Scabies, or the 7 year itch as it’s known colloquially, is a very easily spread skin ailment that’s extremely itchy. It’s caused by a mite referred to as Sarcoptes scabiei, a rather tiny and almost invisible parasite with 8 legs, that digs inside a person’s skin and leads to acute allergic itching. Tiny female mites feed on us, with their male versions being even smaller.
The mites can be visible with the use of magnifying glass or microscope. Although mites can survive in temperatures below 20 degrees C, they cannot move in such conditions. They also cannot fly or jump, thus, they just crawl. As they try to lay eggs, they suck the host’s blood and flesh, causing a crawling sensation which can be painful and disturbing.
Scabies is something that can be passed on to another person through skin on skin contact. Scabies is spread, though, via really close contact between persons, so it can’t be contracted by hanging one’s jacket next to one belonging to someone with scabies, or by simply shaking hands. Sexual contact is one way a disease such as this is passed on. Scabies has already been considered as a sexually transmitted disease as it is common among sexually active young people.
Scabies are found in various places. Not only can they be found in areas easily seen by others like the wrists, back of elbows, knees, and feet, but they can also be found between fingers, on waists, in armpit folds, around nipples, on buttocks, and in the genital area. Scabies may appear on the face, neck, palms, and head, in infants and young children. These mites can interfere with one’s daily activities, thus, it is important to get it treated as soon as possible.
Treating scabies with scabicide drugs is the best method. Permethrin and ivermectin are used to treat scabies. One of the most efficient scabies treatments is Permethrin, which is applied from the neck down and washed off after 8 to 14 hours. Alternately, a treatment for crusted scabies is ivermectin- an oral anti-parasitic medicine.
Other alternate medications that can be used as scabies treatment are lindane, crotamiton, sulfur preparations, and antihistamines. Lindane is like permethrin, which is applied in the same manner, however, it can cause seizure if it is applied in a very irritated or wet skin. Although you can treat scabies in the most traditional way by using a cream ( sulfur mixed in petrolatum ), try using cortamiton, because it is both a lotion and a cream. Just the opposite, antihistamines only relieve itching.
These treatments would be ineffective if only one person is treated, as every infected person in the community should be treated to avoid re-infection. Household items such as rugs, linens, bedclothes, wardrobe, furniture, etc. should be disinfected. as the mites die quickly without human hosts.
With this assistance about scabies treatment, having scabies will be a thing of the past. Visit here to educate yourself more on treatment of scabies.