Scabies is a nasty condition caused by mites that burrow under your skin and cause itching, rashes and discomfort. If you are faced with scabies, it is essential to act quickly and effectively to eliminate the mites and restore your skin and well-being. In this comprehensive article, we will take you through the different treatments for scabies, so you can make the right choices and get healthy again.
What is Scabies?
Before we get into the treatments, it's helpful to understand what scabies actually is. Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites burrow into the upper layers of your skin, where they lay eggs and leave their feces. This leads to intense itching and a characteristic rash with small red bumps and pimples.
Symptoms of Scabies
Before you can choose the right treatment, you must recognize the symptoms of scabies. The most common symptoms are:
- Intense Itching: This is often the first symptom people notice. The itching can be so severe that it gets worse at night, resulting in sleep problems.
- Skin rash: The rash consists of small, red bumps and pimples. Typical locations include the wrists, elbows, armpits, skin folds between the fingers, nipples, penis, waist, belt line and buttocks.
- Scratching effects: People often scratch until they bleed due to the itching. This can lead to skin ulcers and scabs.
Now that we know the symptoms, let's look at the treatments for scabies.
Prescription medications for scabies
The most common treatment for scabies is prescription medications, usually in the form of creams or lotions. These medications contain scabicides, which kill the mites and sometimes their eggs. Here is a step-by-step approach to how to use these medications:
- Apply the prescribed cream or lotion evenly over your entire body, from the neck down. In infants and young children, the treatment should also be applied to the head and neck.
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Leave the medication on your skin as directed by your doctor. This can usually be between 8 and 14 hours.
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After the recommended time, wash off the medicine thoroughly.
- Wear clean clothes after washing yourself.
It is crucial to use the medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Even if the itching subsides before the treatment is completed, it is important to continue until the full course is completed. If you prescribe medication for a child, make sure you carefully adjust the dosage based on their weight and age.
Natural remedies for scabies
In addition to prescription medications, there are some natural remedies that can help treat scabies. Although they should not be used as a substitute for medications, they can be used as a supplement to relieve itching and promote recovery.
Some natural remedies include:
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has anti-scabbing properties and can be diluted and applied to the skin. It is important never to apply tea tree oil neat to the skin.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has moisturizing and anti-scabbing properties. It can be applied to the affected skin to reduce itching.
- Garlic: Garlic has natural antibacterial properties. It can be made into a paste and applied to the skin.
- Cold compresses: Cold compresses can help relieve itching. Place a cold compress on itchy areas of the skin for immediate relief.
Household Cleaning
Scabies mites can survive outside the body for some time. It is essential to thoroughly clean your home during treatment to prevent re-infestation. Some tips are:
- Wash all your clothes, bedding and towels thoroughly in hot water.
- Vacuum and clean your home regularly. Make sure you throw away the vacuum cleaner bag after use.
- Disinfect personal items such as combs, brushes and telephones.
- Avoid contact with contaminated objects and avoid sharing personal items.
After treatment, it is important to contact a healthcare provider again to ensure that the mites have been completely eliminated.
Informing and prevention
In the fight against scabies, it is essential to notify and treat all close contacts. This includes members of the same household, especially those who have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Prevention of scabies includes avoiding prolonged skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals and not sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, or bedding.
Scabies is an uncomfortable condition that needs to be addressed quickly. Treatment is usually effective, but it is crucial to use prescribed medications carefully and thoroughly clean your home to prevent reinfection. Reporting close contacts and taking preventive measures are also vital to prevent the spread of scabies. With the right steps and timely treatment, you can effectively combat scabies and restore your skin and well-being. Always consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment advice.