Scabies

Scabies is a transmissible ectoparasite skin infection characterized by superficial burrows, intense pruritus (itching) and secondary infection. The word 'scabies' is Latin for 'itch'.

Treatment

Topical (surface) medications are often effective and must be applied thoroughly to all skin from the face down, especially to areas known to be primarily affected (skin folds, etc.). Medication should remain on for more than 12 hours, and preferably 24, and then washed off.

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Although the mites may be rapidly killed, improvement is sometimes slow and residual inflammation may take some time to finally subside. The topical medication of choice is 5% Permethrin because it is safe for all age groups. Lindane (hexachlorocyclohexane) creams or lotions are considered historical treatments, and should be avoided because they have been shown to have neurotoxic effects in children and infants. Similarly, 5–10% sulfur ointments are considered historical.

Related Topics:
Permethrin - Lindane

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A single dose of Ivermectin (dosing: 200μg/kg) has been reported to cure, but is an off-label use, and thus considered experimental. Additional topical treatments include 10% crotamiton (except to eyes, nose, mouth), 25% benzyl benzoate cream or lotion; permethrins offer a simpler, one-application treatment which may be applied with in a 5% cream that remains on overnight or for 8-14 hours.

Related Topics:
Ivermectin - Crotamiton - Eyes - Nose - Mouth - Benzyl benzoate - Permethrin

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Tea tree oil is also known to be a homeopathic remedy.

Related Topics:
Tea tree oil - Homeopathic

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A person can be reinfected with scabies. Without a host, Scabies mites survive for a few days. Therefore it is recommended, after treatment, to wash all material (such as clothes and bedding) that has been in prolonged contact with the infested in the last four days.

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To prevent reinfestation, all social contacts and members of the family, even if not infested, should be treated similarly and most importantly at the same time.

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Approximately 300 million cases of infestation with scabies occur worldwide annually.

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Scabies also occurs in dogs; see Mange. Note: Although the mange mites are not able to complete their life cycle on humans, they will cause quite a bit of itching before they finally die.

Related Topics:
Dog - Mange

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