Curable STDs - Infestations

Scabies II

Scabies between the fingers (Click on picture)

4. What are the symptoms?
Clearly noticeable are small, slightly raised, itchy red spots on the skin. The irritation tends to be especially acute in the skin between the fingers and inside wrists, elbows, thighs and lower buttocks. The external female and male sex organs may also be affected as may be still other areas of the body.

5. How is it diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose scabies by scraping some skin off the affected area and examining it under a microscope.

6. How is it treated?
As in the case of crab lice, the infestation is treated with locally applied lotions (Kwell and other insecticidal preparations), spread over the entire body from the neck down. As in the case of pubic lice, a doctor’s advice should be sought and followed, since some patients need to take special precautions is using the treatment. Even after the elimination of all mites, the itching may persist for a while.

7. How can it be prevented?
Sexual partners and everybody living in close daily contact with the infested person should be treated. Clothing and bed sheets must be thoroughly cleaned. Improved living conditions will help prevent new infestations.