Scabies Treatment Overview And Recomandations

Scabies is a condition that doesn't disappear on its own so it is important if a person suspects that has been infested with the scabies mites to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The longer the medical intervention waits, the greater the chances for spreading the disease.

* A reliable and effective treatment is only based on a doctor's prescription. The nonprescription medications are not strong enough to eradicate the condition.
* Treatments based on creams are applied on the skin from neck to toes and held on for 8-12 hours before washing away. In infants' cases, the lotions will also be applied on the face, scalp and ears avoiding the areas of the eyes and mouth.
* Depending on the kind of medication used, the treatment for scabies should last for 1-3 days. After this period of time, a child can return safely to school or day care.
* Further reexamination may be suggested by the doctors in 2 and 4 weeks after the treatment to establish if the condition was completely eradicated or it has reappeared.
* In the cases of nodular scabies the treatment may include injections of steroids inside the nodules. In some rare cases, on the nodules are applied coal tar products.

After the eradication of the mites that caused the affliction, some of the symptoms may persist for a few days or weeks. Those symptoms are caused by the allergic reactions of the organism to the remaining dead bodies, egg shells and secretions of the mites. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines like benadryl or steroid creams and if the case is severe, steroid pills for alleviating the itch. The symptoms will gradually disappear.

Other persons that should be treated

People who have had close physical contact like sleeping bathing or holding hands with an infected person should also follow a treatment for preventing the spread of the mites.

Treatments for this condition must be taken only under medical advice because some of the medications may cause side effects if misused or used on babies, children, women that are pregnant or breastfeeding and older people. Lindane (Kwell) for instance, can cause problems to the nervous system.

Severe cases of scabies like crusted scabies are likely to occur among persons unable to communicate their physical problems and persons with impaired immune system, such as HIV positive persons.

Medications for scabies

The creams and lotions based on permethrin (Elimite) are the most common medications for scabies. They have been proved to be safe for infants starting from the age of two months, unlike the more toxic Lindane.

* Multiple treatments are usually required by the crusted scabies cases.
* For the symptoms' alleviation doctors recommend antihistamines, steroid creams, and, in severe cases, steroid pills.
* Permethrin, sulfur ointment and crotamiton are the only safe medications for infants under 2 years of age.
* For defined groups of people, Lindane can be used as secondary medication in the treatment of scabies. This medicine must however be applied only once and following the directions of a specialist. Lindane is not recommended for children, old people, and people with impaired immune system or persons that weigh less than 110 lbs (50 kg). In the state of California Lindane is not available for treating lice and scabies.
* In the cases of nodular scabies the treatment may include injections of steroids inside the nodules. In some rare cases, on the nodules are applied coal tar products.

Treatments based on creams are applied on the skin from neck to toes and held on for 8-12 hours before washing away. In infants' cases, the lotions will also be applied on the face, scalp and ears avoiding the areas of the eyes and mouth.

Medications that don't require a prescription are not strong enough to kill the mites.

The treatments for scabies using prescription medications include:

* The first standard treatment for scabies is permethrin cream 5% (Elimite). Usually, one application is enough to kill the mites.
* Lindane 1% (Kwell) must be used exactly as directed in order to avoid dangerous side effects. This medication is used only if scabies persists after trying other medications or the person is unable to take a different treatment.
* Sulfur ointment (precipitated sulfur) 5% to 10%. This medication is milder and less effective than others and is used to treat infants and pregnant or breast-feeding women.
* Crotamiton 10% (Eurax). This medication is not often used because it doesn't dependably kill all the mites and eggs that caused the infestation.
* Ivermectin, which is an oral medication. This medication is still to be researched for effectiveness and finding its best target patients for prescription. Yet, in certain situations, this medicine is prescribed in addition to other medicines for severe cases.

If an additional infection of bacterial nature has reached the skin, the treatment will include antibiotics too.

Lindane is considered to be safe and efficient if it is used as prescribed. Its side – effects however, include permanent damage to the central nervous system if misused. It is thus very important that Lindane, if prescribed, to be taken only as advised by the doctor.