Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into your skin and cause intense itching and a rash. While scabies is uncomfortable, it can be treated effectively.
Symptoms of Scabies
The main symptom of scabies is severe itching, which is often worse at night. Other symptoms include:
- Red spots or tiny bumps on the skin
- Thin, silvery lines where the mites have burrowed
- Sores caused by scratching
- Thickened, scaly patches in severe cases
The rash may appear between the fingers, on wrists, elbows, underarms, or around the waist. It can also affect genitals, breasts, and buttocks.
How Does Scabies Spread?
Scabies is highly contagious and spreads through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact (common in crowded environments)
- Sharing clothing, towels, or bedding
It can take up to 8 weeks for symptoms to appear after infection, but you can still pass it to others during this time.
Preventing Scabies from Spreading
To stop scabies from spreading:
- Treat everyone in your household at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.
- Avoid close contact with others until treatment is complete.
- Clean your home thoroughly, paying extra attention to fabrics like carpets and furniture.
NHS Information on Scabies
The NHS website also includes some helpful photos of scabies infections.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies
Help at the Pharmacy
Treatment for scabies usually involves medication to kill the mites and soothe the skin.
- Creams and Lotions:
- The most common treatment is permethrin cream. This is applied all over your body, from your neck down, and left on for 8 to 12 hours before washing off.
- In some cases, malathion lotion may be recommend as an alternative.
- Soothing the Itch:
- Antihistamines or calamine lotion can help reduce itching and discomfort.
- Cleaning Your Home:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels at 60°C (140°F) or higher to kill mites.
- Items that can’t be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours, as mites can’t survive long without a host.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if:
- The pharmacy treatment doesn’t seem to be working after 4 weeks.
- In severe cases or if creams aren’t effective, your doctor may prescribe tablets like ivermectin.
- The itching becomes severe or your skin shows signs of infection (such as swelling or pus)
Other Important Information
- Scabies is not linked to poor hygiene; anyone can catch it.
- While symptoms may take time to disappear after treatment, they should gradually improve within a few weeks.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully for the best results.
Summary
By acting quickly and following the right steps, scabies can be treated effectively, and you can return to feeling comfortable in your skin.