Scabies is a serious skin condition that involves extremely itchy skin. If detected early enough, you can prevent the spread of scabies on your skin and avoid transmitting it to other people. In extreme cases of scabies, you may experience weight loss that is caused from the itching, treatment for it and the emotional as well as psychological effects of having the condition.
Scabies
Scabies is caused by the parasitic itch mite called Sarcoptes scabei. The scabies mite searches for human hosts in which to breed and burrow. If a female mite gets on your skin, it will begin to burrow and then lay eggs under the skin. This appears as a pencillike rash that is generally found on the arms, legs, skin folds, armpits and between fingers. After three to four days, the eggs mature and hatch. In just 10 days, the scabies grow into mating adults only to have the entire process repeat itself. Scabies spreads easily between people and can be difficult to get rid of without prompt medical treatment of a scabies medication cream or pill. If your skin is severely irritated, you may not have a hearty appetite, which contributes to weight loss.
Symptoms
The most intense symptom of scabies is itching. Itching can be worse at night and prevent you from getting sleep. Lack of sleep and proper rest can eventually lead to having problems maintaining your weight. If the itching is severe it could interfere with your ability to eat healthy foods. Missing your daily intake of fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, low-fat diary and lean proteins can deplete your body of vital nutrients needed for optimal health. Skipping meals or eating small portions can lead to weight loss. You may also develop a pimplelike rash over your body, especially your hands. This could lower your level of self-esteem and make it difficult to want to interact with other people -- including at dinner. Some medications such as Permethrin cream can have a strong pesticide odor and natural remedies containing sulfur as a base can both irritate sinus passages and induce nausea in sensitive people.
Weight Loss
A significant weight loss of 10 pounds or more per month should be cause for medical concern. You should seek the advice and recommendations of your family doctor if you see rapid weight loss while undergoing scabies treatment. It could be the sign of an underlying medical problem, your body's reaction to treatment or a severe allergic reaction to the scabies mite. The intense itching and worry caused from transmitting the mite to others can lead to psychological stress triggering changes in your eating patterns, contributing to weight loss.
Treatment
The treatment for scabies is generally 5 percent Permethrin cream. In extreme cases, an oral medication such as Ivermectin may be used to help, explains American Family Physician. Ivermectin causes adverse side effects that could affect your weight such as nausea, abdominal pain, fever and a fast heartbeat.
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