Scabies

Overview

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by an infestation of microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. It is characterized by intense itching and a distinctive rash. Scabies can spread easily through close physical contact or by sharing personal items.

Symptoms

The symptoms of scabies can include:

• Intense itching: Itching is often worse at night and can be severe, especially in areas where mites burrow into the skin.
• Rash: A red, bumpy rash may develop in the affected areas, which can include the hands, wrists, elbows, armpits, genitals, and waistline.
• Burrows: Tiny, thread-like burrows may be visible on the skin, particularly between the fingers, on the wrists, or in the folds of the skin.

Causes

Scabies is caused by the infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei mites. These mites burrow into the skin, where they lay eggs and cause an allergic reaction, leading to itching and rash. Scabies can spread through close physical contact, such as prolonged skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items like clothing or bedding.

Treatment

Treatment for scabies involves eliminating the mites and relieving symptoms. This usually involves:

• Prescription medications: Topical creams or lotions containing scabicide medications, such as permethrin or ivermectin, are commonly prescribed to kill the mites.
• Medication application: The prescribed medication is applied to the entire body, from the neck down, and left on for a specific period before washing off.
• Environmental measures: It’s important to wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any remaining mites.

Self-Care

To prevent the spread of scabies and promote healing, self-care measures may include:

• Avoid scratching: Although it can be difficult, avoiding scratching helps prevent skin damage and secondary infections.
• Personal hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene by regularly washing your hands and keeping your nails short to minimize the risk of spreading the mites.
• Isolate personal items: During treatment, it’s important to avoid sharing personal items, such as clothing, towels, or bedding, to prevent the spread of scabies to others.

It’s essential to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for scabies.

To learn more and seek medical advice regarding scabies, please WhatsApp us or contact us at +9203164760604.