When you’re living with scabies, it can be hard to know how to treat the itchiness and skin sores. If you are feeling too embarrassed or uncomfortable to go to the doctor, then this article is for you. It will break down the symptoms, causes, and treatments for scabies so that you can treat yourself at home.
What are the Symptoms of Scabies?
Scabies are caused by a tiny mite that burrows into the skin of the host. These little pests spread quickly, usually through close contact with an infected person. The sores caused by scabies can be difficult to detect so if you suspect you have scabies, it is important to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of scabies include:
- intense itching after a few days of scratching
- intense pains in the affected areas
- redness and swelling around the rash
- flat, raised or dark red pimple bumps on skin
What are scabies?
Scabies are small mites that live on the skin of humans and animals. They burrow through the top layers of the skin to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch, and they emerge as itchy, crawling white worms that cause intense irritation. Scabies can spread through close contact with an infected person.
How common is scabies in the United States?
Scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It can live on clothing, furniture, and animals. It is endemic in the United States as well as Europe and Asia. Scabies is not a reportable disease. Scabies is common in the following groups:
Children are more likely to develop scabies than adults. The infection is more common in infants, toddlers, and children because they have a greater number of immature mites. Scabies is not spread by mosquitoes, fleas, or bed bugs. The mites spread scabies by burrowing under the skin and laying eggs.
Scabies is not a reportable disease. It is common in the following groups: The only way to prevent scabies is to prevent the mites from entering the body by keeping the house free of clutter, well ventilated and clean. You need to apply an anti-scabies cream to the skin 2 times a day for 7-10 days. Children and very young adults are at a higher risk of developing scabies. So, you need to work on their hygiene, as well as prevent them from scratching.
How do you get scabies?
Scabies are a type of mite that can be transferred to humans via direct contact, bedding, clothing, or towels. Symptoms of scabies include rash and itchy skin and hair. This condition is treated with topical creams and oral medications.
How can I prevent getting scabies from my partner?
If you are in a committed relationship, the best way to prevent spreading scabies is by not having sex with your partner. If you have already had sex, the best prevention method is to avoid close contact with your partner for at least 2 weeks. Before your partner starts to exhibit signs of being infected, it is very important that you take precautions. Make sure you and your partner bathe frequently with soap and water. If soap and water isn’t readily available, boil some water in a pot and use an old towel or dishrag to wrap the boiled water around your body. Be sure to wash all the sheets and towels used for bathing as well.
Treatment Options Home Remedies, Prescription and Natural Options
One of the most common causes of itching is scabies. There are many treatment options out there, but they all come with their own pros and cons. Typically, a home remedy such as rubbing alcohol will kill the mites while a prescription drug will kill them faster using different types of chemicals. To prevent re-infestation, a lot of people opt for natural remedies like tea tree oil and vinegar because they don’t have any side effects.
