Scabies can be a nightmare,the sad thing however is that most often
doctors are not able to effectively diagnose the infestation,there is no detailed guide
on its prevention,and effective treatment in Nigeria,and most often people shy away from
acknowledging the fact they had the infestation, so information concerning this
parasite is still low,especially in Africa.
doctors are not able to effectively diagnose the infestation,there is no detailed guide
on its prevention,and effective treatment in Nigeria,and most often people shy away from
acknowledging the fact they had the infestation, so information concerning this
parasite is still low,especially in Africa.
If However you have a skin infection that has refused to heal despite the application of medicated skin creams,and itches terribly at night,maybe it is a scabies infestation.
How To Cure Scabies,Prevention,Treatment In Nigeria
What is scabies?
Scabies is a very highly contagious skin infection or rather
an infestation caused by a very small parasite mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.
an infestation caused by a very small parasite mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.
This mite burrows into the top layers of skin to lay eggs.
How does my doctor diagnose scabies?
For Most times its a herculean task for doctors to actually
diagnose scabies, however the doctor will scrap the infected area and view
under a microscope in other to see the mite.
diagnose scabies, however the doctor will scrap the infected area and view
under a microscope in other to see the mite.
How do I know if I have scabies?
If the itching is unbearable,also if
you notice itchy pimple on your body or a rash that appears to be spreading.
you notice itchy pimple on your body or a rash that appears to be spreading.
- Examine your body,check if the bumps are almost in a straight line
next to each other. - You have taken antibiotics and anti fungal pills,and nothing
seems to stop the itching,it keeps spreading.
How did I contact scabies?
- You can contact scabies by sharing clothes,or personal household items,
however it’s a low risk. - It is likely that you contacted scabies through s*x.
- Scabies mites need about 20 minutes of skin-to-skin contact to
transfer from one person to another.
You cannot contact scabies from farm animals,the specie that
infect farm animals do not infect humans.
infect farm animals do not infect humans.
Can I see the ticks?
Most people claim to see the scabies mite with an unaided
eye,by checking the ‘burrows’ made by the mites.
eye,by checking the ‘burrows’ made by the mites.
However you might be able to see the ticks,just look out for
white or black dots.
white or black dots.
What are the tell tale symptoms/signs of scabies?
If you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms,and maybe your doctor misdiagnosed your skin infection,you can go back to your doctor and ask for a scabies test.
Symptoms of scabies infestation/infection
- Unbearable itching
- Pimple like spots,Itching in private part,between fingers,around
wrist,back of hands,under the breasts for females, stomach etc
- Usually the
face,scalp and shoulders are spared, except in immunosuppressed individuals,
babies or elderly people. - Itchy Pimple keeps spreading,even afer taking medications
- The itch gets worst at night
- Sometimes the infection might look like other skin
infections like eczema, jock itch etc
- Itchy pimple might become filled with clear fluid
How long does it take to be infected with scabies?
For people who has not suffered the infection before It
might take some weeks before symptoms will show.
might take some weeks before symptoms will show.
For others that has suffered from this infestation,it takes
between 1-2 days before symptoms start to show.
between 1-2 days before symptoms start to show.
However in people with strong immune system,symptoms start
to manifest immediately, your body’s anti body is reacting to the scabies on
your skin.
to manifest immediately, your body’s anti body is reacting to the scabies on
your skin.
How come I have bumps but the are not itchy?
Some people might have an infestation of bumps,or suddenly
see bumps or infection like bumps on their skins without itching.
see bumps or infection like bumps on their skins without itching.
Some people do not even have the rash like symptoms or experience the itch,they just transfer the
infection without knowing.
infection without knowing.
Are condoms effective against scabies infection?
Condoms are totally ineffective against scabies.
they are transferred from close body contact,mostly during
intercourse,so using a rubber cannot protect you from scabies.
intercourse,so using a rubber cannot protect you from scabies.
What are the complications of not properly treating scabies?
I do not think its even possible to live with a scabies
infestation,however if left untreated further complications can occur,like:
infestation,however if left untreated further complications can occur,like:
- Lack of sleep can cause fatique.
- Scratching leaves scars which might be attacked by bacteria,thus leading to another skin infection.
- Acute rheumatic fever,kidney problems and impetigo might
occur.
How long does the scabies mite live on the skin?
Adult female mite can live on the skin for about 3-4 weeks
before dying after laying eggs.
before dying after laying eggs.
In general, mites do not survive away from human skin.
But can
survive for 24–36 hours away from the human body.
survive for 24–36 hours away from the human body.
How long will my scabies infection last?
It depends on the how long and how quickly the infection was diagnosed,if diagnosed early and given proper treatment you should be scabies free within 8-12 weeks.
How do I treat a scabies infestation?
It seems like the infection affects people differently,some
people suggest home remedies and claim that some home remedies can cure scabies infection,however this home remedies have not been tested and certified by health
officials, so its smart not to try any home remedy that has not been proven to be clinically safe.
people suggest home remedies and claim that some home remedies can cure scabies infection,however this home remedies have not been tested and certified by health
officials, so its smart not to try any home remedy that has not been proven to be clinically safe.
You can treat scabies infection with two doses of Ivermectin
and in some cases Permethrin,your doctor might also prescribe antihistamines
and prescription anti-inflammatory agents to help you with the severe itching.
and in some cases Permethrin,your doctor might also prescribe antihistamines
and prescription anti-inflammatory agents to help you with the severe itching.
How does Ivermectin treat scabies skin infection?
Ivermectin is a drug that is taken orally,it works by affecting
the nervous system of scabies mite.
the nervous system of scabies mite.
The effect of ivermectin is muscle
paralysis and eventually death of the parasite.
paralysis and eventually death of the parasite.
This drug has no negative effect on the nervous system of
humans.
humans.
How to properly take dosage of ivermectin?
You take the drug based on your weight,see chart below.
Dosage guidelines based on body weight:
15 to 25 kg: 3 mg orally one time
26 to 44 kg: 6 mg orally one time
45 to 64 kg: 9 mg orally one time
65 to 84 kg: 12 mg orally one time
85 kg or more: 0.15 mg/kg orally one time
How does Permethrin treat scabies?
Permethrin is actually the most effective treatment for
scabies,and remains your best weapon in your arsenal against scabies.
scabies,and remains your best weapon in your arsenal against scabies.
How is Permethrin applied?
It is applied from the neck down, usually before bedtime,
and left on for about 8 to 14 hours before washing off in the morning.
and left on for about 8 to 14 hours before washing off in the morning.
Make sure you coat the entire skin surface, not just
symptomatic areas; any patch of skin left untreated can provide another
breeding spot for one or more scabies mites to survive.
symptomatic areas; any patch of skin left untreated can provide another
breeding spot for one or more scabies mites to survive.
One application normally does the job.
permethrin is also known to kills eggs and hatchlings as
well as adult mites.
well as adult mites.
Apply the cream the second time seven days later as a
precaution.
precaution.
For severe infestation,oral ivermectin can be used with Permethrin.
Permethrin may cause
slight irritation of the skin that is usually tolerable.
slight irritation of the skin that is usually tolerable.
What should I do to aid fast recovery during treatment of
scabies?
scabies?
- Bedding, clothing and towels used during the previous three
days should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. - Consider wrapping sofas,pillows with plastic covers.
- Vacuum
clean the apartment,scrub the floor with bleach. - After washing your cloth with
hot water make sure you iron with hot iron before wearing,it helps to kill the
ticks.
Other treatments include lindane, benzyl benzoate etc
Will people am living with contact the scabies infection?
It is safe that people you live with or share an apartment
with take precautionary measures.
with take precautionary measures.
They should also be treated for scabies,also all your sexual
partners should also be treated to avoid re infection.
partners should also be treated to avoid re infection.
Generally it is advisable to desist from having an intimate contact during the treatment days,however if you have already taken the first and
2nd dosage of treatment, the infection load should be reduced by now and your
partner will face a lower risk of infection,however its better to wait till
after treatment and recovery or you ask your doctor first.
2nd dosage of treatment, the infection load should be reduced by now and your
partner will face a lower risk of infection,however its better to wait till
after treatment and recovery or you ask your doctor first.
How do I buy Oral ivermectin or Permethrin 5%?
In Nigeria you can buy ivermectin over the counter without prescription
for as low as N10 per pill,Permethrin is also cheap and affordable, in
countries like the united states,and Uk etc you might need a doctors prescription.
for as low as N10 per pill,Permethrin is also cheap and affordable, in
countries like the united states,and Uk etc you might need a doctors prescription.
How do I cure recurring scabies infestation for good?
If you have applied the steps listed above, and it seems
that nothing is working, then its time to attack the mites with everything in
your arsenal.
that nothing is working, then its time to attack the mites with everything in
your arsenal.
How to treat scabies infection,follow this effective 10 steps below:
- Step 1: Go and get tested for scabies infection,if result
turns out to be positive you can then proceed with the treatment.
- Step 2: Wash and dry all clothes,vacuum sofas,put your
clothes in a plastic bag for at least 78 hours to kill the mites.
- Step 3: Before you put on a new washed and dry cloth,make
sure you iron using a hot iron,to kill any remaining mite.
- Step 4: Go and buy over the counter Benzyl Benzoate and Ivermectin oral tablets.
- Step 5: Go take a hot bath, scrub the itchy spots to open
the pores. - Step 6: Apply Benzyl Benzoate cream from neck down,you can
tell a friend to assist in rubbing you down or you can do it yourself in front
of a mirror, make sure you don’t miss a spot. Wash off after 24 hours.
- Step 7: Drink ivermectin tablets,make sure you take the
proper dosage,it is advisable to take the drugs immediately after rubbing
yourself down with Benzyl Benzoate,that way,you will be attacking the scabies mite,internally and externally - Step 8: Repeat the above step in 7days time,for three weeks
straight - Step 9: The itching might intensify during treatment, don’t
panic,after treatment give your body time to heal,it doesn’t mean the drug is
not working,it is called post scabies symptoms.
- Step 10: After treatment, wait for 2-4 weeks,if the post
scabies symptoms has not subsided,then it is time for activate Plan B.
Why does scabies bite itch too much at night?
Scientifically there is no actual reason,its just that its
more quite at night with less distraction, so your most likely to itch more.
more quite at night with less distraction, so your most likely to itch more.
What other medication can be used to control the itching?
Your doctor might prescribed a cream to help with the itch,a
cream like hydrocortisone BP 1% to help relieve the itch.
cream like hydrocortisone BP 1% to help relieve the itch.
Why do I still itch after treatment? (Post Scabies)
Most people still itch even after completing the treatment
and complete eradication of the mites.
and complete eradication of the mites.
The symptoms will continue, in some cases it will
intensify,most people will panic and also intensify the dosage of the drugs which
is wrong,the scabies might become resistant to the drugs.
intensify,most people will panic and also intensify the dosage of the drugs which
is wrong,the scabies might become resistant to the drugs.
After completing the dosage of the drugs,its only normal to
still be seeing symptoms of infestation like itching,rashes,pimples etc,it
doesn’t mean that the drug is not working, you have to give your body 2-4 weeks
for recovery.
still be seeing symptoms of infestation like itching,rashes,pimples etc,it
doesn’t mean that the drug is not working, you have to give your body 2-4 weeks
for recovery.
This is because the treatment will kill the mite and the
skin will react to the dead scabies mite body,also the eggs and residue.
skin will react to the dead scabies mite body,also the eggs and residue.
It will take some time for the skin to completely recover usually
within 3-4 weeks or more,but generally if the treatment was successful you
should feel much better in no long time.
within 3-4 weeks or more,but generally if the treatment was successful you
should feel much better in no long time.
The rashes and spots will gradually disappear and you will be able to sleep better at night,Goodluck!
