Scabies Rash - Prevention and Cure of Scabies

The word ‘Scabies’ is derived from the Latin verb ‘scabere’ which means ‘to scratch’.

Scabies is a skin infection caused by an itch mite called Sarcoptes Scabiei. The itch mite is about 1/3 millimeters long, has eight legs and has a flat, oval shaped body which is wrinkled and has transverse corrugations.

Scabies Infection: What Happens?

When a fertilized female itch mite lands on the body of an individual, she begins to excavate a burrow in the surface of the skin. This happens within one hour. Due to this burrowing, the individual begins to suffer from itchy skin. Soon the female begins to lay eggs. The Scybala hatch and reach maturity within 14 to 17 days. These adult itch mites then go on to repeat this cycle. This way, an individual gets infected by the scabies rash. A normal scabies itch mite has a life span of 30 days.

Scabies Rash: Where Does It Happen?

The body parts that are most commonly affected by Scabies are the webs between the fingers, wrists, elbows, the back, the armpits, the areolae of the breasts of females, the genitals of males, the area along the belt line and the lower buttocks.

Scabies Infection: How Does It Happen?

Scabies is an infectious disease. It spreads via contact with an infected person. Such contact must be a close contact where the skin touches the skin – hugging, cuddling and sexual contact – can spread the disease. Using the clothes of an infected person may also spread the disease.

Thus, if one person in the family is suffering from scabies, then other people in the family who are in close contact with the infected person become equally susceptible to catch the disease.

Scabies Rash: Symptoms of Scabies

The symptoms of a scabies infection are most commonly itchy skin. There may be bumps and blisters on the skin resulting from the burrows made by the scabies mite. These symptoms often begin appearing 30 – 40 days after the initial infestation.

The itchy skin may cause the infected person to scratch the area repeatedly, which may lead to red skin, soreness and rashes on the skin.

Those people who are suffering from any condition that reduces their immunity may also begin to suffer from any other secondary skin infection.

Diagnosis for scabies is often quite tough to make as the scratching tends to obscure the burrows. The burrows are in a zigzag pattern and appear as fine, wavy and scaly lines near the surface of the skin. Often a tiny mite can be seen at the end of the burrow (under a microscope).

Scabies Rash: Scabies Treatment and Scabies Cure

There is a cure for the itch caused by scabies. It is best advised to seek the advice of a medical practitioner for a scabies cure. This is because there are a variety of mite killer lotions and creams are available in the market for the treatment of scabies. However, each cream may not be suitable for each individual, as one may have allergies to certain chemicals present in the creams.

A popular cream is Permethrin. Ivermectin is also prescribed, and it is a pill one can take for a scabies cure. Antihistamines are also often used to provide relief from itching.

Apart from these treatments, one should also ensure that the linens, bedclothes, towels, clothes etc. which are in close contact with the skin are washed in hot water and sun dried. This has to be followed strictly as the scabies mites can often survive without a host for as long as 48 – 72 hours (7 days in the case of Crusted Scabies). The floors, carpets and rugs in the house need to be vacuumed and the surfaces of the bathrooms need to be disinfected.

The persons who have come in close contact with the infected person and who are therefore susceptible to a scabies infection also need to be treated simultaneously for the possible infection.

For those among us who prefer a natural scabies treatment, there is a home remedy which can be carried out along with the treatment of the doctor. Neem leaves are said to provide a scabies cure as it contains agents which kill the scabies mite. Neem oil can be applied to the skin and Neem leaves can be kept in the bedding. This also helps in the cure of the scabies itch.

Scabies Infection: Scabies Prevention

An old adage states that "Prevention is better than cure". There are many ways that an infection of scabies can be prevented.

The first thing is Hygiene. Ensure that one follows the practices of good hygiene. One should always wash the body properly and bathe daily. Use of clean towels and napkins and washing hands with hand wash or soap is recommended.

Do not wear clothes that have been worn by other people. Do not share your clothes with other people.

Ensure that you avoid physical contact with people who have been diagnosed with scabies.

If you follow all these good practices, you may stand a good chance at avoiding being infected with scabies.