Parasitic Skin Infection

The most common symptoms of scabies, itching and a skin rash, are caused by sensitization (a type of “allergic” reaction) to the proteins and feces of the parasite. Severe itching (pruritus), especially at night, is the earliest and most common symptom of scabies.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into your skin. Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Intense itching occurs in the area where the mite burrows. The urge to scratch may be especially strong at night.

Scabies is contagious and spreads quickly through close physical contact in a family, school or nursing home.

The most common symptom of scabies is intense itching in the area where the mites burrow.

Treatment

Scabies can be treated by killing the mites and their eggs with medication that’s applied from the neck down and left on for eight hours. The mites can also be killed using oral medication.

Pediculosis

Pediculosis is an infestation of the hairy parts of the body or clothing with the eggs, larvae or adults of lice. The crawling stages of this insect feed on human blood, which can result in severe itching. Head lice are usually located on the scalp, crab lice in the pubic area and body lice along seams of clothing.

What are the 3 types of pediculosis?

Parasites – Lice

• Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse),
• Pediculus humanus corporis (body louse, clothes louse), and
• Pthirus pubis (“crab” louse, pubic louse).

What is pediculosis caused by?

Head lice (pediculosis capitis) is a common, highly contagious infection that often occurs in nurseries, day care centers, and schools. It is caused by infestation with the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, and it is usually very itchy. Lice are very small insects that feed on human blood.

Is pediculosis a parasite?

Pediculosis capitis is a ubiquitous parasitic skin disease caused by Pediculus humanus capitis. Head lice are highly specialised parasites which can propagate only on human scalp and hair. Transmission occurs by direct head-to-head contact. Head lice are vectors of important bacterial pathogens.

How does pediculosis affect the body?

If you’re infested with body lice for a long time, you may experience skin changes such as thickening and discoloration — particularly around your waist, groin or upper thighs. Spread of disease. Body lice can carry and spread some bacterial diseases, such as typhus, relapsing fever or trench fever.

Is pediculosis communicable or noncommunicable?

A head lice infestation can be highly contagious. The adult female louse lays seven to ten eggs per day near the scalp. Head lice cannot jump or fly, but they can crawl, and they do not carry bacterial or viral infectious diseases. A head lice infestation isn’t a sign of poor personal hygiene.