Please login or create an account. If you do not have access to this content, you will be shown a 30 second preview and licensing options.
- Presentation
Mighty Mites and Scary Spiders: Understanding Arachnids and Scabies
Description
The talk provides a comprehensive overview of arachnids, particularly focusing on scabies and other mites. Arachnids have eight legs and are mostly terrestrial, with spiders being a significant subset among over 100,000 species. The presentation explains scabies, highlighting the life cycle of the mite, its reproductive habits, and the dynamics of infestation in humans, including treatment options like Permethrin and Ivermectin. Further discussion covers diagnostic techniques such as dermoscopy for scabies, revealing characteristic signs like the "wake sign" and "grey edged line sign." The presentation explores zoonotic scabies, its transmission, and the importance of treating animals to prevent human infection. Additionally, it addresses Demodex mites, their role in various skin conditions, and unique presentations in immunosuppressed patients. The treatment for these mites overlaps with rosacea therapies. Aspects of other mites, including chiggers and bird mites, are mentioned, but the main emphasis is on the scabies mite and its diagnosis and treatment. The talk concludes with a brief overview of medically significant spiders, underscoring that despite arachnophobia, most spiders are not dangerous, and the true cause of supposed 'spider bites' often points to other conditions. The presentation offers practical insights for diagnosis and treatment, including the management of tick-borne diseases, noting the importance of recognizing ticks and understanding their impact on human health.
View moreConclusions
- Arachnids are predominantly terrestrial eight-legged arthropods with diverse forms, such as spiders and scabies mites.
- Scabies, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, can have high prevalence rates in certain populations, especially in tropical regions.
- Human immune response and hygiene play crucial roles in controlling scabies mite populations, preventing an overwhelming infestation despite their high reproductive potential.
- Mass administration of ivermectin is more effective than topical treatments like permethrin in reducing scabies prevalence in certain populations.
- Dermoscopy techniques improve scabies diagnosis by enabling visualization of the mites and their burrows on the skin.
- Resistance to permethrin in scabies mites is an emerging concern, necessitating alternative treatment strategies.
- Zoonotic forms of scabies can affect humans and are considered self-limiting if the animal source is treated.
- Demodex mites are prevalent in humans and can contribute to skin conditions like rosacea, especially in immunosuppressed individuals.
- Various species of ticks can transmit diseases to humans and pose significant health risks, with certain species linked to novel syndromes such as alpha-gal syndrome.
- Awareness of non-arthropod conditions masquerading as bites is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- NEJM 2010
- PLoS Negl Trop Dis 15(9): e0009751.
- J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:1687-1688.
- J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:1687-1688.
- Arch Derm 133, 1997.751-3
- Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2019, 4, 48
- Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009 Aug;34(6):711-4.
- Journal of Dermatology 2021; 48: 190-198
- JEADV 2023 Jan;37(1):e82-e84
- JEADV 2018, 32, e41-e85
- J Am Acad Dermatol 2019;80:e99-100.
- J Am Acad Dermatol 2023;89:e195-6.
- Goldberg et al JAAD Oct 2021
- Dtsch Arztebl Int 2022; 119; 234
- J Am Acad Dermatol . 2022 Jan;86(1):97-103.
- Thompson et al. Drugs in Context 2021; 10: 2020-12-3
- Levy et al. BJD 182; 4, 1 April 2020, 1003-6.
- J Derm T 2022, 33, 2, 774-777
- JEADV 2021, 35,e539-e618
- JEADV 2021, 35, e832-e942
- JEADV 2022, 36, e712-713
- J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023;37:2355-2361.
- Pathogens 2022, 11, 213.
- JAAD Case Reports 2023;39:14-6.
- J Cutan Pathol. 2020;47(11):1063-1066.
- Pediatrics 147, 5, May 2021.
- Derm Ther. 2019;32:e13103.
- JAAD CR 2022;26:98-100.
- J. Med. Entomol. 43(3): 610-613 (2006)
- An Bras Dermatol. 2012;87(6):926-7.
- Clinical and Experimental Dermatology (2018) 43, pp925-958
- Contact Derm. 2020;82: 181-183.
- Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas 112 (2021) 951-2
- Santibáñez et al 2015.
- Exp Appl Acarol (2009) 49:261-280.
- Annu. Rep. Ohara Hosp. 53 : 21-32, 2013.
- Society & Animals: Journal of Human-Animal Studies, 2(1), 17-25.
- J Emerg Med . 2011 Nov;41 (5):473-81.
- Int Med J 2004; 34: 38-44
- Ann Emerg Med 2002, 39: 544-6
- JAMA Derm Feb 2020 156, 2
- Am J Trop Med Hyg ., 105(6), 2021, pp. 1795-1797
- MJA · Volume 182 Number 8 · 18 April 2005
- Earwood et al. Cureus 12(7): e9165
- J Ven An and Toxins incl Trop Dis 27(14):e20210011
- J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 February ; 123(2): 426-433.