What is Scabies and how it is treated?

Scabies is a common contagious skin condition caused by the human itch mite. Learn what is scabies, their symptoms, causes, treatment & remedies.

Admin Admin Apr 20, 2021 0 1488

Scabies – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Remedies

There are numerous types of skin infections that the human skin has to deal with. And with the increase of pollution and other related harmful chemicals consumed by us, there are more chances of humans to get infected by skin infections.

What is Scabies?

Scabies is not a skin infection but a skin infestation caused by a mite known as the Sarcoptes scabiei. Tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei set up shop in the outer layers of human skin. Untreated, these microscopic mites can live on your skin for months. They reproduce on the surface of your skin and then burrow into it and lay eggs. This causes an itchy, red rash to form on the skin.

Scabies Symptoms

When a person is infected with scabies for the first time, it can take four to six weeks for the skin to react. The most common symptoms are:

Intense itching, especially at night
A pimple-like rash
Scales or blisters
Sores caused by scratching

Where do Scabies Mites live?

Scabies mites can live anywhere on the body, but some of their favorite spots include:

The most common site of infestation in adults and older children include:

in between the fingers
around fingernails
armpits
waistline
inner parts of the wrists
inner elbow
soles of the feet
the breasts, particularly the areas around the nipples
male genitalia
buttocks
knees
shoulder blades

Infants and young children experience infestation in other areas of the body, including the:

scalp
face
neck
palms of the hands
soles of the feet

Who gets Scabies?

Anyone can get scabies, but those at higher risk include:

Sexually active adults
Prison inmates
People in institutional care
People living in crowded conditions
People in child care facilities

Scabies Treatment

Treatment for scabies usually involves getting rid of the infestation with prescription ointments, creams, and lotions that can be applied directly to the skin. Oral medications are also available.

Some common medicines used to treat scabies include:

5 % permethrin cream
25 %benzyl benzoate lotion
10 % sulfur ointment
10 % crotamiton cream
1 % lindane lotion

Your dermatologist may prescribe:

Antihistamine: To control the itch and help you sleep.
Pramoxine lotion: To control the itch.
Antibiotic: To wipe out an infection.
Steroid cream: To ease the redness, swelling, and itch.

Is Scabies Contagious?

Scabies is contagious. It can be spread in the following ways:

prolonged skin-to-skin contact
intimate personal contact
sharing clothing, bedding, or towels

Since scabies is mostly transmitted through direct physical contact, the infestation can easily be passed on to family members, friends, and sexual partners. The infestation may also spread quickly in: