Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the skin and lay their eggs, causing a rash, severe itching and irritation. Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing bedding, clothing, or towels with someone who has the condition.
Content
Symptoms of scabies
What causes scabies?
Types of scabies
How to identify scabies
home remedies for scabies
Which doctor should you consult?
People also ask
Scabies cannot be seen with the naked eye and is identified by the rash it produces. The most common symptoms include intense itching that is worse at night and a rash that appears as pink bumps with clear fluid-filled tips. These bumps can appear in a row and can also cause gray lines on the skin and red, scaly patches. While scabies can attack the entire body, it tends to affect the skin around the hands and feet. The appearance of scabies can be similar to rashes caused by other skin conditions such as dermatitis, syphilis, or other parasites such as fleas.
Symptoms of scabies
Symptoms of scabies can take up to six weeks to appear after exposure to mites. However, in people who have had scabies before, symptoms may appear within a few days. The symptoms of scabies include:
Intense itching, especially at night.
A rash or red bumps on the skin.
Fine, wavy lines on the skin, especially between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, or genitals.
Sores caused by scratching
What causes scabies?
An infection of small eight-legged mites causes scabies. Although you can’t see these insects on your skin because they are so small, their impacts are undeniable.
To survive and feed, the mites penetrate the upper layer of the epidermis. The female mites produce embryos. When the mites and their droppings come into contact with the skin, an itchy scarlet rash appears.
People can transmit these mites easily. The most typical method of spreading the infestation is through direct skin-to-skin contact. Additionally, infested surfaces can spread the mites:
furniture
clothes
litter
Infestations often spread rapidly in places where people live close to each other. These may include nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
types of scabies
Scabies is caused by a single type of mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, which can cause several types of infestations.
The most common form of scabies is typical scabies, which causes an itchy rash on the hands, wrists, and other common areas of the body, but usually spares the face or scalp.
Lumpy scabies is another type that presents as raised bumps or lumps, especially in areas like the genitals, armpits, or groin.
Crusty scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a more serious and highly contagious form of scabies. It usually affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV, receiving chemotherapy, or taking certain medications. Crusty scabies produce thick, gray, brittle scabs that contain thousands of mites and eggs, and are spread in the same way as typical scabies.
How to identify scabies
Scabies is often diagnosed based on the characteristic symptoms described above. However, a definitive diagnosis can be made by examining a skin scraping under a microscope to look for mites or their eggs.
Home remedies for scabies
Scabies can be treated with medications prescribed by an expert. However, some people prefer to try natural remedies before turning to prescription medications. Below are some home remedies that can help relieve scabies symptoms:
1.Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antifungal and antiparasitic properties that can help kill mites that cause scabies. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the affected areas.
2.Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can help kill mites that cause scabies. Apply neem oil directly to the affected areas.
3.Clove oil: Clove oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the symptoms of scabies. Mix a few drops of clove oil with carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the affected areas.
4.Aloe vera: Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties that can help relieve itching and inflammation caused by scabies. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the affected areas.
5.Garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help kill mites that cause scabies. Crush a few cloves of garlic, mix them with coconut oil and apply it to the affected areas.
6.Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional and herbal medicine. It has been found to be effective in controlling inflammatory skin conditions. It can also be used as a home remedy for scabies by creating a paste of turmeric powder mixed with coconut oil or water and applying it to the affected areas. This home remedy has the potential to relieve the symptoms of scabies.
7.Wash clothes in hot water: While it is not a cure for scabies, it is important to wash any clothing, bedding or other fabric that has come into contact with the skin of an infected person in hot water. Doing so will kill any mites that may be hiding in the fabric and prevent the spread of scabies to other parts of the body or to other people.
8. Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper is believed to be helpful in relieving pain and itching associated with scabies. Some people also think that it has the ability to kill the scabies mite, although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The capsaicin present in cayenne pepper has a numbing effect on the nerves in the skin when applied topically. In a 2010 study, capsaicin cream was found to be effective in reducing chronic soft tissue pain after three weeks of use. Before use, a skin patch test is recommended.
Which doctor should I consult?
If a patient is suspected of having scabies, a dermatologist can usually make a diagnosis by performing a thorough visual examination of their skin. To confirm the presence of scabies, the dermatologist can take a painless skin sample and examine it under a microscope on a glass slide.
