Scabies (redirected from Norwegian scabies)

scabies (skā`bēz), highly contagious parasitic skin disease caused by the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). The disease is also known as itch. It is acquired through close contact with an infested individual or contaminated clothing and is most prevalent among those living in crowded and unhygienic conditions. The female mite burrows her way into the skin, depositing eggs along the tunnel. The larvae hatch in several days and find their way into the hair follicles. Itching is most intense at night because of the nocturnal activity of the parasites. Aside from the burrows, which are usually clearly visible, there are a variety of skin lesions, many of them brought on by scratching and infection. All clothing and bedding of the victim and his household should be disinfected. Disinfestation of the skin is accomplished by applying creams or ointments containing gamma benzene hexachloride or benzyl benzoate. A variety of S. scabiei causes mange in animals.

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scabies

a contagious skin infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, characterized by intense itching, inflammation, and the formation of vesicles and pustules

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scabies [′skā·bēz]

(medicine)

A contagious skin disorder caused by the miteSarcoptes scabieiburrowing beneath the skin, causing the formation of multiform lesions with intense itching.

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Scabies 

a contagious skin disease of humans caused by the itch mite. Scabies occurs after direct contact with various objects and clothing of a person suffering from scabies.

Seven to ten days after infection, a rash appears in the form of tiny nodules, blisters, and slightly raised straight or curved lines about 1 cm in length (mite burrows). The rash occurs in the folds between the fingers, on the sides of the fingers, at the bends of the upper limbs, and on the front and sides of the trunk; in children, it occurs all over the body. The rash is produced by fertilized female mites, which bore into the epidermis, where they deposit their eggs. Mite reproduction is very rapid: about 150 million individuals appear within three months. Persons afflicted with scabies are disturbed by severe itching, especially at night, and in warm conditions. Ulcerations often form on the skin as a result of infections brought on by excessive scratching.

Treatment involves the application to the affected areas of Wilkinson ointment, a 33 percent sulfur ointment, a 20–25 percent soap and water emulsion of benzyl benzoate, a 60 percent sodium thiosulfate solution, or a 6 percent solution of hydrochloric acid. Scabies can be prevented by the observance of the rules of personal hygiene, periodic examination of children’s groups, and the isolation and treatment of individuals afflicted with scabies and the disinfection of their belongings.

REFERENCES

Mashkilleison, L. N. Infektsionnye i parazitarnye bolezni kozhi. Moscow, 1960.
Kozhnye i venericheskie bolezni, 3rd ed. Moscow, 1975.

I. IA. SHAKHTMEISTER