Acariasis: Symptoms and Treatment

Dr. Smith's Medical Guide

Overview Definition Symptoms Treatment Prevention

acariasis

/ˌækəˈraɪəsɪs/
noun medical term

Definition:Infestation with mites or ticks

Etymology:From Greek "akari" meaning mite + "-iasis" meaning condition

📚 Core Definitions

Medical Definition

Parasitic infestation of skin or tissues by mites

Acariasis can cause intense itching and skin lesions.
Mite infestation requires proper diagnosis.
Dermatology

Veterinary Medicine

Mite infestation in animals (mange)

Canine acariasis is commonly called mange.
Sarcoptic mange is a type of acariasis.
Veterinary

Agricultural Impact

Plant damage caused by mite infestation

Crop acariasis reduces agricultural yields.
Spider mites cause significant plant damage.
Agriculture

"Acariasis" is a medical term primarily used in clinical settings. Common types include scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) and demodicosis (Demodex mites).

🔄 Usage Comparison

Medical Examples

The patient was diagnosed with acariasis.

Severe acariasis may require systemic treatment.

This acariasis case was caused by bird mites.

Common Terms

Mite infestation causes intense itching.

Scabies is a type of human acariasis.

Mange refers to animal acariasis.

⚠️ Symptoms

Human Symptoms

  • Intense itching (pruritus)
  • Skin rash or papules
  • Visible burrows (scabies)
  • Secondary infections

Animal Symptoms

  • Hair loss (alopecia)
  • Crusting of skin
  • Thickened skin
  • Excessive scratching

Diagnosis:

Warning Signs

  • Nocturnal worsening of itching
  • Family members with similar symptoms
  • Recent contact with infested animals

💊 Treatment Options

Topical Treatments

Medicated creams and lotions

Permethrin cream (5%)
Lindane lotion
First-line

Oral Medications

Systemic treatments

Ivermectin tablets
Antihistamines for itching
Severe cases

Environmental Control

Preventing reinfestation

Washing bedding in hot water
Vacuuming furniture
Prevention

Treatment Duration

Scabies: 1-2 applications
Demodicosis: 4-6 weeks

⚠️ Important Notes

Contraindications:

Lindane for children under 2 (Avoid)

Caution: Pregnancy requires special consideration

Sharing personal items during treatment (Avoid)

Required: Treat all household contacts simultaneously

🛡️ Prevention

Preventive Measures

1. Avoid direct skin contact with infested individuals
2. Wash bedding weekly in hot water (60°C/140°F)
3. Vacuum furniture and carpets regularly

High-Risk Groups

• Nursing home residents
• Childcare workers
• Veterinarians and farmers
• Immunocompromised individuals

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate medical attention if:

1. Symptoms persist after treatment
2. Signs of secondary infection appear
3. Multiple household members are affected