Talk:Scabies

infection

The article says that scabies is an infection. The CDC source that is cited in each case only classifies it as an infestation. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.5.52.96 (talk) 16:31, 28 July 2020 (UTC)

seven year itch

Where is it known as 'the seven year itch'? Is there any reason this is in the first line of the article? There are hundreds of slang and colloquial terms for scabies, contemporary and historical. This one is mentioned in the introductory paragraph of a chapter on scabies in a book on google books, does it add anything to the article? 86.147.255.115 (talk) 12:40, 12 October 2013 (UTC)

this is one of the most common. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your page reply on mine) 18:38, 12 October 2013 (UTC)

Okay, where? Is there any proof it's the most common (and so included in the first line of the article?) The only place I've ever come across it is in this article. Will people search for 'the seven year itch'? A section on slang terms for scabies might be good actually since slang names will be more widely used 86.129.219.253 (talk) 21:24, 27 October 2013 (UTC)

crotamiton

deleted info on crotamiton as it was wrong and the link was broken for reference. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 167.171.195.39 (talk) 21:14, 10 March 2010 (UTC)

Management - Medications - Topical

Section related to lindane lotion revised for accuracy. Statement regarding “legal” status of lindane, which primarily relates to agricultural uses, is misleading and inappropriately included in a discussion of scabies treatments. For example, the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants recently added lindane to the list of chemicals to be eliminated by ratified countries; however, there is a specific exemption for public health uses of pharmaceutical lindane for second-line treatment of scabies and lice. Canada and the US both support medical uses of lindane while abandoning agricultural uses. — comment added by Blancer707 (talk • contribs) 00:18, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

In response to edits by Yillowslime: With all due respect, the revision to the first statement is incorrect. Lindane lotion is FDA approved as a second-line treatment. The tradename was removed since the product is sold in the US generically. The FDA advisory report does not say that the medication is not well tolerated and contraindicated. In fact, published studies on lindane show that the medication is well tolerated. The statement was thus revised for accuracy. The information regarding legal status really relates to agricultural applications and does not seem relevant here. The hyperlink on the word lindane to the lindane page would seem sufficient. Blancer707 (talk) 03:32, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

The information on global status not about just ag uses, it includes pharmaceutical uses. Wikipedia strives to provide a global perspective, so the stuff on bans outside the US needs to be in the article. Yilloslime ^T_C 16:53, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Sulfur

Would any one like to update the sulfur treatment with this academic journal article?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1634185/?page=1

Essentially it says 18% sulfur soap applied and left on overnight for 3 nights had a great success rate in curing scabies in over ~400 patients. It also says sulfur dermatitis did not occur in any patients, which can happen as a side effect of sulfur ointments. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.242.162.93 (talk) 05:54, 8 January 2010 (UTC)

Here is an abstract published in 2012 (NIH/NLM) - from Baghdad Teaching Hospital. 10% Sulfur in petrolatum applied daily for 3 consecutive days with one bath daily (reapplication following the bath) resulted in 96.7% cure rate. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22395587

Scabies Rash Pictures

I would like to begin a discussion on the importance of some good quality images of the scabies rash for reference. The images on this page are all of such a quality that you can't really see the symptoms. I have some quality images that I would like to reference. If using this link is a problem, I would happily donate the images for use as I feel they would be helpful. Anyone else? I think the discussion here covers the topic well, but the images are lacking.

Just want to open this up for discussion. Davidandkimbenton (talk) 02:38, 9 April 2010 (UTC)

I agree. The photos are of poor quality and one has to search very carefully to find any of the lesions. 2A00:23C7:B002:9501:59AE:6AE6:D6EC:C5B3 (talk) 16:53, 17 December 2022 (UTC)

Scabies When is scabies most contagious, is it right before you break out when you are most contagious to spread to others? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.206.130.181 (talk) 12:08, 5 May 2010 (UTC)

No, you are contagious the second you are infected with the scabies mite...it is a parasite, not a virus and can spread quickly. The rash is a result of burrowing and waste from the scabies mite. Treatment is the same before and after you break out. 65.190.129.130 (talk) 16:46, 8 May 2010 (UTC)

..... the second you are INFESTED with the scabies parasite, not a virus ..... 2A00:23C7:B002:9501:59AE:6AE6:D6EC:C5B3 (talk) 16:56, 17 December 2022 (UTC)

WHAT DO THEY EAT

Makes no mention of what they "eat". --98.141.78.112 (talk) 16:28, 5 July 2010 (UTC)

Scabies eat human flesh. This is their way of surviving on the host (human... possibly you?) and the main cause of the 'damage' you see in pictures around the web... This damage is the result of the females mainly but also the males can create burrows, or trails/tracks, as well as deep 'holes' which turn into scabs, which are hard/crusted and contain eggs, and live mites.
When a live mite makes trails/moves through the skin(not to be confused with the final 'burrow' as these trails create very little visible damage in comparison to the burrows), in its path it drops eggs; these eggs hatch and become full adult mites within several weeks. If the 'scabs' are not picked off from each large (0.5cm up to 3-4cm) hole/lesion/sore/scab(and yes; it does hurt like a b*tch) the treatment's will/may fail, as the scabs contain mites which wont die with topical application. The extreme itchiness experienced in some people by these scabies, is the result of them eating our skin, and secreting it as a waste product; a fecal matter. It is a green hard slimy like substance, which can be seen on the outside of our skin, at times when the mites mature close to the surface of the skin. This green patch is usually triangular in shape, as the mite starts as 1 female, in her burrow. Within her burrow she lays eggs, and these begin moving once hatched and able to walk. Once these mites begin to move about, they usually head out in 1 direction, contributing to the triangular like markings in green fecal matter left behind, or in scab holes from the waste being left 'under the skin/not visible on the outside'. These marks may alternatively appear to look like splatter marks as if you took a bucket of paint and dumped into one spot; same idea with these mites because the female starts in one spot, which her offspring take-off from in 1 direction usually. The burrows can be visible as deep holes known as lesions or they can be totally non-visible at times, making diagnosis difficult.
Humans being the main hosts for scabies mites means that this mite is a flesh eating disease in a sense, as left untreated this infection can take over your entire body; I speak from experience here.
There is some controversy regarding the 'what do they eat' topic, as I have seen recently that scabies can and will infect 'drywall', found in homes; known as walls. This makes things more confusing, as the mites are known to be a human parasite transmitting from human to human via close contact and fomites(contaminated clothing/towels/beds/sofa's/etc), using only humans because they need something we have in our skin and only in human skin, animals apparently don't have what the mite requires to sustain life. 96.48.241.129 (talk) 12:26, 16 January 2011 (UTC)

scabies

can this be transmitted to the eyes? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.1.147.164 (talk) 19:20, 16 November 2010 (UTC)

Scabies require oxygen and generally stay close to the surface of the hosts skin, and having scabies in the eye is a possibility, as they can end up in the mouth from biting sores as a way to remove the scab without something sharp, it may sound weird but without removing these scabs the mites will only reinfect the host within days, these mites 'appear' to be moving, but are too small to actually see what they are doing or how they are moving, to me, this moving action is seen as a very faint 'flashing', almost as if the mite was a reflection or very tiny light source, this action can be seen around the house as well; in beds, chairs, floors, washrooms, on your skin. This is a good way of 'detecting' scabies sometimes, as they can be very hard at times to detect when hidden within scabs / spit piles (for those of us who destroy our rental homes. a very bad habit indeed) 96.48.241.129 (talk) 12:33, 16 January 2011 (UTC)

There are different types of mites. Sarcoptic scabies var.canis, is the dog mite, AKA mange mite. This can be transmitted to humans and is very difficult to eradicate (I speak from experience) no matter what all of the incorrect literature says about how canine mites die off quickly when on the human body. The reference to the infestation of walls (drywall) refers to bird mites, which have been known to be found on walls and ceilings because they are often introduced into the home from bird nests built next to air conditioning intake vents. Bird mites are found in the surrounding environment, in addition to infesting and burrowing into human skin. Bird mites and canine mites are just as difficult to get rid of as the human scabies mite. And what is worse, these different varieties of scabies mites have become resistant to, and have adapted quickly to any current scabicides on the market that uninformed doctors recommend. The longer one is infested, the more difficult they are to get rid of.

216.70.22.249 (talk) 21:27, 9 March 2012 (UTC) I don't understand this 'scab being picked off' to prevent more scabies when under History you have a claim that this spreads the effect. And I am myself symptomatic of initial infection 2 months after first bites. Doctor was at a loss to clarify, am not sure if antibiotic I am taking for cellulitis should be continued. No other articles mentioned removing scabs. I feel the article should make an effort to present in one paragraph the fact that it could be a month or more before sysptoms, and life cycle, including feeding and how long live on body, months, and that bumps can present after mites dead. It is confusing the way it is spread out. In one paragraph life on body please.

Invitation to edit

It is proposed that Scabies be part of the trial of a new template; see the green strip at the top of Pain where it has been in place for a couple of months. The purpose of this project is to encourage readers to edit, while equipping them with the basic tools. If you perceive a problem with this, or have any suggestions for improvement, please discuss at the project talk page --Anthonyhcole (talk) 09:39, 10 January 2011 (UTC).

White Vinegar Cures Scabies

Use White Vinegar daily for a least a couple weeks & it will kill the scabies. Use it on your entire body. Eileen charmed (talk) 21:21, 16 February 2011 (UTC)

This is not the place for your original research. Besides, what makes you think white vinegar is necessary and does something that natural vinegar doesn't? SBHarris 05:56, 17 February 2011 (UTC)

Disambiguation

The phrase "seven-year itch" redirects here. It ought to redirect to the disambiguation page for "The seven-year itch," which links to the play, albums, etc. Audiosqueegee (talk) 15:36, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Done. [1] --Anthonyhcole (talk) 03:23, 10 March 2012 (UTC)

68.188.203.251 (talk) 00:41, 17 September 2012 (UTC) Well, I input 'seven year itch' and got the play. In as much as the scabies has been a human condition for a lot longer than the play, I ask it be returned. inputing 'play seven year itch' makes more sense than altering this site request.

Personally I have NEVER heard the term 7-year itch applied to scabies but rather to what happens to married people following 7-years of their partnership - i.e. one or other of the couple give way to 'wanderlust' ... I support removing the reference to 7-year itch altogether, it adds nothing and only distracts, or else by writing : " sometimes referred to as 7-year itch ". 2A00:23C7:B002:9501:59AE:6AE6:D6EC:C5B3 (talk) 17:11, 17 December 2022 (UTC)

Resistant Scabies and the use of Synergists to counter Metabolism of Treatments

I've had scabies for 6 months but it is not the human scabies it is the canine type, Sarcoptic Scabiei Canis, the mite is extremely tenacious and adaptive. Having tried a wide array of cures I recently found the key to being cured. It happened when I stumbled upon this link and followed the clue. I will post several that if read will reveal the answer.

http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/626/documents/Natural%20Areas/Mange.pdf

http://www.eblue.org/article/S0190-9622%2883%2970148-9/abstract

http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0000354

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piperonyl_butoxide

In other countries they use this in scabicides but not in The United States.

http://www.ciplamedpro.co.za/product-catalog/scheduled-products/topicals/spregal-spray/

http://www.labchile.cl/vademecum/ficha.php?idcat=12&id_prese=486

the PBO also synergizes Imidicloprid.

http://ddr.nal.usda.gov/bitstream/10113/30388/1/IND44203624.pdf

They don't have that in America so I took 1 ounce of Rid lice shampoo which is 4% piperonyl butoxide and one dose of K9Advantix II for extra large dogs a 4ml dose(44%permethin 8.8% imidicloprid and s-methoprine)and applied the mixture to my body for 3 days, I will continue to do so for quite some time as the life cycle must be broken(entomology of sarcoptic scabiei canis),during treatment all biting stopped within a few days and post scabies symptoms were exhibited. It comes out to a 6% permethrin mix at that ratio. The PBO also makes the Imidacloprid thats in Advantix work again too. I'm wondering if it works for Ivermectin also because they have to metabolize that too but I couldn't find any research on that at all. I've had this for 6 months so they had a pretty big presence. I ordered 91% PBO and 10% permethrin online and when that arrives i will switch to that as a topical when it arrives as the advantix is quite expensive. A mix of 5 ounces of 10% permethrin and 1.1 ounces of PNO will yield an 8% permethrin and 17% PBO topical. If this sounds somewhat drastic then compare it to sacrificing your life to this disease.

Here is a metaphor for my journey except in the end I won.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csEzTwKemwY

I wish you all success in your fight

Don Mau Lone waitie (talk) 03:45, 29 December 2011 (UTC)

— Preceding unsigned comment added by Lone waitie (talk • contribs) 02:08, 29 December 2011 (UTC) 

Scabies does not go away by itself--Medication is necessary to kill the mite

216.70.22.249 (talk) 21:51, 9 March 2012 (UTC) I read the entire article and did not get that message. In particular, the paragraph that claimed live mites live on people would tend to indicate one can ignore a scabies infection. The Gov website clarified that but left out Ivermectin, the horse wormer. I have scabies that could only have come off a coat I tried on at GoodWill. The 72 hour life of the mite comes to mind here. I did not know about the round welts at the entrance site on my neck, I though it was hives of which I also have never had due to some bacteria on the coat fur ruff. I had no idea it was scabies as I never had it before and the itches on my arm did not get connected. Finally 2 months later I had a flare up of infection on my wrist and finger involving itching. The dr gave me antibiotics for the skin infection but failed to give any medicine for scabies. What am I to think about this treatment?

Although a doctor myself, I have to agree that it is widespread to find considerable ignorance about the diagnosis and treatment of scabies, lice and fleas amongst my medical colleagues for these extremely disruptive and disabling infestations. There is a huge amount of misinformation that is annoyingly regurgitated in many supposedly learned articles in the medical literature. 2A00:23C7:B002:9501:59AE:6AE6:D6EC:C5B3 (talk) 17:34, 17 December 2022 (UTC)

Would some nice admin like to semiprotect this article for a time?lulz

This one is a classic, like the chemical elements and presidents, that tends to draw IP vandalism. I can hardly see a constructive change any IP editor has ever made in it. User:bongwarrior? SBHarris 03:02, 7 July 2012 (UTC)

Crusted scabies

Someone has just put a "dubious" label on the "crusted scabies" photograph. What is "dubious" about it? The photo is clearly described at its upload point, and it illustrates the paragraph it appears with. Absent a credible explanation for tagging, I will remove the tag. DoctorJoeE ^{review transgressions}/_{talk to me!} 13:48, 28 May 2014 (UTC)

I see that it has been removed. Problem solved. DoctorJoeE ^{review transgressions}/_{talk to me!} 16:00, 28 May 2014 (UTC)

Society and Culture

During the Irish war of Independence (1920-21), scabies was known as "republican itch" and was treated with sulphur applications.

Korhomme (talk) 08:15, 21 July 2014 (UTC)

Prevalence

... of scabies and impetigo: doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(15)00132-2 JFW | T@lk 13:42, 24 July 2015 (UTC)

Epidemiology

This section is really poorly done and filled with contradictory statements.

As of 2010 it affects approximately 100 million people (1.5% of the population) and is equally common in both genders.[9] 

Globally as of 2009, an estimated 300 million cases of scabies occur each year, although various parties claim the figure is either over- or underestimated.[16][43] 

About 1–10% of the global population is estimated to be infected with scabies, but in certain populations, the infection rate may be as high as 50–80%.[8]

Which is it: 1.5%, up to 10%? 100 million people total, 300 million per year?

The mites are distributed around the world and equally infect all ages, races, and socioeconomic classes in different climates.[18] 

Scabies is more often seen in crowded areas with unhygienic living conditions.[42] 

That first statement looks pretty dubious to me (really, it affects everyone around the world regardless of living conditions equally?) and if you look at the source given, no proper source for the claim is linked. It is also contradicted by the next statement where it is more often seen in crowded areas with unhygenic living conditions (i.e. lower socioeconomic status).

Grizzlebizzle (talk) 18:31, 3 February 2017 (UTC)

The 2nd paragraph of this article states"Scabies is most often spread during a relatively long period of direct skin contact with an infected person (at least 10 minutes) such as that which may occur during sex or living together." This is misleading, I just don't believe in this emphasis that one will be fine so long as they try not to be in direct prolonged contact and that it is highly contagious, but I'm not a physician... could the language here be neutralized? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 172.58.174.170 (talk) 07:26, 10 November 2019 (UTC)

Long introduction

I find the long introduction a hinderance to reading the article. The "wall of text" presented to the reader along with all the references is off-putting and unnecessary since presumably the abundance of info offered there can also be found in the rest of the article. I recommend someone familiar with this topic review MOS:INTRO and MOS:LEADCITE and revise the lead to be more accessible and better conform with our style manual. Jojalozzo (talk) 17:38, 1 November 2023 (UTC)