Scabies is a contagious skin infection caused by a microscopic parasite, “sarcoptes scabiei”. This mite settles in the upper layers of the skin, causing uncomfortable symptoms such as itching, redness and various skin rashes. The spread of the disease occurs through direct contact and can spread rapidly in public areas, such as schools or dormitories, and become a significant health problem. Scabies can cause both physical and psychological distress when left untreated; Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are of great importance.
What causes scabies?
Scabies is most commonly spread through direct contact with individuals with scabies or sharing their personal belongings.
Scabies, which is generally more common in autumn and winter, tends to spread rapidly in crowded living spaces such as schools, hospitals and military barracks. This is one of the conditions that facilitates the spread of the disease.
One of the topics of curiosity is whether pets transmit scabies. Pets do not transmit scabies to humans; because their unique scabies mites cannot survive and reproduce on human skin. However, upon contact with an animal with mange, the mite can burrow under the skin and cause short-term itching. In this case, the mite dies within a few days and does not require treatment.
Scabies symptoms and treatment
Scabies is an annoying skin infection that manifests itself with distinctive symptoms. In addition to severe itching, acne-like redness and rashes, fluid-filled lesions leave scars in the form of grayish-white raised lines in the areas where scabies is located. Typical symptoms of scabies are:
- Severe itching, especially at night
- Rashes in the skin folds, especially between the fingers, wrists, armpits, around the belly button and on the nipples
- Grayish-white raised lines on the skin
- Increased itching after hot bath
- Swelling and wounds in infected areas as a result of scratching
- Formation of fluid-filled lesions in the genital area
- Formation of thick crusts
To treat scabies, the doctor recommends applying a cream or lotion containing permethrin down the neck area and leaving it on the skin for 8 to 24 hours. This method neutralizes the mites and their eggs on the skin.
As an alternative treatment, the antiparasitic drug ivermectin is usually taken first as a single dose, followed by a second dose 1-2 weeks later. In the treatment of scabies, it is very important to follow the instructions given by the doctor; Therefore, using any medication without a doctor’s approval can be risky.
What is good for scabies?
In this context, “what can be done at home for scabies?” and “Is hot or cold good for scabies?” Answers to questions are sought. There are many natural methods for treating scabies at home. First of all, it is important to pay attention to the hygiene of the affected individual. The patient’s bedding, linens, clothing and other personal belongings should be washed at high temperatures and then dried. This practice neutralizes parasites and reduces the risk of infection. In case of scabies, hot and cold applications have different effects in relieving itching.
Additionally, there are many natural remedies available to relieve the itching caused by scabies. For example, aloe vera, lavender oil, tea tree oil and neem leaves can help reduce skin itching and are known to be the enemies of scabies. These natural ingredients are also preferred because they have antiparasitic properties that destroy parasites on the skin.