| Scabies |
Scabies is a very itchy skin problem, that commonly affects the hands, wrists and fingers. It can affect the elbows, armpits, nipples and buttocks. In males, the genitals are often affected. The itch is worse at night.
This condition is caused by the scabies mite, which is a small parasite that burrows into the skin of infected patients. It is usually transmitted by close person-to-person contact, and by sharing the same bed and clothings, especially among children and people with poor hygiene. The whole family may be affected, as scabies is quite infectious.
The mite can be killed rapidly by the use of an effective medication, eg: benzyl benzoate emulsion. Attention should be paid to the instructions on how the specific medication is to be applied.
The patient may still itch for some days to weeks after the correct treatment. This is because of the development of a hypersensitive reaction of the body to the dead mite. Your doctor may prescribe anti-histaminics and steroids to stop the itch.
Medication use: First evening, immediately after shower apply the lotion to the whole body from neck downwards, even to the unaffected areas. Do not wash away the lotion until the next evening. On second and third evenings, repeat the same. All warm clothing should be washed and sunned. Linen, pillows, mattresses should be dusted and sunned.
 |
Dr.
Kiran Godse |
