Scabies is quite common in our community . It's always there, especially in crowded area and lower socioeconomic level families. And, it can be transmitted easily , even form a handshake.
And, you do not get this disease because of the hygiene problem or from your pets !
What is scabies ?
Scabies is a parasitic infection. It is caused by a mite (tiny insect) which build burrows on our skin. And, it causes intense itch, most of the time.
If you are first time being infected by scabies mites, it takes some time (about 4-6 weeks) for infestation ( laying eggs in the burrows they build)
What are the signs and symptoms ?
Itchiness of the skin is the one that trigger you to seek for help. Usually, the itch is quite intense that may you can't focus on whatever you want to do and also rashes could be seen on your skin ( usually mild ).
at the initial stage, you may not feel itchy, but once your body develop an allergic reaction to the mites or their wastes, then you feel intense itchiness around the small blisters and patches on the skin.
It's quite hard to differentiate the rash between scabies and other conditions. What we are trying to look for is the burrows made by the mites. And this is often the important sign for the diagnosis of scabies.
The other tip when it comes to diagnosis - ask of the household family member have the similar signs and symptoms as well. As mentioned before, it is very infectious. Close contact will highly result in scabies too.
Photos form dermnet.nz show very good examples for signs of scabies.
| Examples of burrows Image sourced from Google search |
What are the treatments for scabies ?
Treat WHOLE family if possible.
[to prevent re-infestation]
Usually, it can be treated using permethrin. In the market, there are several brands available for scabies such as A-scabies.
1. Have a shower and towel dry your body
2. Apply the lotion to whole body from neck to toe. And, it is recommended to apply a thin film on the scalp, neck , face, and ears (AVOID eyes and mouth)
[ This is because mites can affect your whole body, however it is less common they inhabit regions above your neck , unless for child under 2-years-old or bed-ridden elderly people]
3. Allow it to dry naturally and wash off 12 hours or leaving overnight
4. May repeat application after 7 days
When you apply the medicine, remember NOT to miss the webs between your fingers and toes, underneath your nails and behind the ears.
[to prevent re-infestation]
Usually, it can be treated using permethrin. In the market, there are several brands available for scabies such as A-scabies.
How to use A-scabies:
 |
| A-scabies Image sourced from Google search |
1. Have a shower and towel dry your body
2. Apply the lotion to whole body from neck to toe. And, it is recommended to apply a thin film on the scalp, neck , face, and ears (AVOID eyes and mouth)
[ This is because mites can affect your whole body, however it is less common they inhabit regions above your neck , unless for child under 2-years-old or bed-ridden elderly people]
3. Allow it to dry naturally and wash off 12 hours or leaving overnight
4. May repeat application after 7 days
When you apply the medicine, remember NOT to miss the webs between your fingers and toes, underneath your nails and behind the ears.
For the itchy skin, may use other products to soothe the itchiness. The itchiness may last up to a week.
 |
| Itch-Soothe (crotamiton 10%) to soothe the itchiness Image sourced from Google search |
What are the advice ?
Put the setting - HOT water for your washing machine to wash all your clothes, towels and bed sheets
If your children are infested, their toys need to be washed as well.
Stop scratching your skin ! And , I know this is nearly impossible especially for children. Believe me, I cannot stop myself from scratching if my skin is itchy.
If your children are infested, their toys need to be washed as well.
Stop scratching your skin ! And , I know this is nearly impossible especially for children. Believe me, I cannot stop myself from scratching if my skin is itchy.
Nevertheless, same as most of the skin diseases, once you feel itchy, you tend to scratch , when your skin is scratched and injured, the risk of secondary infection increased.
Hence , to prevent you from scratching, you need something to soothe your itchiness. So, there is the only thing you can do.
TO be aware of one point - sometimes patients comes back and tell you the medicine is not working as they still experience itch. You need to explain to them that it may be due to the fact that your body reaction to the mites need some time to wane off or you are allergic to the medicine.
In this case, talk to a pharmacist or doctor .
In this case, talk to a pharmacist or doctor .
One more thing , adherence to treatment (following the instructions on how to use the medicine) is also very important. Correct use of the medicines is the crucial point to treat scabies effectively.
References
3. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-scabies-overview
4. http://www.ttophs.govt.nz/vdb/document/464
5. http://www.bpac.org.nz/BPJ/2009/february/docs/bpj19_scabies_pages_12-16.pdf
4. http://www.ttophs.govt.nz/vdb/document/464
5. http://www.bpac.org.nz/BPJ/2009/february/docs/bpj19_scabies_pages_12-16.pdf
