Mange is a term for skin conditions caused by a species of mites in certain animals, such as dogs and cats. When these mites affect people, it is known as scabies.
Mites are microscopic, eight-legged parasites that can live on animals, including dogs, cats, and humans. They burrow into the skin or hair follicles to lay their eggs. Various mites affect different species, including humans, in different ways.
In this article, we examine the distinctions between mange and scabies in humans and other animals. We also describe the symptoms, treatments, and prevention of mite infestations in humans.
Mites can cause scabies in both humans and animals. However, different mite subspecies will have different effects depending on the host.
For example, the mite subspecies Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis cause mange in dogs, while a different subspecies, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis,
It is, however, possible for mites to pass between a dog and a human.
Transmission
The most common type of mange in dogs is sarcoptic mange, also called canine scabies.
Humans can catch sarcoptic mange from dogs, but it is typically short-lived as these mites cannot fulfill their life cycle, nor reproduce in human skin.
Mites from animals typically cause an allergic reaction in human skin. This leads to irritation and intense itching. The affected skin may be reddish in people with lighter skin tones.
The itchiness of canine scabies can last several days, but a person does not need treatment to get rid of the mites. A cream that contains cortisone can help ease the symptoms while they last.
Human scabies
Human scabies, on the other hand, do require treatment. It is common worldwide and more problematic in overcrowded areas, have poor sanitation, or both.
If a person has come into contact with human scabies mites for the first time, the symptoms may not appear
A person who has had scabies before may experience the symptoms of a new infestation in as few as 1–4 days.
Symptoms of scabies in humans include:
The symptoms may be more apparent in skin folds, such as those of the fingers, palms, buttocks, beneath the breast, and in the inner knee and elbow.
If a person gets mange from an animal, the symptoms should resolve after a few days without treatment. However, the animal needs medical attention.
For scabies, a person
Effective scabicides are not available over-the-counter; a person needs a prescription. Common
- permethrin cream 5% (Elimite)
- Lindane lotion
- crotamiton (Eurax)
- ivermectin (Stromectol)
Once a person has the medication,
- Clean their skin, by showering or bathing.
- Apply the lotion to the entire body up to the neck, for maximum effectiveness.
- In children and infants, also use the lotion on the scalp.
- Leave it on for as long as the instructions recommend.
- Afterward, change into clean clothing
Anyone in close contact with someone who has scabies should also get tested and possibly treated — scabies is highly contagious.
If any of the above medications are not appropriate or effective, a doctor can prescribe others, such as sulfur compounded in petrolatum.
Learn more about treatment options for scabies here.
In addition to using a prescription scabicide, a person can often relieve the itching and any pain by:
- soaking the skin in cool water or applying a wet washcloth
- using a soothing skin cream, such as calamine lotion
- taking antihistamines
To keep the mites from spreading and to prevent a reinfestation, wash all clothes, towels, and bedclothes with hot water and soap. Then, put them in the dryer on a hot cycle or have them dry-cleaned.
Do so around
Place clothes or bedding that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag for at least 72 hours, though the longer, the better.