Scabies is an intensely itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It leads to an itchy rash, often worse at night, and can spread quickly through close skin-to-skin contact. While uncomfortable, effective scabies treatment is available to eradicate the mites and relieve symptoms.
At Weldricks Pharmacy, we understand the importance of prompt and thorough treatment. We offer a range of trusted scabies cream and liquid solutions, including popular options like Lyclear Dermal Cream and Permethrin 5% Cream, to help you get relief and prevent further spread.
Understanding Scabies: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Scabies is caused by the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the upper layer of the skin. The primary symptom is intense itching, especially at night, often accompanied by a pimple-like rash. The rash can appear anywhere on the body but commonly affects the web spaces between fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, and genital area. Diagnosis is typically made by a doctor based on the characteristic rash and itching, sometimes by identifying mite burrows.
Effective scabies treatment involves using a scabies cream or lotion that kills the mites. Products containing permethrin, such as Permethrin 5% Cream, are commonly prescribed and available over-the-counter. It's crucial to:
- Apply the cream correctly: Follow instructions carefully, covering the entire body from the neck down, including soles of feet and between fingers/toes.
- Treat all household contacts: Even if they show no symptoms, all close contacts should be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infestation.
- Wash bedding and clothing: All clothes, towels, and bedding used by infected individuals within the last 72 hours should be washed at a high temperature (50°C or higher) or sealed in plastic bags for at least 72 hours.
Remember that itching may continue for several weeks after successful treatment as your body reacts to the dead mites, but this does not mean the treatment has failed. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
What is scabies?
Scabies is a very itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin, leading to an allergic reaction that causes intense itching and a rash.
How do you get scabies?
Scabies is usually spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, often within a family or sexual partners. It can also be spread through shared bedding, towels, or clothing, though this is less common.
What are the main symptoms of scabies?
The most common symptom is intense itching, which is typically worse at night. A rash, often appearing as tiny red bumps or blisters, can develop. You might also notice tiny burrows, which are thin, irregular lines on the skin where the mites have tunnelled.
How long does scabies treatment take to work?
Most
scabies treatments, such as
scabies cream, kill the mites within 24 hours of application. However, itching and rash can persist for up to 4-6 weeks after successful treatment, as this is the body's reaction to the dead mites and their debris.
Can scabies come back?
Scabies can recur if treatment wasn't thorough, if all close contacts weren't treated simultaneously, or if you are re-exposed to an infected person. It's vital to follow all treatment instructions carefully and treat all at-risk individuals.