How To Eliminate Scabies From Your Body: A Complete Guide
The primary way to kill scabies on your body is through prescription topical medications like permethrin cream or oral medications like ivermectin, applied or ingested as directed by a healthcare professional. These medications directly target and eliminate the scabies mites.
Understanding Scabies: A Microscopic Threat
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin where they live and lay eggs. This burrowing action triggers intense itching, which is often worse at night. Understanding how scabies spreads and its symptoms is the first step in effectively eliminating it.
Identifying the Symptoms of Scabies
The hallmark symptom of scabies is intense itching, especially at night. Other common symptoms include:
- A pimple-like rash, often between fingers, on wrists, elbows, armpits, around the waist, and on genitals.
- Tiny burrows under the skin, appearing as thin, raised, grayish-white or skin-colored lines.
- Sores caused by scratching.
The Importance of Professional Diagnosis
While self-diagnosis is tempting, it’s crucial to consult a doctor or dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. Many skin conditions mimic scabies. A proper diagnosis ensures you receive the correct treatment and avoid unnecessary use of medications. Doctors typically diagnose scabies through a visual exam and by scraping a small area of skin to look for mites or their eggs under a microscope.
The Prescription Treatment Process
The most effective method for killing scabies on your body involves prescription medications. Two common options are:
- Permethrin Cream: A topical cream applied to the entire body, from the neck down, and left on for 8-14 hours before being washed off. The application is typically repeated after one week.
- Ivermectin: An oral medication typically prescribed in a single dose, with a second dose taken one to two weeks later. Ivermectin is often used for crusted scabies or when topical treatments are ineffective.
The specific treatment prescribed will depend on your individual circumstances, including age, pregnancy status, and overall health.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Permethrin Cream
Here’s a detailed guide to ensure proper application of permethrin cream:
- Shower or Bathe: Clean your skin thoroughly before application.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Apply Liberally: Apply the cream to all areas of your body from the neck down, paying special attention to skin folds (between fingers and toes, under arms, groin area) and under fingernails and toenails.
- Leave On for Recommended Time: Follow your doctor’s instructions, typically leaving the cream on for 8-14 hours.
- Wash Off Thoroughly: After the recommended time, wash off the cream in the shower.
- Repeat if Necessary: Your doctor may advise a second application one week later.
Importance of Treating Household Contacts
Scabies spreads easily through close physical contact. Therefore, it’s essential that all household members and close contacts are treated simultaneously, even if they don’t have symptoms. This prevents reinfection and ensures complete eradication of the mites.
Preventing Reinfection: Decontamination is Key
Killing the mites on your body is only half the battle. You must also decontaminate your environment to prevent reinfection. This includes:
- Washing all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (at least 130°F/54°C) and drying them on high heat.
- Dry cleaning items that cannot be washed.
- Sealing non-washable items in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours, as the mites cannot survive for long away from human skin.
- Vacuuming carpets and upholstery thoroughly.
Natural Remedies and Home Treatments: Proceed with Caution
While some natural remedies like tea tree oil or neem oil are sometimes suggested for scabies, there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. These remedies should never be used as a substitute for prescription medications. They may offer some relief from itching but will likely not kill scabies on your body completely and could potentially worsen the condition. Always consult with your doctor before trying any home remedies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Treatment
- Not applying medication properly: Ensure you cover your entire body from the neck down, including all skin folds.
- Not treating all household contacts: This is a common cause of reinfection.
- Not decontaminating the environment: Mites can survive for a short time on surfaces and clothing.
- Stopping treatment prematurely: Complete the full course of medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve.
- Ignoring itching after treatment: Itching can persist for several weeks even after the mites are dead due to an allergic reaction to the dead mites and their waste products. Your doctor can prescribe creams or antihistamines to relieve this itching.
Long-Term Care and Prevention
Even after successful treatment, itching can persist for several weeks. Continue to moisturize your skin and use anti-itch creams as needed. Practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with anyone who may have scabies to prevent future infestations.
When to See a Doctor Again
Consult your doctor again if:
- Your symptoms don’t improve after completing treatment.
- You develop new sores or skin infections.
- You suspect reinfection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can scabies go away on its own?
No, scabies will not go away on its own. The mites will continue to burrow and reproduce, causing ongoing itching and discomfort. You need prescription medication to effectively kill scabies on your body.
How long does it take for scabies treatment to work?
It can take several weeks for the itching to completely subside after treatment. The medication typically kills the scabies mites within a few days, but the itching can persist due to an allergic reaction to the dead mites and their waste products.
Is scabies contagious?
Yes, scabies is highly contagious. It spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies.
Can I get scabies from a pet?
No, human scabies is different from the mites that infest animals. You cannot get scabies from your dog or cat.
What should I do if the itching is still severe after treatment?
Your doctor can prescribe topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines to relieve the itching that persists after treatment. Moisturizing frequently can also help soothe the skin.
Are there any over-the-counter treatments for scabies?
No, there are no effective over-the-counter treatments for scabies. You need prescription medications from a doctor to kill scabies on your body.
Can I get scabies from sitting on public transportation?
While possible, it’s unlikely to contract scabies from brief contact with surfaces like public transportation seating. Scabies typically requires prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
How often should I change my bedding during treatment?
Change your bedding every day during treatment and for a few days afterward to ensure any mites that may have fallen off your body are eliminated. Wash in hot water and dry on high heat.
Can I go to work or school during scabies treatment?
You should avoid close contact with others until you have completed at least one treatment course and are no longer contagious. Check with your doctor or school/work policies for specific guidelines.
Is crusted scabies more contagious than regular scabies?
Yes, crusted scabies (Norwegian scabies) is much more contagious than regular scabies. It involves a large number of mites and can easily spread through casual contact.
How do I know if my scabies treatment has failed?
If your symptoms don’t improve or get worse after completing treatment, or if you develop new sores or skin infections, consult your doctor. You may need a different medication or further evaluation.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Certain scabies medications are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Talk to your doctor about the safest treatment options for your specific situation.