ABSTRACT
According to the literature, Giovan Cosimo Bonomo in collaboration with Diacinto Cestoni discovered the scabies mite in 1687. They identified this arachnoid parasite – related to spiders and scorpions – as the cause of the disease. This parasite also causes mange in animals. During an adult female’s life cycle of one to two months, she may lay from 150 to 180 eggs. Scabies is classed as a sexually transmitted disease. Close physical contact with a person with the infestation, crowded living conditions, poor personal hygiene; may be more prevalent in low socioeconomic groups. Pruritus can be treated with antihistamines. If itching is severe, antihistamines can be prescribed. It is advisable for treatment to be administered to all family members. Routine sexually transmitted infection screening is advisable and partners should be seen in the genito-urinary medicine clinic.
