i want an answer from a med pro..... i have a roommate who has scabies. we make no physical contact.?

Question

we also do not share things. advice from a med professional is preferred but everyone's intelligent input is cool too.

Answer 1

The scabies mite (sarcoptes scabei) needs skin-to-skin contact either directly or via shared clothing/towels/etc so from what you are describing it is unlikely that you have got scabies - it is still possible that there has been some skin-to-skin contact of which you are unaware and it is therefore possible that the mite has gotten across to you.

So ... if you notice itching of the skin, small lesions (little red spots) or even see the burrows of the mite, you will need scabies treatment too.

Some people would consider it prudent to get scabies treatment in any case.

See the wiki page for more information.

Answer 2

This information will give you a better understanding of SCABIES

What is scabies?
Scabies is a fairly common infectious disease of the skin caused by a mite. Scabies mites burrow into the skin producing pimple-like irritations or burrows.

Who gets scabies?
Scabies infestations can affect people from all socioeconomic levels without regard to age, sex, race or standards of personal hygiene. Clusters of cases, or outbreaks, are occasionally seen in nursing homes, institutions and child care centers.

How is scabies spread?
Scabies mites are transferred by direct skin-to-skin contact. Indirect transfer from undergarments or bedclothes can occur only if these have been contaminated by infected people immediately beforehand. Scabies can also be transmitted during sexual contact.

What are the symptoms of scabies?
The most prominent symptom of scabies is intense itching particularly at night. The areas of the skin most affected by scabies include the webs and sides of the fingers, around the wrists, elbows and armpits, waist, thighs, genitalia, nipples, breasts and lower buttocks.

How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms will appear from two to six weeks in people who have not previously been exposed to scabies infestations. People who have had a previous bout with scabies mites may show symptoms within one to four days after subsequent re-exposures.

When and for how long is a person able to spread scabies?
A person is able to spread scabies until mites and eggs are destroyed by treatment.

What is the treatment for scabies?
Skin lotions containing permethrin, lindane or crotamiton are available through a physician's prescription for the treatment of scabies. The lotions are applied to the whole body except the head and neck. Sometimes, itching may persist but should not be regarded as treatment failure or reinfestation. Persons who have had skin contact with an infested person (including family members, roommates, direct care providers and sexual contacts) should also be treated.

What can be done to prevent the spread of scabies?
Avoid physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings, especially clothing and bedding. Health education on the life history of scabies, proper treatment and the need for early diagnosis and treatment of infested individuals and contacts is extremely important.

Answer 3

Scabies is typically spread by close contact with an infested person. The mites may also spread from sharing towels, bed sheets, and other personal belongings. SInce you do not share these things you should be fine, however the fact that it transfers so easily would lead me to believe that just sharing a living space would put you at risk.

If you have scabies, you and any household members and people with whom you have close physical contact must all be treated at once. This prevents the mites from being passed back and forth from person to person. You must also carefully wash all clothes and bedding.

Answer 4

Scabies is caused by a little mite that burrows under the surface of the skin and causes intense itch and irritation. It is highly contagious - that means it is spread from person to person by direct physical contact. It spreads around communities like schools and residential homes. In a family, if one person has it, the whole family should be treated with appropriate medicine to cure it.

Answer 5

I don't know the risk of transfer, but I did know a guy who lived with people who got scabies and they actually fumigated the house. I'd be looking for an alternate living arrangement at least temporarily until you can figure out how to get it cleared out of the house.

Answer 6

Yes, I Get E-Mails Notifying Me of Q's and Answer All, Unless Shut Down By Error 999....LOL