Scabies: What are you doing?
Itchy and contagious, scabies can be caused by mites. They burrow under the skin's top layer to lay eggs. Scabies can be caused by the mites' saliva, which may cause severe itching or red bumps. Scabies can spread easily from one person to another through contact with the mite's saliva or by contaminating items like towels, bedding and clothing.
Millions of people worldwide suffer from scabies every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that scabies causes nearly 300 million skin diseases worldwide. An estimated 6,000,000 people in the United States are affected by scabies every year.
Scabies: Common Causes
Direct contact with an infected person is the most likely cause of scabies. Skin-to-skin contact is when someone infected shares clothes, towels and personal belongings with them. Contact with horses, cats and dogs can lead to scabies.
Indirect transmission of scabies is possible through furniture, carpets and bedding which have come into contact with infected persons. Scabies can live up to 48 hours without contact with their hosts, so it is possible to transmit the disease to others even if there has been no direct contact.
There are several common treatments for scabies
Prescription medication is the most popular treatment for scabies. Commonly, the treatment for scabies is to use lotions, creams and ointments that contain crotamiton or permethrin. They kill mites as well as their eggs and relieve itching. For severe cases, scabies may be treated with oral Medications like ivermectin.
There are many home remedies to relieve the symptoms and help you avoid prescription medication. You can apply calamine or aloe vera lotion to the affected skin areas. Oral Antihistamines may also be used to relieve itching. Finally, keep the area dry and clean.
Viewpoints of Experts and Pros
A study in The Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that topical medication is more effective at treating scabies than oral drugs. Both types of medications were effective in reducing mites, but topical medication had superior results for preventing reinfection.
American Academy of Dermatology suggests that prescription medication be used to manage scabies. Topical medication such as Permethrin and Lindane or oral medicines such as Ivermectin are recommended as they have proven effective at treating scabies.
Here are some tips and natural remedies
Scabies symptoms can be relieved by natural treatments. They include:
- Calamine lotion or aloe vera gel can be applied to affected areas
- To reduce the itching, you can take oral antihistamines
- Keep the area dry and clean.
- Tea tree oil can be used as an antiseptic
- Use a combination of turmeric and neem paste on the area.
- Warm up in the tub with Epsom salts and Baking Soda
These home remedies can only relieve the symptoms of scabies such as itching, irritation and redness. They do not treat the actual problem. If you suspect you might have scabies, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Itchy and contagious, scabies can be caused by mites. They burrow under the skin's top layer to lay eggs. The most common form of scabies, it can spread from one person to another through direct contact, or by contaminating items like towels, bedding, or clothing. There are many home remedies for scabies, including prescription medication such as permethrin, crotamiton or lindane. If you suspect you might have scabies it is important that you seek professional advice. Home remedies can only temporarily relieve the symptoms.
Scabies, which is also known as Eczema or scaly skin disease, affects millions every year. Although it's highly contagious it can be treated using prescription medication and at-home remedies. It is crucial to get medical attention as soon as you suspect you might have scabies.