How can I prevent an infection?
In order to prevent infection with scabies or to avoid it, any close contact with people infected with scabies should be avoided. Children should not play with other sick children until the disease has healed. Even though there is usually no risk of infection from objects and furniture, they should be cleaned for safety reasons if a sick person has been in contact with them. If, for example, contact cannot be avoided when caring for sick children or people in need of care, you should wear disposable gloves and long-sleeved clothing. Should you nevertheless notice signs of illness, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of an infection
The main symptoms of scabies are severe itching and burning of the skin. These may also appear a few weeks after infection and in some cases are less pronounced. The itching is often particularly distressing when the bed is warm.
Typically, the spaces between the fingers and toes, as well as wrists, armpits, elbows, nipples and genitals are affected. In babies and infants, the scalp, face, hands and feet may also be affected. Pin-sized reddish blisters can be seen on the skin.
If necessary, fine irregular and dark lines up to one centimeter long can be found. These are caused by the ducts that the tiny mites eat into the skin. Scratching can cause the skin to become inflamed and pus to form.In addition, some people develop a large-area skin rash due to a reaction of the immune system. Since severe itching can often also occur in other skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis, a doctor should be consulted so that he can initiate the correct treatment.
