Scabies, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, is a contagious condition that can cause intense itching and rashes. One of the treatment methods for scabies is the use of scabies pills, also known as oral medications. In this article we take a closer look at scabies pills, how they work and what you can expect during treatment.
Scabies: a brief summary
Before we delve into treatment with scabies pills, it is important to understand what exactly scabies is. Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin and create tunnels. These mites lay eggs in these tunnels, leading to an immune response in the skin and the characteristic symptoms of scabies, including intense itching and rashes.
The symptoms of scabies include:
- Intense itching, which often worsens at night.
- Small red bumps and pimples.
- Skin ulcers and scabs from scratching.
- Scabies can occur anywhere on the body, but certain areas, such as the wrists, elbows, armpits, skin folds between the fingers, nipples, penis, waist, belt line and buttocks, are most commonly affected. Scabies is highly contagious and is usually spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
The role of scabies pills
Scabies pills, such as ivermectin, are one of the treatment options your doctor may prescribe to combat scabies. Ivermectin is a drug that is also effective against other parasitic infections and is often used to treat scabies. This medication works by interfering with the nervous system of the mites, causing them to become paralyzed and eventually die. This helps in eliminating the infection.
The advantage of scabies pills is that they are relatively easy to take, especially compared to creams or lotions. In addition, they are ideal for situations where the use of topical medications is less appropriate, such as in individuals with extensive skin lesions or with conditions that complicate treatment.
What is ivermectin?
Ivermectin is a drug commonly used to treat parasitic infections. It belongs to the class of drugs known as anthelmintics and is effective against several types of parasites, such as worms and mites. Ivermectin works by paralyzing and killing the parasites, eliminating them from the body.
The drug has both human and veterinary uses and has played an important role in the control of certain tropical diseases such as river blindness and filariasis. However, the use of ivermectin should always be under the supervision of a medical professional as improper use or excessive dosage can cause serious side effects.
What to expect during treatment
If your doctor has prescribed scabies pills as part of your treatment, it is essential to strictly follow your doctor's instructions. The dosage and treatment regimen are determined based on the severity of your infection and other individual factors. Take the scabies pills as directed and follow the full course, even if your symptoms seem to improve sooner.
It may take some time for symptoms to disappear completely, even after completing treatment. Scratching the itchy skin can worsen the situation and lead to secondary infections, such as bacterial skin infections. If you notice that your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
The importance of medical advice
It is crucial to treat scabies with scabies pills under the supervision of a doctor. Although scabies pills are generally considered safe, they can have side effects and may interfere with other medications you may be taking. Therefore, it is advisable to initiate treatment only under the guidance of a medical professional.
Scabies pills, such as ivermectin, are an effective treatment method for scabies. They work by paralyzing and killing the mites, thus eliminating the infection. If you have scabies and your doctor has prescribed scabies pills, it is vital to strictly follow the prescribed treatment. Stay under medical supervision to ensure treatment is effective and to manage any side effects. Recovery from scabies is possible, and scabies pills can play an important role in achieving this goal.