Treating Scabies Successfully Takes More Than You Think

October 28, 2011
by Tanya Ramsey

Way back in history, there is a record of people having scabies, and being treated for it. Bible verses that were written some 3000 years in the past, are dealing with scabies. Aristotle, the noted philosopher, wrote about many things, and it is believed that he was writing about scabies when describing this condition, even though he never used the name. Being ancient is what makes things interesting, and that is what the condition known as scabies is. The scabies mite must have caused some people to have a horrible time thousands of years ago. There was no relief from the itching symptoms by using antihistamines. Today, scabies treatment is handled fairly easily and quite successful by modern medicine.

Opportunely, medical researchers and science have found ways to beat scabies. Scabere is the Latin name for scabies, and it means, to scratch. Having the Seven Year Itch is an older saying that is associated with having scabies. The idea of actually having to deal with scabies for seven years is pretty tough. We think this came from the past, back when there when successful and rapid cures were not known. Then again, people and pets can each be affected by scabies. Mange is something that we know dogs can be afflicted with, and that ailment is a variation of scabies. Now, these illnesses can both be eradicated, on the other hand, scabies is very infectious and spreads easily, so it should be promptly taken care of.

Scabies has been treated quite successfully by using two different topical treatments, Ivermectin and Permethrin. In a household where scabies has been found, doctors suggest that all the family members get the treatments. The treatment is recommended even when there are no symptoms present. The purpose is preventive and in the interest of decreasing the recurrence of the condition. Scabies is one of those conditions that can be in the body without immediately showing any symptoms. Crusted scabies doesn\’t always occur, and that is the only time external antiseptics need to be applied, even though mites can live for a while outside the body.

In order to completely eradicate scabies, everything that is either a personal or shared item utilized by the diseased individual must be treated right away. This suggests bedding items, clothing and towels. There are several approaches to do this successfully. The clothing and fabrics can be totally cut off for around three days, since the mites are unable to live for more than that amount of time without a human host. So for about three days, you can store all your material items in plastic bags. Or else you can use hot water to launder them and then dry them with a hot temperature. Taking them to a dry cleaning service to be laundered is an alternative, although you are then putting other people at risk of getting the mites, if you decide to do this.

The entire treatment process for scabies can be difficult to endure, even if it works effectively. Scabies treatment often use topical creams, and it makes sense because the mites live just below the skin surface. When they are, they must be applied over the complete body surface. The whole body needs to be covered with the scabies treatment of topical cream, except for eyes, mouth, and nose, and lots of care needs to be taken with infants. This is the part of the treatment that is uncomfortable because the cream can\’t be washed off your body for 8 to 14 hours. Before you begin the treatment, your doctor will explain all that you need to do.

How your doctor will choose to treat scabies will depend on several factors such as age and overall state of healthy. Treatments are not limited to, but will more than likely include, using a medicated cream which can kill the mites in your epidermal layer. Another thing you will probably get, especially if you are itchy, is an antihistamine. You will definitely itch quite a bit if you\’re infestation includes a lot of mites that are laying eggs and digging on a continual basis. That is why antihistamines can be so effective. Scabies can also be removed from your skin by taking Ivermectin pills. Several weeks after your scabies infestation has stopped, see your doctor to make sure everything is truly cleared up.

Currently there are no over-the-counter treatments for scabies that work, and that is important to know. Whatever treatment is used it must, not only kill the mites, but also all of their eggs. You can purchase medicine OTC, but you won\’t find a product guaranteed to work. OTC treatments don\’t work because they are simply not strong enough to get rid of the scabies mites. If you have a lot of itchiness, and then find dry patches of skin that are irritated, you need to consult your doctor. Only your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis with a skin scrape and laboratory analysis of the skin sample.

Scabicides are a product that is ordinarily used to take care of scabies. They are known as that because they are created specifically for eradicating the scabies mites and also the eggs that brought them into being. Dog mange, a variety of scabies mite, can be treated by buying either an over-the-counter med or getting something from the vet. On the other hand, for humans, the only way to take care of scabies that actually works is to have something prescribed. You cannot get any healing ointments for scabies, over-the-counter, as there are none that have been approved for use. In accordance with how you are diagnosed, you will either be prescribed a pill, topical cream or a lotion.

As we know, there is a proliferation of over-the-counter medicines that are marketed for the same purpose as their prescription counterparts. However, we all know that prescription medicines will typically be more powerful than OTC drugs. When medicine is involved like scabies treatment stronger medicine might be needed. One of the symptoms of scabies is a severe itch, which can be lessened by taking oral antihistamines. Infants need their itching to go away, but antihistamines are not the answer for them. Rather, talk to your child\’s pediatrician about the best course for lessening the itchiness.

If you ever find your self with an infestation of scabies, then just rest assured that it can be treated very successfully. Most of all, having scabies is simply a nuisance and inconvenience that you have to deal with until the infestation is treated. Treating scabies requires only a visit to the medical doctor and getting the treatment that you need. You should see your doctor or physician, which will help you not only get treated, but understand why it has occurred to you. You will know, after doctors visit, how to treat your home and the objects within it that may have scabies, which you can take care of quickly and easily.

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