Scabies: Quick guide to spotting, treating and stopping it
Scabies is an itchy skin infection caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin. Sounds gross — because it is — but it’s also common and treatable. If you’ve been scratching more than usual, or someone close to you has the rash, this guide tells you what to look for and what to do next.
How to spot scabies
The hallmark is intense itching, often worse at night. Look for thin, wavy lines or tiny red bumps where mites like to hide: between fingers, wrists, inner elbows, under the breasts, around the waist, and the genital area. Babies and toddlers can have it on the head, face, palms and soles too.
Timing matters: after first exposure it can take 2–6 weeks for symptoms to show. If you’ve had scabies before, symptoms can appear in just a few days. The rash can be mistaken for eczema, insect bites or allergic reactions, so if itching is severe or spreads, see a clinician.
Doctors confirm scabies by the pattern of the rash and sometimes by scraping the skin to look for mites, eggs or fecal pellets under a microscope. That test isn’t always necessary if the signs are classic.
Treatment and sensible prevention
Topical permethrin 5% cream is the usual first-line treatment. Apply it to the whole body from neck down (for infants include the head) and leave it on overnight — usually 8–14 hours. Your doctor may tell you to repeat the treatment after seven days. Follow instructions carefully; missing areas lets mites survive.
Oral ivermectin is another option, especially for crusted scabies, outbreaks in care homes, or when topical treatment fails. It’s typically given as a single dose of about 200 mcg/kg and often repeated after one week. Ivermectin isn’t suitable for some people (pregnant women, young children), so consult your clinician first.
Treat household members and close contacts at the same time, even if they don’t have symptoms yet. That stops reinfection. Wash bedding, towels and clothing used in the past 72 hours in hot water (60°C) and dry on high heat. Items that can’t be washed can be sealed in plastic for 72 hours — mites can’t survive off the skin beyond that. Vacuum mattresses and furniture and avoid close skin-to-skin contact until treatment is complete.
If the itch continues after treatment, it could be an allergic reaction to dead mites — not necessarily treatment failure. But if the rash or symptoms worsen, or you see signs of a bacterial skin infection (increasing redness, pus, fever), get medical help quickly.
Bottom line: scabies is unpleasant but beatable. Spot the signs early, treat everyone affected, and clean clothes and bedding. Quick action cuts the itch and keeps it from spreading to friends and family.
Breaking the Cycle: Sarcoptes Scabiei and Social Stigma
Sarcoptes scabiei, commonly known as scabies, is a skin condition caused by parasitic mites that can lead to intense itching and discomfort. Often associated with poor hygiene, scabies is burdened with social stigma. This article explores the misconceptions surrounding scabies, its impact on mental health, and ways to address this public perception. It also highlights treatment options and preventive strategies to break the stigma associated with this common skin condition.
23.01.25
Alistair Mukondiwa
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