Cabinet In Children: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Furthermore , the risk of developing scabies is much greater in younger children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system.
Causes of closet in children
Cabinet develops from a mite, Sarcoptes Scabiei, that spreads via direct skin to skin contact. The mite only stays alive outside of skin contact for about 24-35 hours. Therefore, transmission through contagious objects, noise, bedding, and blankets is limited.
The infected child develops a hypersensitive reaction to the mite, its eggs and feces. This reaction may occur 3 weeks after exposure to the infectious agent.
In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a neglected skin disease. At the same time, only 10 minutes of skin-to-skin contact is required for the mite to spread.
Symptoms of closet in children
The presentation of the symptoms of this parasitic infection includes erythematous papules and a general itching that usually gets worse at night.
According to a publication from the Asturias Pediatric Society , the lesions in children are localized on the palms and soles of the feet.
In adults, however, the areas may vary and dominate between the fingers, wrist, elbows, armpits, genitals or breasts.
All of these symptoms take about 3 weeks to occur after contact with a mite. In the case of re-infections, however, the clinical manifestations may occur within a few hours.
How is the diagnosis made?
Observation of the skin lesions by a specialist during a consultation is the basis for making a diagnosis on cabinet in children. At the same time, the doctor will perform a thorough interrogation to rule out the patient’s history.
However, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will observe the mites, eggs or feces from a skin scrape under a microscope.
If the diagnosis is uncertain, the doctor may also take a biopsy of the lesion to be sure. However, this type of procedure is not common.
Differential diagnosis
It is easy to confuse closet with other itchy rashes:
- Eczema
- Childhood ulcers
- Ringworm
- Prurigo nodularis
- Dermatitis
- Psoriasis
In the case of a cupboard, however, it is possible to find the routes that the mites use to progress. These are called tunnels. These are white, meandering lines that indicate the excavation of the parasites.
Therapeutic options for closets in children
It is essential to treat symptomatic or asymptomatic household members at the same time to avoid transmission or re-infection. The primary reason for treating them without symptoms is that it can take weeks before the symptoms occur.
Permethrin
Permethrin is a topical cream of 5%, which is the primary treatment. One should apply it on the skin from the neck down to the toes, and usually at night. The next day you have to wash it off.
For babies with closets, one should also apply it on the face. One week after the initial application, repeat the procedure to kill any larva that has been born during this period. One should also warn parents and relatives about the likelihood that the itchy feeling will last for a long time.
Ivermectin
Oral ivermectin is another option for treating the treatment of scabies in children 10 years of age and older. Again, it requires an initial treatment followed by a new dose after one week.
This therapeutic solution may be preferable due to the following benefits:
- Due to its convenience, it increases the compliance rate
- Security
- Ease of administration as it reduces the likelihood of abusing it or applying it incorrectly
- Few side effects
- Other varieties
Furthermore, one has to disinfect bedding, blankets, towels and clothes. Other therapeutic solutions are topical lindane, 5% precipitated sulfur, malathion and topical ivermectin.
When it comes to pregnant women and young children, one should use precipitated sulfur with 5% in Vaseline. Although its odor and scorching application make the treatment undesirable, it is the safest option.
Ultimately, and even with appropriate treatment, the symptoms and signs can persist for several weeks and then disappear completely.
The good prognosis of the disease is related to the treatment of the patient and his or her close contacts. Therefore, if the treatment is not performed correctly, then the cabinet can spread to the rest of the tight contacts.