How Can I Get Rid of Scabies Under Your Skin?
The key to successfully eliminating scabies under your skin is a combination of prescription medications, strict hygiene practices, and thorough treatment of close contacts. Don’t delay seeking professional medical advice to prevent further spread and complications.
Introduction: Understanding the Scabies Infestation
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These microscopic creatures burrow under the skin, causing intense itching, particularly at night. The itching is an allergic reaction to the mites, their feces, and eggs. Understanding the lifecycle and transmission of scabies is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of re-infestation. The question “How Can I Get Rid of Scabies Under My Skin?” is common among those suffering from this uncomfortable condition. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of the infestation.
How Scabies Spreads
Scabies spreads through prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It’s commonly transmitted within families, in nursing homes, and through sexual contact. While less common, scabies can also spread through shared clothing, bedding, or towels, especially if these items have been recently used by an infected individual. Contrary to popular belief, scabies is not necessarily associated with poor hygiene; anyone can get it.
Identifying Scabies: Symptoms and Diagnosis
The hallmark symptom of scabies is intense itching, particularly at night. Other symptoms include:
- A pimple-like rash.
- Tiny blisters or bumps.
- Scaly patches.
- Visible burrows (thin, grayish-white lines) in the skin, often found in skin folds.
Common locations for scabies include:
- Between fingers
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Armpits
- Genitals
- Buttocks
- Around the nipples (in women)
A doctor can diagnose scabies by examining the skin and, if necessary, scraping a small sample to look for mites, eggs, or fecal matter under a microscope.
Treatment Options: Getting Rid of Scabies
The primary treatment for scabies involves prescription medications called scabicides, which kill the mites and their eggs. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and complete the entire course of treatment. Common scabicides include:
- Permethrin Cream (5%): Applied to the entire body from the neck down, left on for 8-14 hours, and then washed off. This is generally considered the first-line treatment.
- Ivermectin (oral): Typically prescribed as a single dose, followed by a second dose one to two weeks later. This is often used for individuals who have difficulty applying topical creams or who have failed topical treatment.
Important Considerations:
- Everyone in close contact with the infected person, including household members, sexual partners, and close caregivers, should be treated simultaneously, even if they don’t have symptoms. This helps prevent re-infestation.
- Itching may persist for several weeks after treatment, even if the mites are dead. This is due to an allergic reaction to the dead mites and their byproducts.
- Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids can help relieve itching.
- If itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
Environmental Control: Preventing Re-infestation
While medication is critical, environmental control is also essential to prevent re-infestation. This includes:
- Washing all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and drying them on high heat.
- Sealing items that cannot be washed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours (mites cannot survive off the body for more than 2-3 days).
- Vacuuming carpets and upholstery thoroughly.
Here’s a table summarizing treatment and prevention:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Medication | Use scabicides like permethrin cream or oral ivermectin as directed by your doctor. |
| Treat Close Contacts | Treat all household members and close contacts simultaneously, regardless of symptoms. |
| Wash Linens & Clothing | Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat. |
| Seal Non-Washable Items | Seal items that can’t be washed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours. |
| Vacuum | Thoroughly vacuum carpets and upholstery. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not treating all close contacts: This is a very common reason for treatment failure.
- Not following medication instructions carefully: It’s essential to apply the cream correctly and leave it on for the specified time.
- Stopping treatment too soon: Complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
- Re-using contaminated items: Make sure all clothing and bedding are thoroughly cleaned after the first treatment.
- Ignoring persistent itching: Itching can persist even after the mites are dead. Consult your doctor if itching is severe or doesn’t improve. You need to address the allergic reaction, not necessarily another infestation.
- Self-treating without diagnosis: It’s important to confirm the diagnosis of scabies with a doctor before starting treatment. Other skin conditions can mimic scabies. Thinking “I know How Can I Get Rid of Scabies Under My Skin?” without professional consultation can lead to ineffective or even harmful practices.
Addressing Crusted Scabies (Norwegian Scabies)
Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a severe form of scabies that occurs primarily in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, those with HIV/AIDS, or those on immunosuppressant medications. In crusted scabies, the skin develops thick, crusty scales that contain large numbers of mites. Itching may be minimal or absent. Crusted scabies is highly contagious and requires aggressive treatment with both topical and oral scabicides. Hospitalization may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will over-the-counter creams get rid of scabies?
No, over-the-counter creams are not effective for treating scabies. Scabies requires prescription medications that kill the mites. Over-the-counter creams may provide some temporary relief from itching, but they will not eliminate the infestation.
How long does it take for scabies treatment to work?
Itching may persist for 2-4 weeks after treatment, even if the mites are dead. The medication kills the mites quickly, but it takes time for the body to clear the allergic reaction. If itching is severe or doesn’t improve after several weeks, consult your doctor.
Can I get scabies from my pet?
No, scabies in humans is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite, which is specific to humans. Animals can get a similar condition called mange, caused by a different type of mite. However, these mites are not able to survive on humans.
Is scabies a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
While scabies can be transmitted through sexual contact, it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. It is spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which can occur during sexual activity.
Can I go to work or school while being treated for scabies?
You can typically return to work or school 24 hours after applying the first dose of scabicide cream or taking the first dose of oral ivermectin. It’s important to inform your employer or school nurse about your condition.
How do I know if the scabies treatment worked?
The primary indicator of successful treatment is a gradual reduction in itching. If the itching persists or worsens after several weeks, or if new burrows appear, consult your doctor.
Do I need to clean my entire house to get rid of scabies?
While thorough cleaning is important, you don’t need to clean your entire house meticulously. Focus on washing and drying clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water. Vacuuming carpets and upholstery is also recommended.
Can scabies live on furniture?
Scabies mites can survive on furniture for a limited time, typically 2-3 days. Sealing upholstered furniture that cannot be easily cleaned in plastic bags for at least 72 hours will kill any mites.
Is it possible to get scabies more than once?
Yes, it is possible to get scabies more than once. You can become re-infested if you have contact with someone who has scabies or if you re-expose yourself to contaminated items.
What are the potential complications of untreated scabies?
Untreated scabies can lead to secondary bacterial infections of the skin, such as impetigo or cellulitis, due to scratching. In rare cases, it can also lead to kidney problems.
Are there any home remedies for scabies?
While some home remedies, such as tea tree oil or neem oil, may provide temporary relief from itching, they are not effective for killing scabies mites. Prescription scabicides are necessary to eliminate the infestation. Relying solely on home remedies can prolong the infestation and increase the risk of complications. Addressing “How Can I Get Rid of Scabies Under My Skin?” requires professional medical advice.
What if I’m still itching after the treatment is completed?
Even after successful treatment, you may experience post-scabies itch. This is an allergic reaction to dead mites and their remnants. Your doctor can prescribe topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines to alleviate the itching. Be patient, as it can take several weeks for the itching to subside completely.
By following these guidelines and working closely with your doctor, you can effectively answer the question: “How Can I Get Rid of Scabies Under My Skin?” and successfully eliminate the infestation.