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Human scabies, also known as scabies, is an infectious disease caused by the miteSarcoptes Scabiei,that reaches the skin and leads to the appearance of symptoms such as intense itching and redness.
This disease is easily transmitted between people of the same family through the sharing of clothes, sheets or towels, for example, being, therefore, recommended to avoid the direct contact with the skin of the infected person or with his clothes, at least until the end of the period. treatment. Although it is also common in animals, scabies are not caught from the dog, as the parasites are different.
Scabies can be cured by performing the treatment indicated by the dermatologist, which usually includes the use of remedies such as permethrin or benzoyl, which help eliminate the mite and relieve scabies symptoms.
Main symptoms
The most common symptom of human scabies is the appearance of a very itchy skin, which worsens at night. If you think you may have this disease, select which of the symptoms you are experiencing:
- 1. Itchy skin that gets worse at night No Yes
- 2. Small blisters on the skin, especially in the folds No Yes
- 3. Red plaques on the skin No Yes
- 4. Lines near bubbles that look like paths or tunnels No Yes
When it comes to the first infection, the symptoms usually appear in up to 2 months, however in the following cases, the symptoms can appear faster, appearing in less than 4 days.
At a time when you have no symptoms, the disease can be spread from person to person. Therefore, if a case of scabies is identified in the family, it is important that all people with whom you have contact are tested so that appropriate treatment can be started, if necessary.
How is the transmission
Human scabies is a very contagious disease that can pass easily between people through direct contact with the skin. This is because the mite femaleSarcoptes Scabiei it lives and deposits its eggs in the most superficial layer of the skin, facilitating its transmission.
In addition, the disease can be spread even if it is not causing symptoms yet. Thus, even if there is no suspicion of scabies, it is important to adopt care that prevents the transmission of this type of disease, such as:
- Do not share bath towels;
- Avoid sharing unwashed clothing;
- Wash the skin at least once a day;
- Avoid direct contact with people living in places with poor hygiene conditions.
In the case of clothes that cannot be washed frequently, a good option is to put them inside a closed plastic bag while they are not being used, as this prevents the mite from being able to feed, eventually being eliminated.
How to Treat Scabies
The treatment for human scabies should be guided by a dermatologist, as it can vary according to the severity of the infestation and the type of skin of each person. However, it is usually done with scabies remedies like:
- Permethrin: is a cream that must be applied to the skin to eliminate the mite and its eggs. Can be used on adults, pregnant women and children over 2 years;
- Crotamiton: can be purchased in the form of a cream or lotion that must be applied daily. It should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding women;
- Ivermectin: is a pill that strengthens the immune system and helps to eliminate the mite. It should not be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding women or children under 15 kg.
Generally, these remedies should be applied to the entire body, from the neck down, and should be in contact with the skin for 8 hours, so it is recommended to do the treatment before bed. In addition, during treatment it is also important to maintain proper body hygiene and wash all clothes, sheets or towels that have been in direct contact with the skin in hot water. See more about remedies for scabies.
Home remedy for scabies
An excellent natural home remedy to relieve scabies symptoms and facilitate treatment is aloe vera gel. This gel has properties that soothe the skin, reduce itching and can help eliminate dust mites. To use this remedy, you must remove the gel from the inside of an aloe leaf and spread it over the affected regions, leaving it to act for at least 15 minutes. then the region should be washed with water and neutral pH soap.
Check out other recipes for natural remedies for scabies.