SCABIES: DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT & PROGNOSIS

HOW IS SCABIES DIAGNOSED?

A physical examination might be all it takes for your dermatologist to diagnose scabies. A scrap of skin might also be taken from the affected area by your dermatologist.

The sample will be placed on a glass slide and viewed under a microscope to detect mites and their eggs.

If your dermatologist detects mites or their eggs on your skin samples, it confirms you have scabies.

HOW IS SCABIES TREATED?

People who have had close contacts with infected persons through sexual intercourse or by living together need to be treated as well.

Topical medications can cure mild scabies. These topical medicines are applied to the skin from head to toe. Infants and young children usually need their scalp and face bathed with the medication

Most drugs are often used at bedtime and then washed off in the morning. It is necessary you strictly adhere to your dermatologist’s instructions.

Medicines that your dermatologist may prescribe, include:

• 5% permethrin cream
• 10% crotamiton cream
• 25% benzyl benzoate lotion
• Sulfur (5%-10%) ointment
• 1% lindane lotion
• Antihistamine to control the itching and also help you sleep.
• Pramoxine lotion for the itching.
• Antibiotics: To wipe out the infection.
• Steroid cream:  To mitigate  redness, swelling, and itch

To completely get rid of the human mites and also prevent its reoccurrence, you have to wash clothes, bedding, and towels eliminate mites that may have fallen off your skin. You also need to vacuum clean your entire home.

WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS FOR SCABIES?

Prompt treatment can be effective in getting rid of the human mites, as well as eliminate the symptoms such as severe itch. Treatment also helps to curb an infection that might have developed. The widespread rash and intense itching can worsen during the treatment. Scabies should be treated within four weeks.

In some cases, you might repeat treatment up to 3 times to get rid of the human mites. This happens applicable where your skin does not heal within 4 weeks. Ensure to visit your dermatologist for prompt treatment. Avoid using scabicides, meant for crops or animals.

People with crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, often need repeat treatments to get rid of the mites.

SCABIES: HOW TO MANAGE

• Visit a Dermatologist:

Don’t be too embarrassed to seek medical help from a dermatologist. Scabies does not reflect your poor hygiene; it can affect anyone. Reach out to us right away to schedule an appointment.

• Everyone who had close contact with you needs treatment.

Scabies is a very contagious skin condition. If you get treated by your dermatologist and people around you do not get treatment, you risk of being infected again. People do not necessarily have to manifest the signs and symptoms of scabies to have mites on their skin.

• Bathe Before applying the medicine:

Before you apply the prescribed medications on your skin, ensure you bathe to clean the skin and also open the pores. You should then use the medicine on your dry, clean skin.

Apply the prescribed medications on every part of your body from your neck to toes. Avoid applying it on your face.

Wash your hands after the application of the medicine to get rid of the mites that must have hidden on the hands.

Wash your personal items such as bedsheets, clothes, blankets and others. This ensures that you completely get rid of the mites. Please follow these washing instructions

• Wash all your items with the hottest water possible.
• After washing with hot water, dry them in a dryer, using the hot setting.
• You need not wash items that have not touched your skin for more than one week