If you let scabies go untreated, this itchy, irritating skin infection won't just go away. Chances are excellent that the people with whom you come into intimate contact—or with whom you share an abode—will be less than amused when they notice signs of this highly contagious infestation on their own skin. Secondary infections due to scratching are entirely possible. When scabies goes untreated and unchecked, it can even reach epidemic proportions.
More About Scabies
Sarcoptes scabei, the microscopic, eight-legged mite responsible for scabies, has posed problems for humans for more than 2,000 years, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, which reports an estimated 300 million scabies cases worldwide each year. All it takes is one female mite to cause an infestation in your own person. She burrows into your skin and lays eggs that will hatch and produce more mites—some of which will mate and create their own burrows. The toxins scabies mites leave behind in your skin cause you to have an allergic reaction, says the AAD. You'll notice a pimple-like rash, accompanied by intense itching that typically gets worse at night. It can take up to a month before you realize you have a scabies infestation, says the AAD. You can shower every day and wash all of your clothes, but this won't make the mites die off.
You Are Contagious
If you don't treat scabies, one of the more important things to take into consideration is that you are a walking contagion. The Oregon Department of Human Services states that scabies mites transmit easily when you sleep with another person. The mites can also live for two days or longer, lingering in clothing and bedding, says the AAD. People who live under the same roof should be treated for scabies to prevent reinfestation, notes the department of human services. If you don't treat scabies and your other family members or intimate contacts have received successful treatment, you'll infest them again if they come into close contact with you or continue to live together in the same home.
Scabies Complications
Scabies is extremely itchy, making it difficult—if not impossible—not to scratch. If you scratch your skin hard enough, you may create breaks in the skin and bid entry to certain types of bacteria, according to MayoClinic.com. Impetigo, caused by the staph or strep bacteria, is one such skin infection you might expect to arise if scabies go unchecked.
Scabies Epidemic
When left untreated long-term, scabies may lead to a condition called Norwegian crusted scabies, in which dense, scaly patches cover large parts of your body, rendering your skin unrecognizable. In a normal scabies infestation, you may only have 10 to 15 female scabies mites inhabiting your body; up to 2 million may be noted in advanced cases of scabies. According to the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital's Department of Medical Entomology, if you have this type of infection, you may be considered the source of a local epidemic. You'll require isolation, and health care practitioners who treat you will also need to be treated for scabies, as infestation can occur if someone simply touches your hand or bed linens.
Treating Scabies
Prolonged discomfort and complications are avoided when scabies are diagnosed and treated promptly. According to MayoClinic.com, topical medications doctors prescribe for scabies include permethrin, lindane or a milder medication called crotamiton. The medication is applied to the entire body from the neck down, left on for around 8 hours and rinsed off. Clothing, bedding and towels need to be washed in hot water and dried on high heat or, alternately, stowed in plastic containers for at least 72 hours, notes the CDC. (The AAD takes a more conservative approach and advises sequestering infected items for up to two weeks.) You don't need to fumigate your home, but a good vacuuming of carpets, rugs and cloth furniture is recommended. If you suspect scabies, see your doctor as soon as possible, advises the AAD. Also, inform anyone with whom you live or with whom you shared intimate contact that they need to be treated for scabies as well.
