The difference between regular scabies and Norwegian scabies is basically the number of mites present on the infected person. In regular scabies, the host usually will be infested with a range between 10 – 20 mites at any one time (possibly as many as 50). Someone infested with the Norwegian version will harbor thousands to millions of mites. As a result, their skin manifestations are more severe. Frequently hyperkeratotic plaques and crusts will occur. These crusts can occur anywhere on the body.
Scabies is a skin infection that is caused by a type of mite. It is very contagious. Scabies mites burrow, or tunnel, under the outer layer of skin. These mites lay eggs under the skin and feed on blood. The mites are about the size of a pinhead, are nearly transparent, and usually cannot be seen.
The type of mite in regular scabies and Norwegian is exactly the same. The difference lies with the host. Those who develop the Norwegian version usually have a compromised immune system. Someone who acquires scabies from a patient with the Norwegian version will develop regular scabies unless they also have a compromised immune system.
Norwegian Scabies Symptoms
The most common Norwegian scabies symptom is extreme itching, particularly at night. Scabies causes the skin to become red and blistered. The itching is the result of an allergic reaction to the mites and their waste. There can also be severe skin manifestations.
The most common areas of skin affected by scabies include: between the toes and fingers, around the wrist, folds of the elbow, armpits, belt line, abdomen, genitalia, nipples, buttocks, and the groin. Norwegian scabies on scalp is also common. Babies and small children may get it on the face, scalp or soles of the feet.
The symptoms of scabies usually appear from 10 to 14 days after becoming infected. However, people who have previously had scabies can show symptoms within a few days.
How Do You Get Scabies
Because patients with the Norwegian version of scabies have so many parasites on them, they are very contagious. (Much more contagious than someone with regular scabies).
Scabies is transferred by direct skin-to-skin contact. It can also be transferred by contact with clothes or bedding that has been contaminated by an infected person. A very common way to get scabies is to shake hands with an infected person. It can also be transmitted during sexual contact. You can also get Norwegian scabies on scalp by using a brush from an infected person.
You cannot get scabies from pets. Scabies mites only infest humans. Scabies mites can only survive for three or four days if they are away from the human body.
You are contagious and can spread scabies until all the mites and eggs are killed by a treatment.
Now that we have discussed the Norwegian scabies symptoms and how you get them, it is important to go over treatment.
Scabies Treatment
Once you recognize the scabies symptoms, it is important to start treatment immediately. The longer you wait, the more the mites will spread.
Everyone living with an infected person, as well as intimate contacts, should be treated. Everyone should be treated at the same time to prevent re-infestation with scabies from other persons who might be infected but do not have any symptoms yet.
Also, the infected persons clothing and bedding needs to be washed in hot water and ironed so as to kill the mite and all of its eggs.
Fortunately, there is a very safe and effective scabies treatment. This treatment not only eliminates and kills the scabies mites, but also the eggs. It will end the itching and stop the pain and sores. Best of all, it has none of the dangerous side effects of many prescription medications. The best treatment for scabies is Naturasil. Follow this link for more information on how it will help you.
If you have any questions about scabies symptoms, please contact us. If you have scabies on scalp and require additional information, please let us know.
More than Norwegian Scabies on our Scabies Rash Home Page
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