Scabies : Definition, Symptoms and How to Treat It?!
GBS - Scabies is a skin infection caused by a parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei. This parasite creates tunnels in the top layer of the skin, where the female of Sarcoptes scabiei lays her eggs and excretes feces and eggs. This condition causes symptoms of intense itching, especially at night.
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Scabies transmission usually occurs through direct contact with someone who is infected, including long-term physical contact or sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted by sharing clothes, towels, or bedding with an infected person.
Common symptoms of scabies include a severe itchy, red rash that looks like bumps or streaks, especially in areas such as the wrists, between the fingers, elbows, groin, and other parts of the body where the skin is thin. Children and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk for serious complications.
Scabies can be treated with topical medications such as permethrin or ivermectin cream that are applied all over the body. In addition, all family members and people living with them should also be treated to prevent re-spreading. If you suspect you have scabies, it is advisable to immediately consult a medical professional to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
The treatment for scabies typically involves using topical medications to kill the mites and their eggs. Here's how scabies can be treated:
- Prescription Medications: Your doctor may prescribe topical creams or lotions containing active ingredients like permethrin, benzyl benzoate, or sulfur. These medications should be applied to the entire body, from the neck down, and left on for a specified duration before washing off. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
- Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications such as ivermectin may be prescribed, especially for severe or resistant cases of scabies. These medications work systemically to kill the mites.
- Treatment of Itching: Your doctor may also recommend antihistamines or topical corticosteroids to help alleviate the itching and inflammation associated with scabies.
- Treating Close Contacts: To prevent reinfestation, it's crucial to treat all close contacts, household members, and sexual partners who may have been exposed to scabies.
- Wash Clothing and Bedding: Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding used by the affected person in hot water and dry them at a high temperature to kill any mites or eggs that might be present.
- Isolation: Avoid close contact with others until the treatment is completed to prevent spreading scabies to others.
- Cleaning the Environment: Although scabies mites cannot survive for an extended period away from the human body, it's a good idea to vacuum carpets, upholstery, and wash personal items to reduce the risk of reinfestation.
Remember to follow your healthcare provider's advice and complete the full course of treatment. Additionally, if itching persists after the treatment, consult your doctor for further evaluation, as it may take some time for the skin to heal completely.