Page 37 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS 35

Scabies

Scabies is an infestation caused by a mite that burrows just under
the skin surface. At first you will have intense itching, which is worse
at night. You may then notice little bumps and tiny, pencil-like lines
(burrows); these usually develop between the fingers and toes and
on the elbows and wrists, but may occur anywhere on your skin.
Scabies is troublesome rather than serious. Anyone can catch
it, regardless of age and personal hygiene, through any type of
skin-to-skin contact or simply by sharing bedding, towels, or clothing. Scabies infestation on a hand and fingers

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if
you think that you have scabies. He or she Scabies lotions usually contain the
will check if you have the condition and antiparasitic drugs lindane or permethrin. Your doctor
prescribe the appropriate medication. will prescribe an appropriate preparation. Usually,
the treatment is applied to your entire body (but not
your head and face). Trim your nails short and apply
it under your nail tips. Babies under 2 years and
What you can do yourself elderly people may need their face and scalp to be
treated as well. The preparation is usually left on
For best results, start scabies treatment as soon overnight and then washed off in the morning. A
as the symptoms appear. This may be anything up second application may be necessary, depending on
to 8 weeks after infestation, and the itching can the type of lotion used and your symptoms.
last for several weeks. Antihistamines (see p.178) can help
● Use a prescription cream or lotion for treating relieve itching. Sedative types make you
drowsy, and are particularly useful at night.
scabies (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
Calamine lotion (see p.179) helps
● You can relieve itching with calamine lotion
relieve the itchiness that occurs in scabies.
and/or take an antihistamine if itching is making it
difficult for you to sleep (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● Make sure other people in the home and close
friends are treated, even if they are not showing Relieving itching
signs of scabies. Ask your physician to provide Itching can persist for
enough treatment for all household members. several weeks after the
infestation has cleared
● Scabies mites can live for 1–2 days in clothes up, so you may need to
and bedding. To kill the mites, wash clothes, bed continue using calamine
linen, and towels in hot water and dry in a tumble and/or an antihistamine.
dryer if possible. Wash personal items such as
hairbrushes as well.
● Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and cushions Seek further medical advice
because they may harbor the scabies mites. Use
a disposable bag in your vacuum cleaner and Arrange to see your doctor if:
discard the bag afterward. If you have a bagless
● You are still itching more than 2 weeks after
vacuum cleaner, empty it and wash it out after use.
finishing your course of treatment
● The rash becomes sore and starts to ooze