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These are tiny mites living on the skin, which
feed off dead skin cells. What to look for
When the female mite start to breed, the
symptoms will be as follows:
- intensely itchy rash located between the
fingers or around the wrists, elbows, navel, nipples, lower abdomen, and genitals.
- scabs that tend to form over scratched
areas.
The primary symptom, itchy, red lacerations
result when the female mite tunnels into the skin and deposits eggs and faeces.
Environments such as nursing homes and childcare centres provide perfect breeding grounds
for the mite, which needs a human host to survive.
Causes
Scabies mites are very difficult to get rid
of once they infest you. They transfer to other people via close personal contact. You
will not usually get these mites from your dog or cat. The symptoms usually appear two
weeks after infestation and are your body’s reaction to the mites.
Always see your doctor for an accurate
diagnosis, as you may not receive the tell-tale red lines.
Traditional Treatments
Treatment is usually a simple case of
applying the lotion which your doctor recommends to you. Anybody you have been in contact
with should also be treated at the same time. The whole household will have to be treated.
The mites can live on any surface for about 3 days, therefore all areas and surfaces must
be vacuumed and cleaned thoroughly. The mites can also live in toys and books etc.
Alternative/Natural Treatments
There are particular herbs that are useful
for relieving the itching and redness.
Herbal Therapies -
Application
of
tea tree oil
diluted in a calendula carrier oil will often rid this ailment.Application
of
tea tree oil diluted in a calendula carrier oil will often rid this ailment.
Personal Care -
Rubbing
lavender oil into your sores can also help
relieve itching. Rubbing
lavender oil into your sores can also help
relieve itching.
Prevention
The best way to prevent getting scabies is
to avoid contact with the mite. If you contract the parasite, take basic steps to avoid
reinfection and infecting others:
- Apply a over-the-counter from the neck down
and leave it on for at least eight hours.
- Wash all linens, towels, and clothes in hot
water; store stuffed animals and other hard-to-wash items in bags for at least a week.
When to seek further professional advice
- you suspect you have scabies.
- your lesions appear to ooze or show other
signs of infection
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