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Getting rid of Scabies - Symptoms of Scabies - Treatment for Scabies

SCABIES PICTURE

Scabies is a skin infection with the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabieri, which causes an intensely itchy rash due to an inflammatory hypersensitivity reaction. A scabies infection begins as small, itchy blisters that break when the child scratches them. The itchy skin may become thick, scaly, and crisscrossed with scratch marks. Female mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs; the larvae live under the skin causing the itching and rash. The rarer Norwegian scabies results in thick crusts on the skin. Infestation may be treated using an insecticide such as permethrin (Elimite) or lindane (Kwell).

Scabies is highly contagious and may be transmitted from person to person by household or sexual contact.

Symptoms of Scabies

Areas of the body most commonly affected are the sides of the fingers, webs between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, buttocks, knees and feet. Here are some symptoms of scabies:

• Intense itching particularly at night or after a hot bath.
• Grayish-white lines or tracks that zigzag on the skin surface.
• There may be signs of skin infection like redness, swelling or pus, caused by scratching around the mite's burrows.

The intense itching, which is most severe at night, is caused by a local allergic reaction to the mite's saliva. Itching is worse at night because this is when the mites feed.

Scabies Treatment - Ways to get rid of it

Once diagnosed with scabies, it is essential that the treatment is properly completed.

Thoroughly massage Elimite Cream (you can get it here - Elimite Cream to treat scabies ) into all skin surfaces from head to the soles of the feet. Make sure you do it properly. Leave on overnight, and then remove it by bathing and shampooing. (After applying, you may notice mild itching, buring which is completely normal). Most of the people are cured with just one application. For others, a second application a week later is often advised.

For the itching: Even if the treatment worked, the itch usually persists for up to a few weeks. To lessen the itch, medications for itch may also be prescribed. Antihistamines and steroids orally or topically will help make it more tolerable.

Alternatively, skin lotions containing permethrin, lindane or crotamiton are also available through a physician's prescription for the treatment of scabies. The lotions are applied to the whole body except the head and neck. You will need to bathe thoroughly before applying the lotion from the neck down, to cover the entire body. Wait until it is dry before dressing, then leave it on your skin for at least 12 hours before bathing.

Prevention of Scabies

• Ensure good hygiene. Get daily showers or baths, frequent hand washing, and wearing clean clothing.
• Avoid physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings, especially clothing and bedding.
• Proper treatment and the need for early diagnosis and treatment of infested individuals and contacts is extremely important.

Also see: Home remedies for scabies