Have you developed a rash that is made up of tiny little bumps and is accompanied by intense itching that is keeping you up at night? These are indicators that your rash may not just a normal rash, it could be caused by scabies.
The diagnosis and treatment is essential if your rash is caused by scabies, as it is highly contagious. Dr. Vivian Bucay and her staff can help get you a proper diagnosis and help administer treatment that will clear up the rash and stop the itching.
What is Scabies?
Scabies is a skin condition that is caused by a small bug. The tiny little bug lands on your skin and slowly burrows under the top layer of your skin. After it has burrowed, the bug lives under the skin and feeds. The development of the red, itchy rash is a reaction to the mite living under the skin.
How is Scabies Spread from Person to Person?
Scabies is highly contagious. It is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
The tiny little mite that causes scabies can technically live without human contact. It can live for anywhere from 48-72 hours without coming into contact with humans. This makes it possible for scabies to be transmitted via furniture, beds, and clothing. However, this is extremely rare.
Who is Likely to Get Scabies?
Scabies can infect any person that comes into contact with an infected individual. There are some people who are more likely to get scabies than others. Parents, individuals who are in close contact with children, and people in assisted-living centers or nursing homes often have a higher risk for scabies.
How is Scabies Diagnosed?
We, at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics, can quickly diagnosis a scabies rash. All we will need to do is a brief visual inspection of the infected area. This is often enough to determine if you have scabies.
After a diagnosis of scabies, we may want to do a full body check to determine any other infected areas. Determining what areas are infected can help with treatment.
What Treatment Options are Available for Scabies?
Many people who develop scabies try to use over-the-counter medications to treat the rash and the itching. Unfortunately, over-the-counter medications will only mask the symptoms. They do not treat the condition and clear up the rash.
Prescription medication is the only way to successfully treat scabies. Benzyl benzoate lotion, sulfur ointment, permethrin cream, and lindane lotion are the most commonly prescribed treatments for scabies. These lotions and creams are applied at night and washed off in the morning. Treatment typically lasts a week.
In some severe cases of scabies, a prescription medication known as ivermectin may be needed. Our medical staff can help determine if your case of scabies would require this type of treatment.
Dr. Vivian Bucay and her staff will help create a customized treatment plan that will help not only treat the scabies, but relieve any symptoms – such as itching or skin irritation – that may accompany the scabies.