How to Treat Scabies

Scabies are a type of mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). They can only be seen under a microscope. The female mite burrows into the skin where she then lays her eggs. The eggs hatch in about 3 to 10 days. A scabies infection causes intensely itchy skin and because of the scratching is many times responsible for secondary skin infections. It can take upward of 4 to 6 weeks because symptoms occur after exposure. This means that anyone who has been in contact with the infected person runs a very high risk of being infected themselves. The most common places on the body that infected are: in between fingers, back of the elbows, on the wrist, genitals, belt line, knees and buttocks. The symptoms include a red rash and an intense itch that doesn't seem to let up but actually worsens over time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Doctor
• Washing machine
• Antihistamines

1. A visit to the doctor and a correct diagnosis is the first step if you think you may have scabies. They will prescribe you an scabicide and mite killer or advise an over the counter treatment like a 10 percent ointment. Non-prescription means are usually for very small children, pregnant women or those with highly weakened immune systems but your doctor will let you know for sure.
2. At home, you can help the itching a little by taking an antihistamine as directed on the package.
3. Notify any and all people you have been in close contact with for the last month. Also take pets to the vet or notify pet owners whose animals you may have handled recently.
4. Wash all towels, wash clothes and bed linens in hot water. No need to worry about your clothing; they don't live that long away from the body on dry clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• It's very important to understand that you should see a doctor as soon as you can and let him/her know if you took anything for the itching or pain.
• Some people say the itching is worse at night. Itching doesn't get worse at certain times of the days. Your mind isn't as active at night so it can devote more time thinking about the itch. That's why it feels more intense in the evening.