Could My Girlfriend Have Contracted Scabies? Symptoms and Concerns

Could it be scabies?

I would like to ask the doctor, my girlfriend had an internship at the hospital and while taking vital signs of a patient suspected to have scabies, she touched the patient's hands for no more than 3 minutes.
She also washed her hands thoroughly afterward.
However, a day later, she developed small red bumps around her abdomen that resemble acne.
Initially, they itched, but after taking a shower, the itching subsided.
I want to know if my girlfriend has been infected! She is feeling anxious about it.

SHAN, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/08/24

Dr. Yang Zhiya reply Dermatology

Hello, unless there is a previous history of scabies infection, the rash typically appears 3-4 weeks after the first exposure to scabies mites and subsequent infection.
However, if there has been contact with a scabies patient, it is advisable to apply preventive medication before the rash develops.

Reply Date: 2012/08/24

More Info

It sounds like you're understandably concerned about your girlfriend's symptoms and the possibility of scabies infection after her interaction with a patient. Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin and causes intense itching and a rash. The rash typically appears as small red bumps, blisters, or sores, often accompanied by severe itching, especially at night.

Given that your girlfriend had brief contact with a patient suspected of having scabies, it's important to consider a few factors. Scabies is primarily transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which means that a brief encounter, especially if it was less than a few minutes and followed by thorough handwashing, would generally pose a low risk of transmission. However, if she had direct contact with the patient's skin or clothing, the risk could be higher.

The symptoms you described—red, bump-like lesions around her abdomen—could potentially be indicative of scabies, but they could also be caused by other conditions such as an allergic reaction, heat rash, or even folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles). It’s important to note that scabies typically presents with a specific pattern of rash, often found in areas where the skin is thin, such as between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, and around the waist.

Here are some steps you can take to address your concerns:
1. Observation: Monitor her symptoms closely. If the rash worsens, spreads, or is accompanied by severe itching, it would be wise to seek medical attention.

2. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Encourage her to see a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation. A doctor can perform a physical examination and, if necessary, take a skin scraping to confirm the presence of scabies mites.

3. Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it’s natural to search for answers online, self-diagnosing can lead to unnecessary anxiety. A healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

4. Treatment: If diagnosed with scabies, treatment typically involves topical scabicides, which are medications applied to the skin to kill the mites. It's important for both of you to follow the treatment plan to prevent reinfestation.

5. Preventive Measures: If she is diagnosed with scabies, it’s crucial to wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat to eliminate any mites. Close contacts may also need treatment to prevent spreading.

6. Education: Understanding scabies and its transmission can help alleviate some of her fears. Scabies is not a reflection of personal hygiene and can affect anyone.

In conclusion, while the symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing could be concerning, they are not definitive proof of scabies infection. The best course of action is to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Encourage her to address her concerns with a professional, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes and peace of mind.

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