Scabies is caused by the human itch mite, which is a tiny bug with eight legs. Sarcoptes scabiei burrows into the skin, where it feeds and lays eggs. The skin reacts to this, resulting into an extremely itchy rash. Scabies is highly contagious, with both skin to skin contact and sharing fabrics (towels, couches, bedding, etc) being common methods of transmission. A mite can live without a human host for as long as 72 hours, which means there is a strong chance of getting these bugs somewhere.
Scabies can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or income level. There is no link between scabies and hygiene either. It is a common condition in extended care facilities and nursing homes. Luckily, it isn't hard to find out how to get rid of scabies.
Scabies Diagnosis:
Before you learn how to get rid of scabies, you have to make sure you actually have them. A physician should be able to complete a visual examination to determine the presence of the mite. He or she may also conduct an ink test, or check a scrape of skin under a microscope.
How to Get Rid of Scabies:
Treatment is essential to get rid of scabies, and it must be provided to everyone in the household of those who have been diagnosed, as well as any sexual partners they have had in the past six weeks. Usually, a topical medication has to be applied to every part of the skin, paying particular attention to skin folds, where thes mites like to hide. The medication should be left overnight, after which it can be washed off. The procedure should be repeated after one week.
A number of different prescription medications are available for scabies, including:
- 5% permethrin cream
- 10% sulfur ointment
- 25% benzyl benzoate lotion
- 1% lindane lotion
- 10% crotamiton cream
If scabies is very widespread, with patients presenting with crusts, stronger medication may be required. Ivermectin is then usually prescribed. Usually, only a single dosage is needed, although some may require more regular treatments. Ivermectin is an oral medication.
Often, patients are also prescribed other medication, such as antihistamine and pramozine lotion, to deal with the associated symptoms. Additionally, antibiotics and steroid creams may be offered.
Scabies Prognosis:
Through treatment, the scabies mite can be killed, removing all the symptoms of the infection and infestation. It should be noted, however, that it is possible for the itch to become worse during treatment. You should have completely healed within four weeks. If not, then you might still have scabies, in which case you will require further treatment. This is particularly true in people who have Norwegian scabies, whereby the rash has started to crust over.
In order to make sure that you not only clear the infestation from your skin, but also avoid having scabies again, you need to make sure that you complete the treatment as described, plus you also have to do a little bit more. You will have to wash every piece of fabric that you have come into contact with, as well as properly vacuum all of your home.