Scabies Treatment In Indore

Scabies is an infectious skin disease caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. These microscopic parasites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where they live and lay eggs, leading to intense itching and a rash.

It affects anybody, irrespective of age, hygiene, or class, and spreads very fast due to close contact with an infected person or sharing personal items like bedding, clothes, or towels.

System Description / Symptoms

Typical symptoms of scabies include:

Intense itching, particularly at night.

Rash with small, red bumps or blisters.

Thin, wavy lines on the skin, resulting from the burrowing of mites underneath the skin surface.

Common sites affected include:

Between the fingers

• Wrists and elbows

• Armpits

• Waistline

• Buttocks

• Genital area

The itching is due to an allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs, and their waste.

Treatment

Treatment is focused on eradicating the mites and their eggs and relieving itching.

Topical Medications (Creams and Lotions):

Permethrin cream (5%) - the most common and effective treatment.

Benzyl benzoate lotion (25%) – alternative option.

Sulfur ointment (5–10%) – safe for babies and pregnant women.

Crotamiton cream/lotion (10%) - sometimes used, although less effective.

Apply from the neck down, including under the nails and between fingers and toes. Leave on 8–14 hours before washing off.

Often repeated after 7 days to kill newly hatched mites.

Oral Medication:

Ivermectin tablets, which are prescribed when the infection is severe, wide-spread or when topical treatments have failed.

Itching Relief:

Antihistamines include cetirizine, diphenhydramine.

Calamine lotion or mild steroid creams

Prevention and Control

Preventing the Spread of Scabies

Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals until the treatment has been completed.

Treat all members of the household and close contacts at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms.

Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used in the last 3–4 days in hot water [≥50°C] and dry them in a hot dryer.

Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 3–7 days; mites cannot survive for very long away from skin.

Maintain good personal hygiene, but note that scabies can affect clean people too.

Avoid sharing personal items such as clothes, towels, and bedding.

⚠️ Important Notes

Symptoms may persist up to 2–4 weeks following treatment because of allergic reaction, although mites are dead.

A second treatment may be needed if itching or new burrows occur after 4 weeks. Severe cases (Norwegian or crusted scabies) require medical supervision.