Scabies

If you've recently been diagnosed with scabies, you might be wondering what it is and what caused the horrendous itching. The name alone is enough to make your skin crawl: scabies. By learning what caused your condition and how to deal with it, you can take charge of the itching and start down the road to recovery.

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Symptoms of Scabies

Common areas for scabies rashes and blisters are the webs of your fingers and toes, insides of wrists, armpits, inner elbows, shoulder blades, around the waist, around the breasts, knees, groin, buttocks, and occasionally on the pubic area. You might see pimple-like bumps, blisters, rashes, or tiny, thread-like "burrows" found in the folds of skin.

One of the most common symptoms is a relentless itch that starts out minor and gradually becomes more intense, especially at night, making sleep nearly impossible.

Causes of Scabies

So what caused this horrible itch and how did you get infected? Scabies is caused by a microscopic mite. Yes, you have parasites. The female mite deposits eggs in tunnels under your skin. In about 21 days, these eggs hatch producing a new lifecycle and further irritation. As they mature, they spread to other areas of your skin or hop on over to another person with whom you have close skin-to-skin contact. Your body reacts to the mites, their waste, and their eggs causing the itchiness and rash.

It's important to note that anyone can get scabies and it's not a reflection on your personal hygiene. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals and sharing bedding and clothes with those who have the condition.

The mite can quickly infect the entire household or facility such as a nursing home, daycare center, or prison. When this happens, everyone should be treated and all clothing and bedding thoroughly laundered at the same time so that the chances of reinfestation are minimized.

Scabies Related Complications

Not only do you have an unbearable skin condition, you could also be at risk for a secondary bacterial infection. Vigorous scratching breaks the skin and makes you more vulnerable to a staph or strep infection. Those with weakened immune systems such as people suffering from HIV have a more difficult time dealing with scabies.

How to Get Rid of Scabies

Once you've been diagnosed with scabies, your doctor will prescribe lotions or cream and in some cases oral medications. If you have a secondary bacterial infection, you will likely receive antibiotics. In addition, antihistamines are often prescribed to help relieve the itching.

Treating your body isn't enough. You must also treat the rest of the household and others you have close contact with as well as kill the mites where they hang out when not burrowed on your body. This means laundering bedding and clothes as well as vacuuming the rugs.

Getting Relief

Your treatment will need to be repeated to catch and kill any hatching eggs and the itching can take several weeks before it eases up. Soak in cool water or apply cool compresses or washcloths to the affected areas to minimize itching. You can also apply Calamine lotion to the areas to relieve the pain and itching. Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl for relief.