Skin problems and rashes can be very bothersome and uncomfortable. There is an infinite amount of conditions that can cause rashes and sores to develop on the skin, and all are pretty unique. Scabies and herpes are two fairly common reasons you may be experiencing skin problems and discomfort. They are very different from each other in what symptoms they produce and their cause.
All About Scabies
1. Overview
Scabies is a skin infection caused by small mites, the Sarcoptes scabiei, that burrow into the skin. These mites cause a painful rash and is highly contagious.
2. Symptoms
The symptoms of scabies includes a rash of small little red bumps. This rash is caused by the burrows made in your skin by the mites. Other symptoms include intense itching that is worse at night, scaly patches on the skin, redness, and sores that develop from excessive scratching.
3. Causes
Scabies is caused the the Sacrcoptes scabiei mite. Pregnant mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs. These bugs live in these burrows and on the surface of the skin. The itchiness that comes with scabies is due to the movement of the mites, it is worse at night because this is when they are the most active. Scabies is highly contagious. They are caught by coming into physical contact with a person who is presently infested with scabies. They can live on clothing and fabric and can also be caught this way.
4. Treatment
The treatment for scabies includes a prescription cream that is placed on the entire body. It is not only placed on the area that is infected because the scabies will flee that area to other parts of skin. The cream is put on and left on over night. Only one application is usually needed to effectively treat scabies.
Herpes Overview
1. Basics
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It causes sores to develop on the genitals, anal, and oral areas of the body. It is a highly contagious disease that is incurable and fairly common. It affects one out of twenty adults.
2. Symptoms
Symptoms of herpes can appear on the mouth (oral), the anal area, and the genitals. They include painful sores or blisters, swelling, redness, and burning with urination. The sores appear in what are called “outbreaks”, and clear up over a period of time. After the sores clear they can and most often will come back repeatedly.
3. Cause
The cause of herpes is the herpes simplex virus. You contract herpes by having sexual contact with a person who also has herpes and is having an active outbreak of symptoms. The best way to protect yourself from contracting herpes is to practice safe sex. You can completely eliminate the chance of developing the disease by abstaining from sex all together.
4. Treatment
Herpes is incurable, so treatments are only focused on relieving symptoms. Prescription creams can be used on the sores that develop in order to help them clear more rapidly. Some oral medications may also be used in order to help heal and shorten time between outbreaks.
Differences Between Scabies and Herpes
1. Cause
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is caught by having sexual contact with a person who has herpes. Scabies is not an infection or disease but an infestation of the skin that is caused by small mites burrowing into the skin.
2. Location
Herpes only occur on the area that came into contact with an infected person. This includes the genitals, anal region, and the mouth. Scabies can occur anywhere on the body.
3. Treatment
Treatment for scabies and herpes is very different. While they both utilize the use of creams in order to relieve symptoms, the way the creams are used are different. With herpes creams are used in order to help heal the sores in the affected area. Scabies cream is used to kill the bugs in the skin.
4. Long Term
Scabies is not a lifetime lasting disease. It can be cured very quickly with proper treatments. Herpes is incurable and lasts for your entire life. The treatments are only focused on helping to relieve some of the symptoms.