Understanding Scabies
If you're experiencing intense itching, a rash, or suspicious lesions resembling scabies, it's crucial to consult your doctor. Avoid self-treatment, as internet remedies are often ineffective compared to prescription medications.
Scabies isn't an emergency, so a 2 am phone call to your doctor isn't necessary. When scheduling an appointment, inform the staff about your concerns regarding scabies for proper guidance.
In most cases, scabies doesn't warrant a trip to the emergency department. However, severe itching, especially in children who might scratch to the point of bleeding, might necessitate an ER visit, especially if you're away from home.
Self-Care Tips
While you can't cure scabies without prescription medication, you can take measures at home to prevent reinfection:
- Wash all clothing, towels, and bed linens in hot water and use a dryer instead of air drying.
- Strictly follow the prescribed medication instructions to prevent skin irritation.
- Relieve itching with antihistamine medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Keep your nails short and clean underneath to remove any mites or eggs.
- Vacuum rugs, furniture, and bedding, and dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag properly.
Post-Treatment Follow-up
Even after treatment, itching may persist for up to 4 weeks, which doesn't necessarily indicate treatment failure. It's advisable to have a follow-up examination by a doctor within 1-2 weeks.
Preventing Scabies
Preventing scabies is challenging, but avoiding close contact with infected individuals is key. If someone close to you has scabies, seek treatment. Healthcare workers should use proper personal protection, including gloves and gowns, when attending patients with suspicious rashes and itching.
After Treatment
Once diagnosed, treatment is usually highly effective. If the rash reappears, reinfection might be the cause. Persistent itching post-treatment can be managed with antihistamines.