Home Remedies For Scabies

It is of vital importance that a treatment for scabies is sought by anyone who is diagnosed with the condition. A rash is usually the first outward sign that someone is afflicted by scabies. The rash is as a result of the allergic reaction the skin has to the toxins that are produced by the mites which cause scabies. Eggs, faeces and other secretions are the main culprits for causing the rash. Apart from the rash, it is also common to suffer irritation, acute itching and discomfort, as well as scales and blisters on the skin.

The symptoms of scabies are not very different from that of other skin disorders such as dermatitis, eczema and chicken pox. When more conclusive signs of scabies are absent, it makes it very difficult for doctors to accurately determine if a patient is suffering from scabies or a different affliction. This makes it very difficult for the right diagnosis and treatment to be made. This very often results in delayed medical intervention by the doctors when a patient is suffering from scabies.

It is quite common for other complications to develop in addition to scabies. These complications include bacterial infections, crusting and scaling of the skin, and arise as a result of the inability to correctly diagnose scabies as the underlying problem.

The parts of the body most affected by scabies are the feet, toes, ankles, hands, wrists, fingers, knees, elbows and armpits. The chest, lower abdomen as well as the nipples and genitals are also commonly afflicted.

It is uncommon to have scabies rashes above the neck. The reason for this is that the parasitic mites much prefer to remain in the unexposed parts of the body i.e. those covered by clothes. However, it is known that young children, elderly people and those with poor immune systems could also have scabies rashes develop on their scalps. The rash is much worse in infants and young children, and is often associated with pruritus and an intense itch

The scabies rash is a persistent one and if not managed properly, can be very difficult to treat. The rash usually appears before the other scabies symptoms, and annoyingly is often the last to disappear. The rash tends to linger for weeks after the mite infestation has been eradicated.

Ointments such as hydrocortisone and antihistamine aid in the treatment of the scabies rash. They can provide relief for a short while, but will not get rid of the rash completely. Severe rashes can be managed with analgesic creams, and for longer lasting relief sufferers can ingest oral analgesics.

Alcohol based creams and lotions are very popular for treating scabies rashes. Unfortunately, these alcohol-based products can actually be responsible for aggravating the rash. This results in the itch intensifying, and a greater feeling of soreness and discomfort. Try and stay away from alcohol based products so that you do not experience problems similar to those just mentioned above.  Remember that it is important to get a treatment for scabies as soon as possible.