Suffering from scabies? Discover symptoms, causes, and remedial solutions
Monsoon comes as a much-needed relief after the summer season. But with this refreshing change humidity and moisture come along as well. These create the perfect environment for all sorts of diseases and fungal infections to thrive. One such infection is called scabies. Curious to learn more about this unwelcome guest? Keep reading to uncover all about this irritating infection.
What is scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin condition that itches a lot and causes rashes. It is caused by tiny parasitic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. Sometimes, the itching gets worse at night, making it hard to resist scratching. It can spread easily from person to person. Although a worldwide problem, it happens most often in tropical areas and in very crowded places.
Types of scabies
Scabies can show up in different ways. One type is called crusted scabies, which happens in people with weak immune systems. It covers a big area of skin with crusty patches. Nodular scabies leaves red-brown bumps on the skin that stick around even after the mites are gone. Bullous scabies looks like skin blisters while scalp scabies makes your head scaly like psoriasis.
What are the common symptoms?
If you get scabies, it may take you up to two-five weeks to start noticing symptoms. The main signs of scabies are a rash and intense itching that gets worse at night. The rash can look like small bites, raised bumps, or hives under your skin. Scabies often shows up on your wrists, elbows, armpits, nipples, waist, buttocks, and the spaces between your fingers.
What causes scabies?
Scabies happens when tiny, eight-legged Sarcoptes scabiei infest your skin. These burrow into the top layer of your skin to live and feed. When your skin reacts to these mites and their waste, you end up with an itchy rash. These mites can easily move from person to person and the most common way they spread is by touching someone's skin directly.
Available treatment options
To treat scabies, your doctor may prescribe a cream with permethrin. Apply the cream all over your body, excluding your head. Kids may need it on their scalps too. Leave the cream on for eight to 14 hours, usually overnight, then wash it off. Your doctor might also suggest antihistamines or ivermectin pills. You can also check some home remedies for scabies here.
