In the evening you are lying comfortably on the couch with a blanket over you and suddenly you suffer from severe itching. If you recognize this complaint, you are certainly not alone. Many people experience an increase in itching in the evening, especially when they crawl under the covers or lie in bed. This phenomenon can have several causes, but one of the possibilities that you should not rule out is scabies. In this article we take a closer look at why you may experience itching in the evening and how this may be related to scabies.
Why itch in the evening?
Itching that occurs especially in the evening can be frustrating and disturbing. There are several reasons why this happens, and it is important to pay attention to the associated symptoms to understand what may be going on.
- Dry Skin: A common cause of evening itching is dry skin. At night, the humidity in the bedroom can be lower, which can dry out the skin and cause itching. Itching due to dry skin often occurs without other symptoms and can be relieved by regular moisturizing.
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Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to substances in your bedding, such as detergent or synthetics, can lead to itching, especially when you lie in bed at night. It is important to pay attention to any rashes or other symptoms.
- Skin Mites (Scabies): Scabies, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, is one of the conditions that can cause itching in the evening. These mites burrow into the upper layers of your skin and lay eggs there, leading to intense itching, especially at night. Other symptoms of scabies include small, red bumps and pimples, as well as the appearance of tunnels on the skin, caused by the mites.
Scabies: A possible explanation for experiencing itching in the evening
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites are microscopic, but their presence can lead to severe itching and rashes. There are specific reasons why scabies can cause itching in the evening:
- Mite activity: Scabies mites are mainly active at night, which means you may experience more itching in the evening and at night. The mites dig tunnels in your skin and move beneath the surface, causing itching, especially when you are resting and trying to sleep.
- Warmth of the bed: Lying in bed at night creates a warm and moist environment, which is beneficial for the mites. This can worsen the itching and cause discomfort.
- Getting rid of clothes: Undressing for bed at night and crawling under the covers can lead to direct skin-to-skin contact with the mites, which worsens the itching. Scabies is mainly transmitted from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, and lying in bed at night can facilitate transmission.
Other symptoms of scabies
In addition to itching in the evening, there are other symptoms that may indicate scabies:
- Skin rash: Scabies usually causes a rash with small, red bumps and pimples. This rash can occur anywhere on your body, but favorite locations for scabies are the wrists, elbows, armpits, skin folds between the fingers, nipples, penis, waist, belt line and buttocks.
- Ducts: Sometimes small, squiggly lines are visible on the skin, created by the mites moving beneath the surface. These tunnels can resemble raised lines and are where the female mites lay her eggs.
- Sores and Scabs: Scratching the itchy skin can lead to skin ulcers and scabs. This happens because the mites move under your skin and create tunnels. Scratching these tunnels can damage the skin and cause infections.
What should you do?
If you experience itching in the evening, it is important to determine the underlying cause. If you suspect that scabies may be the culprit, you should seek immediate medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat scabies. These medications, such as Permethrin and Ivermectin, can be effective in killing the mites and their eggs. It is essential to take prescribed medications diligently and follow all instructions from your doctor.
In addition, some natural remedies can serve as additional measures to alleviate symptoms. Coconut oil, tea tree oil, honey, cinnamon and lavender oil are sometimes used to reduce itching, but they should never replace prescribed medication.
To prevent further spread of scabies, it is important to avoid close contact with infected people and not share personal items such as clothing, towels or bedding. Regular hand washing and good hygiene practices are also crucial.
If you suffer from evening itching, you should not hesitate to find out the cause. Scabies is a possible explanation, especially if you also experience other symptoms such as rashes, skin tags, sores and scabs. It is vital to seek medical attention quickly and get an accurate diagnosis. Early treatment of scabies is the key to a quick recovery and maintaining your skin and well-being. You no longer have to suffer from unbearable itching at night if you take the right steps to treat scabies.