REPORTINGMites
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Burrowing
Parasites |
Mites are small parasites - something, like a bloodsucker, that depends on another to exist - that can live on and burrow into our skin. They are about the size of a pinhead and are almost transparant and can't really be seen by the naked eye. Luckily, mites are not considered to be disease-carriers.
What happens if mites get on my skin?
Infestation with mites causes a condition known as scabies. As the mites burrow into the skin, they cause intense itching, particularly at night. This is an allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and their waste. Small blister-like sores or short, wavy dirty-looking lines that contain mites and their eggs can be seen. These sores and burrows are seen commonly around finer webs, creases in the wrists and elbows, belt line, buttocks and thighs. In infants, the head, neck, palms, soles and buttocks may also have sores.
Where do mites come from?
There are a variety of mites. Some live in straw, leaves, hay and grasses. Others live on fruit trees and other plants. Scabies mites infest mammals, including people. Most human infestations result from person-to-person contact - direct skin to skin contact with an infected person. Scabies also spreads from shared clothing and bedding recently used by an infected person. Scabies can only survive a few days off a person.
What can I do to get rid of scabies?
Scabies can be treated with specific skin medication that is spread over the surface of the skin. Two treatments are most likely necessary. All household contacts should be treated at the same time as the infested person. Notify and examine all other close contacts as well and refer them for treatment if they're infested. All clothingand bedding need to be washed in hot water and dried on a hot setting. Anyone infested with scabies should stay home from child care and/or school until 24 hours after the initial treatment. The best protection is not sharing clothing, towels and undergarments.