 in size, they burrow under the skin. Transmission is by close contact w infected humans (not casual hug or handshake). The mite does not live long off the human body, however, occasionally, is spread by clothing, towels, or bedding.
Sensitization to the mites & their products begins, resulting in a pruritic papular rash most common on skin folds wrist, elbows or knees, abdomen, penis & Groins and web spaces between fingers. Secondary bacterial infection may occur.
Here you see the tracks or burrowing of the scabies visualized under the dermascope
Notes to trainer on this presentation
Recommendations for Standard Precautions are intended primarily for the care of patients in acute hospitals. However, the principles should be applied in other settings where patient care is undertaken.
Some healthcare workers still have knowledge gaps and a lack of understanding of certain practices and their effectiveness in reducing the transmission of infections between people. Current practice relies upon risk assessment, where potential risks can be removed, reduced or managed.
Historically, infection control has been perceived as a hospital problem, with community issues seen as less significant. Today, as more patients receive their healthcare in community settings (outside of the acute hospitals) infection prevention and control has become relevant to all clinical staff wherever they may practice.
This presentation provides healthcare workers with an introduction to the principles and practice of Standard Precautions.