Scabies rash may cause jock itch and discomfort. Bed bug infestation may also trigger body itching. Read about scabies and bed bugs treatment at Meri Sehat.

What’s Causing The Itch – Scabies or Bedbugs?

What’s Causing The Itch – Scabies Or Bedbugs?

Introduction

<a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/scabies">Scabies is a contagious and itchy skin condition</a> caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, whereas bed bugs are blood-sucking insects of the species Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus.

&nbsp;

Understanding Differences Between Scabies And Bed Bugs

Scabies is a skin condition that causes intense itching in the area infested by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite burrows within the skin, resulting in severe itching which is worse at night. This highly contagious skin condition can spread via close physical contact, or skin-to-skin contact. Thus, family members are at the highest risk. For this reason, entire families or contact groups are often recommended to get treated. Scabies is treated with topical medications that kill the mites and their eggs. However, the itching may persist even several weeks after treatment.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In 2009, The World Health Organization declared scabies a neglected skin disease. It continues to be a significant health concern in developing countries around the world. Misdiagnosis of scabies and delay in treatment can lead to increased outbreaks<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Scabies infects 300 million individuals each year and is a significant health concern in Southeast Asia, South America, Australia, and Africa<a href="#accordion">[1].</a> It is more common in children and young adults. The high prevalence of scabies in these geographic regions can be blamed on poverty, inadequate hygiene, and poor nutritional status. Moreover, cases in these regions are associated with a significant number of deaths, and complications such as abscesses, inflammation in the kidneys, and swelling of the lymph nodes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The outbreak of scabies in high income countries is known to occur either sporadically (a disease that occurs infrequently or irregularly), or in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, overcrowded areas and prisons<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp;Scabies is also common in places caring for the elderly, immunocompromised and debilitated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The mites that cause scabies burrow in the upper layer of the skin where they lay eggs. Scabies commonly presents as papules, pustules, and nodules. The most common symptom of scabies is a pimple-like rash. However, occasionally, it may present as urticarial papules and plaques. Scabies is found in all races and social classes and can spread rapidly in crowded conditions. In some cases, scabies may also present with crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies. 
&nbsp;

Norwegian scabies is a severe form of scabies that occur in people with a weak immune system, or the elderly and debilitated. The thick crusts of skin are infested with a large number of mites and their eggs. Crusted scabies is very contagious and can spread via skin-to-skin contact or exposure to clothing, furniture, and bedding. Scabies is generally diagnosed based on history and physical examination. Microscopic examination of patients demonstrates mites and eggs. The skin condition is generally treated with topical or oral therapies.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There are different forms of scabies:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Crusted (Norwegian): A characteristic feature of this type of scabies is that it is common in people with a faulty immune system. Norwegian scabies tends to cover a large area of skin. In crusted scabies, you may have millions of mites and not just 10 to 15 mites as with classic scabies.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Nodular: Nodular scabies present with brown-red nodules that are present even long after the mites are gone.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Bullous: Bullous scabies is often mistaken for bullous pemphigoid, a rare skin condition that causes blisters on the skin.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Scalp: This type of scabies occurs on the scalp and may mimic psoriasis.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Over the past few decades, bedbugs have become significantly more common in homes, apartments, schools, and healthcare facilities. The resurgence of bedbugs is largely blamed on international travel, along with less effective insecticide and pest control practices. Bedbugs are blood-sucking insects that bite humans to cause cutaneous reactions. The reactions may cause small macular lesions that develop into distinctive lesions of about 5 cm in diameter.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As with scabies, bedbugs&rsquo; bites also cause intense itching. Therefore, they are often confused with scabies. In some cases, bedbugs may also cause bullous lesions (fluid-filled blisters), urticaria, or erythematous rashes (skin rash caused by inflamed blood capillaries).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There are over 40 different pathogens that have been detected in bedbugs. However, there is currently no evidence that bedbugs transmit any of the disease-causing pathogens to humans. Though, when bedbugs are numerous, they can cause anemia and trigger asthmatic reactions. Bedbugs are small, oval, and brownish insects that have flat bodies and feed on the blood of humans and animals. After feeding, their bodies swell and become reddish in color. While bedbugs do not fly, they can move over floors, walls, and ceilings. Female bedbugs lay hundreds of eggs about the size of a speck of dust throughout their lifetime. The immature bedbugs, known as nymphs, shed their skin a few times before reaching maturity. However, the bedbugs require blood before each shedding. What&rsquo;s more, under favorable conditions, the bedbugs can produce three or more generations per year. While the bedbugs are a nuisance, they do not spread disease.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bedbugs can enter homes through couches, used beds, clothing, luggage, and other furniture items. Similarly, because of their flat bodies, they can easily fit into tiny spaces such as mattresses, bed frames and headboards, and bite people at night. Bedbugs live in groups and may scatter throughout the bedroom over time. However, they survive only on blood and are usually active during the night, biting people when they are asleep. The bedbugs pierce the skin and suck blood through their elongated beaks. Most bites are painless at first, till they become itchy welts. In addition, the bedbugs usually bite around exposed skin and resemble the itching and welts caused by mosquitoes. Thus, they can be mistaken for mosquito bites. For this reason, you may have to find and identify the bugs to confirm the diagnosis.

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Scabies and bedbugs are often mistaken for each other because they both cause itchy bites that resemble mosquito bites or eczema. However, both are caused by different organisms and have different treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to properly identify the pests and know the difference between the two to best treat the bites and handle the infestation. Both scabies and bedbugs cause itching, but present with different symptoms.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Scabies presents with the following symptoms:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Intense itching, especially at night</li>
	<li>Scaly rash with pimples and blisters</li>
	<li>Visible burrows on the skin that may look raised, or like crooked lines with the greyish-white surrounding skin 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The scabies symptoms may be experienced across the body or certain areas, for example, the wrist, elbow, armpit, between the fingers, nipple, breast, shoulder blades, waist, penis, and buttocks. Children may have a rash on their head, face, neck, palms, and soles of feet. However, the rash is less common in older children and adults. Scratching excessively may cause skin sores that may lead to a skin infection.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bedbugs cause bite marks that usually appear when a person is asleep, and are only noticed once awake. The marks may either appear soon after being bit, or 14 days later. You won&rsquo;t feel it when a bedbug bites, because the bugs excrete a small amount of anesthetic before sucking the blood. It may sometimes take a few days for the bedbugs&rsquo; symptoms to develop. Whereas some people may not develop any symptoms from the bedbugs. However, if symptoms do appear, they can include:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Multiple welts in a zig-zag pattern&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Red or swollen bites that may appear similar to a mosquito or flea bite</li>
	<li>Intense itching</li>
	<li>Irritation&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Blood stains on the sheet or bedding&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Sweet, musky odor&nbsp;in the room&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Shells on the bedding&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Small black specks, or bedbug dirt on bedding 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

In some cases, bedbug bites may present with anxiety, insomnia, and skin infections because of excessive scratching. However, in some cases, patients may not experience any symptoms. Whereas others may present with an allergic reaction or painful swellings. Seek immediate medical help if a person experiences an extreme allergic reaction, such as: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Difficulty breathing,&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Swelling in the mouth&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Sore throat&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Fainting&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Dizziness&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Nausea&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Vomiting&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Weak pulse&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

If you wake up with itchy skin, then you may have bedbugs. Especially, if you purchased used furniture around the time the bites started. Other signs that your house may be infested with bedbugs include:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Blood stains on the bed sheets and pillows&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Bedbug dirt and dark or rusty spots on the bedsheets, bedclothes, mattresses, and walls&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Bedbug spots and eggshells where the bedbugs hide</li>
	<li>Musty odor from the scent glands on the bugs&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

If you suspect an infestation, then remove all bedding and check for signs of bedbugs. Remove the mattress, dust cover and wood framing. Check the area around the bed, edge of the carpet, inside books and in electrical outlets. Also check your closet because bedbugs can attach to clothing too. Call an exterminator because they will know best what to look for and where to look for the bedbugs. If you find signs of infestation, get rid of the bedbugs and prevent their return.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h5>Scabies&nbsp;</h5>

The mites that cause scabies are arthropods, meaning that they have &lsquo;jointed legs&rsquo;. Clinically scabies presents in three variants, classic, nodular or crusted variant. The scabies mites live in the top layers of the skin in both humans and animals and are known to cause a common skin condition worldwide. The infestation of the female mites begins when the mites burrow into the outermost layer of the skin and lay their eggs. The mites later develop into larvae, nymphs, and adults. The mites transfer via skin-to-skin contact and can also transfer via clothing or bedding. Scabies may cause a rash on the palms, soles and under the fingernails. The adult female mite lays two to three eggs daily and the eggs hatch after 2 to 3 weeks. The mites die after 30 to 60 days. After infestation, the papules may appear in 2 to 5 weeks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Bedbugs&nbsp;</h5>

Bedbugs are generally transmitted through close contact and less often through bedding, or sharing of clothing with an infected person. Bedbugs&rsquo; infestation may be because of more frequent travel, insecticide resistance, or changes in practices of pest control.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Scabies and bedbugs usually do not cause any serious problems, but you will need treatment for both and to handle the bedbug situation in your house.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Scabies&nbsp;</h5>

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends treating scabies with topical medication, such as:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>5% permethrin, the medication is suitable for children and pregnant women</li>
	<li>10% crotamiton&nbsp;</li>
	<li>25% benzyl benzoate</li>
	<li>5-10% sulfur</li>
	<li>1% lindane</li>
	<li>Ivermectin is useful for the treatment of Norwegian or crusted scabies and has no side effects.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

People who are in close contact with those who have scabies will also require treatment, even if they present with no signs and symptoms. This includes people who work closely with or live with people who have scabies, as well as any sexual partners. It is also recommended to use a scabicide. These products are used to kill the mite and their eggs. However, they are only available on a doctor&rsquo;s prescription. There are currently no over-the-counter products to treat scabies. In addition, in case of a scabies outbreak in a nursing home, all visitors, staff and residents should be treated for scabies even if they do not show any symptoms.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Bedbugs&nbsp;</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Over-the-counter treatments for treating bedbugs include:&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Wash the bites with soap and water to prevent itching and infection&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Take antihistamines</li>
	<li>Treat the bites with an antiseptic to reduce itching&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Corticosteroid cream on the bites will help reduce itching&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Bedbugs generally disappear after a week or two of treatment. However, if over-the-counter treatments are not effective, or if individuals develop an allergic reaction, a doctor may prescribe the following:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Antihistamine injection&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Corticosteroids&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Epinephrine for allergic reaction&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Antiseptic or antibiotic cream&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Corticosteroids and antihistamine for severe itching&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

If you have a bedbug infestation in your home, you will also need to spray insecticides and hire a pest control company to get rid of the infestation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

Scabies mites can live on bedding, clothes, and towels for up to two days. To make sure that the mites are killed, wash any sheets or clothing used by the person affected by mites with hot water and dry it with a hot dryer. The sheets and clothing can also be sent for dry-cleaning. Similarly, items that cannot be washed right away should be placed in a sealed plastic bag for at least seven days to avoid contamination.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

When getting rid of bedbugs, begin with cleaning up the area of infestation by doing the following: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Clean bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them in the hottest dryer setting. If you don&rsquo;t own a dryer, send the things for dry-cleaning. Things that can&rsquo;t be put in a dryer or sent for dry cleaning, for example, shoes, stuffed animals, and other such items, should be soaked in hot water for 30 minutes.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Scrub mattresses with a stiff brush, and vacuum to remove bedbugs and their eggs.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Vacuum the area surrounding the bed frequently. After vacuuming, make sure that the vacuum cleaner bag is disposed of in a garbage can outdoors 
	.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>To keep the bedbugs from escaping or entering, encase the mattress in a zippered cover. Bedbugs can live on mattresses for up to a year, keeping it covered will make sure that the bedbugs in the mattress are dead.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Declutter around the bed. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Repair any cracks in the walls or floor to get rid of places the bedbugs can hide. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>If your mattress is infested with bedbugs, you may want to invest in a new one. But make sure that you get rid of the bedbugs in your home, or they will infest your new mattress.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>When cleaning up the infested areas, using chemical treatments is also helpful. However, insecticides can be harmful. Therefore, it is important that you use products that can be used safely in bedrooms. The safest option is to hire an experienced pest controller for bed bug extermination.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul><li>Both mites and bedbugs can be quite troubling for you and your family. While not life-threatening, these pests can cause itchy rashes which can be quite uncomfortable.&nbsp;</li><li>If you suspect either scabies or bedbugs, it is important that you immediately get rid of the mites and bedbugs.&nbsp;</li><li>If needed, call a professional pest controller.</li><li>It is also essential that you visit a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of the bites.&nbsp; </li></ul>

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