02/11/2021
SCABIES
scabies mite. Scabies is not an infection, but an infestation. Tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei .
How do people get scabies?
Scabies usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. Contact generally must be prolonged; a quick handshake or hug usually will not spread scabies. Scabies is spread easily to sexual partners and household members. Scabies in adults frequently is sexually acquired..
What does scabies look like?
The scabies rash looks like blisters or pimples: pink, raised bumps with a clear top filled with fluid. Sometimes they appear in a row. Scabies can also cause gray lines on your skin along with red bumps. Your skin may have red and scaly patches.
TREATMENT
Scabies treatment involves eliminating the infestation with medications. Several creams and lotions are available with a doctor's prescription.
Your doctor will likely ask you to apply the medication to your whole body, from the neck down, and leave the medication on for at least eight to 10 hours. Some treatments require a second application, and treatments need to be repeated if new burrows and a rash appear.
Because scabies spreads so easily, your doctor will likely recommend treatment for all household members and other close contacts, even if they show no signs of scabies infestation.
Medications commonly prescribed for scabies include:
Permethrin cream. Permethrin is a topical cream that contains chemicals that kill scabies mites and their eggs. It is generally considered safe for adults, pregnant women, and children age 2 months and older.
Ivermectin (Stromectol).Doctors may prescribe this oral medication for people with altered immune systems, for people who have crusted scabies, or for people who don't respond to the prescription lotions and creams. Ivermectin isn't recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing, or for children who weigh less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
Crotamiton (Eurax, Crotan). This medication is availabl
