What are Scabies?
Scabies is contracted from a microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows under the outer layer of your skin to lay eggs. As such, the body reacts to the infestation and the result is intense itching and a rash. Scabies is very contagious and is spread from person to person by close prolonged contact, such as household, nursing home or other crowded settings.
Recognizing Scabies Symptoms
Scabies is characterized by severe itching, most typically at night. The itching is due to the body’s immune system reacting to the mites and their eggs, and the mites’ waste products, below the skin. The itching is often unendurable, and the itching often gets worse.
Itching is one of the consequences of scabies, along with a distinctive rash. This type of rash is usually made up of small, red bumps that can become blisters or sores. The rash may sometimes be accompanied by the appearance of burrows — tiny, raised, grayish lines where the mites have tunneled into the skin. The burrows are most common on the wrists, elbows, genital area and between the fingers.
Untreated scabies can cause secondary bacterial infections. The constant scratching can break the skin and this can lead to bacteria entry and causes further complications. That’s why, recognizing scabies early on, you should start treatment as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Scabies
If you think you have scabies you’ll need to see your GP to make a proper diagnosis. Scabies is usually diagnosed by a dermatologist in Lahore, who will look at the skin by a physical examination. A skin scraping may be taken in some cases to look for mites, their eggs, or the fecal matter under a microscope.
Other conditions like eczema or allergic reactions can mimic scabies symptoms, so it’s important to get checked out by the folks who know what they’re doing.
Scabies Treatment Options
Scabies is easy to treat with a variety of topical treatments. These kill mites and may break the cycle of infestation.
1. Topical Treatments:
Topical creams and lotions containing cream and lotions with permethrin and sulfur are also the most commonly prescribed topical treatments. The topical insecticide permethrin is usually applied from the neck down all over the body and left to stay on for 8 to 14 hours before washing off. After one application it is often effective in treating this problem, although it may need to be repeated if the infestation continues.
2. Oral Medications:
Oral medications, such as ivermectin, may be used in more severe cases, or if topical medications do not work. Ivermectin is a pill that attacks the mites from inside your body. For those with crusted scabies, a more serious and contagious type of the condition, this treatment may be required.
3. Home Care:
Home care, in addition to medications, is important to prevent reinfestation. Any clothing, bedding or towels that the infested person has come into contact with should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. If you have blind dogs, or other items such as blankets or pillows that can’t be washed, then you should place them in a zip lock type bag and leave them for at least 72 hours, as the mites can live for short periods without a host.
Preventing Scabies
Scabies can be prevented by keeping away from prolonged skin contact with an infected person. If you have scabies in the house, whoever it is has to be treated with everyone in the house at the same time, whether or not their symptoms. This works out to stop the mites from spreading and to guarantee complete eradication.
Scabies can be reduced by such things as proper hygiene, such as washing hands and using personal hygiene items regularly. Although the condition is mainly transmitted by close physical contact, taking care of cleanliness of your living environment may be another crucial preventive factor.
Complications of Scabies
Scabies itself is not usually dangerous, unless left untreated, it can lead to complications. The most common is a bacterial infection after someone scratches the rash, breaking the skin’s surface. Scabies can also be more serious, called crusted scabies, which involves thickening and crusting of the skin that often needs stronger treatment and longer recovery. If you consider your condition is becoming more severe, consult with a dermatologist in Rawalpindi to get an expert opinion.
People at particular risk of complications from scabies include those with weakened immune systems (such as older people and people with chronic illnesses). But these individuals are more likely to have crusted scabies—a more severe form of the disease where early detection and treatment are of even greater importance.
Conclusion
Scabies is common and treatable, but with appropriate care the infestation can be eliminated. See your doctor if you develop symptoms such as intense itching, rash or burrows in the skin. Scabies is curable but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment prevent the spread of the disease and reduce the risk for complications. Don’t forget to also take steps at home in order to keep your home safe and clean for everyone.
