Sarcoptic Mange in Humans

Sarcoptic Mange, also commonly known as canine scabies, is a disease that primarily affects dogs and puppies. The parasite that causes sarcoptic mange is known as sarcoptes scabiei. These parasites are very tiny microscopic mites, that upon contact with the surface of a dog's skin cause a variety of skin problems ranging from hair loss to severe itching. These parasites have a very small life span and as a result can be cured easily, and they are also found on many animals and sometimes even affect human beings. Their most common victim though are dogs. Read more about sarcoptic mange in dogs symptoms and treatment and other dog illnesses.

These parasites are very tiny in size, and cannot be seen by the naked eye. They resemble spiders in their appearance, and spend anything between 3-4 weeks on the skin of their host. The female will burrow into the host's skin and leave 3-5 eggs there, after the process of mating. These eggs take about 5-10 days to hatch, and if these parasites are not dealt with properly this process will continue and simultaneously cause much irritation to the host's skin.

Sarcoptic Mange in Humans
It is well known among the medical circle that there is a strain of sarcoptic mange that primarily affects dogs, and there is a separate strain of sarcoptic mange that primarily affects human beings. The species that attacks dogs primarily can also temporarily affect human beings, but not for a very long period. This particular breed of the insect cannot survive on the human's skin and soon dies.

It would be naïve on the part of a dog owner to believe that they cannot contract this disease from their dogs. Even if they are affected by the dog species of the insect, if the dog is not cured of the disease, the owner will continue to be infected by a new supply of the mites and the itching will not disappear. The human strain is also commonly known as scabies and it is extremely contagious. It can spread from person to person if their skins come into contact with each other. Also learn about other parasites in the human body.

Sarcoptic Mange in Humans - Symptoms
The classic and unmistakable symptoms of sarcoptic mange in humans are excessive itching all over the body and a uniform red bumpy rash all over the body. Blisters on the palms and on the soles of the feet are also clear indicators of scabies in humans. These symptoms are accompanied by small insect bites that resemble pimples in nature, and the collection of a few bites in a particular area resemble an S-shape. These pimple looking bites are often found in the nooks and crevasses of the human body.

Another symptom of sarcoptic mange in humans is that the excessive itching occurs mostly at night. Due to the constant itching and the presence of the rashes, a secondary infection is also developed on the surface of the skin. This secondary infection occurs as an allergic reaction to the presence of the mites and as a result of their bites. People suffering from malnutrition are also at great risk to contracting this disease. Also read about symptoms of scabies rash, causes and scabies treatment.

People who have been exposed to scabies in the past may find the rash breaks out 2-4 weeks after infestation. For individuals who have never had scabies before, 2-4 days since the time of infestation is enough to notice the spread of the rash on the body. Also read further on the following.

• Skin disorders
• Skin rash

Sarcoptic Mange in Humans - Treatment
How to treat sarcoptic mange in humans is a task that almost any doctor will be able to tell you. The following are a few commonly employed remedies for treating sarcoptic mange in humans.

• Permethrin 5% is the best cure for sarcoptic mange in humans. A single application of this cream is enough to cure the disease. It must be left on the body for at least 15 hours at a stretch.
• Malathion is another popular remedy for this disease. It needs to stay on the body for about 24 hours to stay effective.
• Lindane is an ointment that is recommended for patients who have not been cured by the use of Permethrin 5%.
• Crotamiton is an ointment that does not cure the disease, but provides some much needed relief from the itching sensation.
• Neem oil is also said to be very effective in treating this disease, but there are no scientific backings to the effectiveness of this antidote.

Sarcoptic mange in humans is a very old disease and has been around for many many years. Hence, there are effective cures available against it. Learn more about scabies rash prevention and cure. Follow precautionary means though, because contracting this disease is a very unpleasant situation. Visit the doctor immediately if you notice any of the symptoms on your body or on your pet.