Do Scabies Get in Eyes? Can These Mites Infest the Ocular Surface?
While uncommon, scabies mites can, in rare instances, affect the eyelids and surrounding skin, but they do not typically infest the eyes themselves.
Scabies, a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, primarily affects areas with skin folds like the wrists, elbows, and between fingers. The burrowing activity of these mites causes intense itching, especially at night. While the primary focus is typically on body folds and areas of high contact, the possibility of ocular involvement, though infrequent, warrants careful consideration. Let’s delve into the nuances of this potential, albeit rare, presentation.
Scabies: A Background on the Infestation
Scabies is a global health issue impacting people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Transmission occurs through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. Less commonly, it can spread through contaminated bedding, clothing, or furniture. The female mite burrows into the skin to lay eggs, which hatch after a few days. The lifecycle completes within two to three weeks, leading to the characteristic itchy rash.
How Scabies Mites Affect the Skin
The intense itching associated with scabies is not caused by the mites biting, but rather by an allergic reaction to the mites, their feces, and eggs. This reaction can take several weeks to develop after the initial infestation, which is why individuals may unknowingly spread scabies before experiencing symptoms. The typical lesions include:
- Small, raised bumps or blisters
- Burrows, which appear as thin, grayish-white lines
- Areas of crusting and scaling due to scratching
Scabies and the Ocular Region: A Rare Occurrence
While scabies typically targets other areas, the skin around the eyes is still skin. If someone with scabies touches their infested skin and then their face, particularly around the eyelids, it is theoretically possible for mites to transfer. However, direct infestation within the eye (on the cornea or conjunctiva) is exceptionally rare. The eyelids, being skin, are the most likely area for ocular involvement.
Symptoms of Scabies Around the Eyes
If scabies affects the eyelids, symptoms might include:
- Intense itching of the eyelids
- Redness and inflammation of the eyelids
- Small, pimple-like bumps or burrows on the eyelids
- Crusting or scaling of the eyelids
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
It’s crucial to differentiate these symptoms from other common eye conditions, such as allergic conjunctivitis or bacterial infections. Proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential.
Treatment of Scabies Around the Eyes
Treatment for scabies around the eyes requires care and precision. Because many topical scabicides are not safe for direct application near the eyes, a healthcare provider will likely recommend a milder treatment approach.
- Careful application of permethrin cream: In some cases, permethrin cream may be carefully applied to the eyelids, avoiding contact with the eyes themselves.
- Oral ivermectin: This medication, taken orally, can kill scabies mites throughout the body, including those around the eyes.
- Warm compresses: Warm compresses can help relieve itching and inflammation.
- Proper hygiene: Maintaining meticulous hygiene, including frequent hand washing, is critical to prevent further spread.
Differential Diagnosis: Ruling Out Other Conditions
It’s important to differentiate scabies around the eyes from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as:
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids often caused by bacteria or skin conditions.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergies.
- Eczema: A chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin.
- Rosacea: A chronic skin condition that can cause redness and bumps on the face, including the eyelids.
Prevention of Scabies Infestation
Preventing scabies involves practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Key preventative measures include:
- Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with individuals known to have scabies.
- Washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and drying them on high heat.
- Vacuuming carpets and furniture to remove mites and eggs.
- Prompt treatment of anyone diagnosed with scabies to prevent further spread.
Potential Complications
While the direct infestation of the eye by scabies is rare, complications from scratching and secondary infections can occur. Persistent scratching can lead to skin damage, increasing the risk of bacterial infections.
Seeking Professional Medical Advice
If you suspect you have scabies, especially if it involves the area around your eyes, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Self-treating can delay proper care and potentially worsen the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scabies and the Eyes
Can scabies cause blindness?
While extremely unlikely, untreated scabies, particularly if complicated by secondary bacterial infections and severe inflammation affecting the eyelids, could potentially lead to complications that indirectly affect vision. However, blindness directly caused by scabies mites inside the eye is exceptionally rare.
Is it possible to get scabies in my eyelashes?
Scabies can potentially affect the base of the eyelashes, as this area is skin and can be susceptible to mite infestation. However, this is not a typical presentation and requires careful diagnosis.
What does scabies look like around the eyes?
Scabies around the eyes typically presents as red, itchy, and inflamed eyelids. You might see small, pimple-like bumps or burrows on the eyelids. Crusting or scaling may also be present.
Can I use regular scabies cream near my eyes?
No, you should not use regular scabies cream directly near your eyes unless specifically instructed and supervised by a healthcare professional. Many topical scabicides are too harsh for the delicate skin around the eyes and could cause irritation or damage.
How long does it take for scabies around the eyes to heal with treatment?
With proper treatment, scabies around the eyes typically heals within a few weeks. Itching may persist for a short time after treatment, as the allergic reaction subsides.
Are children more susceptible to scabies around the eyes?
Children are generally more susceptible to scabies due to their close contact with others, but this doesn’t necessarily make them specifically more prone to ocular involvement. Their overall higher risk of scabies indirectly increases the chance of any presentation of the disease, including that around the eyes.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have scabies around my eyes?
It’s generally not recommended to wear contact lenses if you have scabies around your eyes, as this could increase the risk of infection and irritation. Consult your eye doctor for guidance.
How can I clean my bedding and clothing if I have scabies around my eyes?
Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat. This will kill the scabies mites and prevent further spread. If items can’t be washed, seal them in a plastic bag for several days.
Is scabies around the eyes a sign of Norwegian scabies (crusted scabies)?
While Norwegian scabies (crusted scabies) is a more severe form of the infestation with a higher mite burden, and thus a higher likelihood of unusual presentations, ocular involvement is still rare even in crusted scabies.
What kind of doctor should I see if I suspect scabies around my eyes?
You should see either a dermatologist or your primary care physician for diagnosis and treatment. If you experience any eye-related symptoms, you may also want to consult an ophthalmologist.
Can pets transmit scabies to humans and cause eye problems?
The type of scabies that affects pets (sarcoptic mange) is caused by a different species of mite than the one that primarily infests humans. While pets can transmit their mites to humans, these mites do not typically burrow into the skin or reproduce on humans. Therefore, they are unlikely to cause scabies or eye problems in humans.
Can scabies around the eyes cause permanent damage?
While rare, severe or untreated cases of scabies around the eyes, particularly those leading to secondary bacterial infections or significant inflammation, could potentially result in scarring or other complications. Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent permanent damage.