Which of these is caused by mites that burrow under the skin, where they lay eggs? a. Scabies b. Chancroid c. PID d. HIV e. Pubic lice
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: a. Scabies
Explanation (300 words):
Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by an infestation of the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are tiny, eight-legged parasites that burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where the female mites lay their eggs. As the mites tunnel under the skin, they trigger an allergic reaction in the host, which results in intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.
The symptoms of scabies typically include severe itching, especially at night, and a rash consisting of small red bumps and blisters. Common areas affected include the webs between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, and genital areas. In infants or immunocompromised individuals, the mites may affect the entire body.
Scabies spreads primarily through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also spread through sharing clothing, bedding, or towels, though this is less common. Because of its contagious nature, close contacts such as family members, sexual partners, or people living in the same household are at higher risk.
Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and physical examination. A healthcare provider might confirm it by identifying mites, eggs, or fecal matter under a microscope from a skin scraping. Treatment involves the use of topical medications such as permethrin cream or oral ivermectin, which kill the mites. It is crucial that all close contacts be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.
The other options are unrelated to mites:
- Chancroid is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Haemophilus ducreyi.
- PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) is a complication of bacterial STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- HIV is a viral infection that affects the immune system.
- Pubic lice, although parasites, do not burrow under the skin but cling to hair in the pubic region.
Thus, scabies is the correct answer as it uniquely involves mites that burrow under the skin to lay eggs.