Scabies treatment over the counter

Overview of over the counter scabies treatment

Scabies is an itchy, highly contagious skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Mites are small eight-legged parasites. They are tiny and burrow into the skin to produce intense itching. Close physical contact with infected person can spread the mites. Because, it can spread quickly through close physical contact in a family, child care group, school class, doctors often recommend treatment for entire families or contact groups to eliminate the mite. Scabies is also common in congested areas such as nursing homes and hospitals.

It is not possible for a human to get scabies from an animal, as an animal is infected by another species of mite that cannot survive on human skin.Scabies infestation occurs worldwide and is very common.

Symptoms

The most common signs of this skin condition are: itching (frequently severe and worse when lying in bed at night), red skin, and thin, irregular burrow marks on one’s skin. Scabies frequently occurs in the crevasses (folds) of the body such as: the buttocks, the inner elbows, the waist area, between the fingers and toes, the genital area, in armpits, under the breasts in women, etc.

Should a person detect these symptoms, it is recommended that they consult a physician immediately.

Because many other skin conditions (such as dermatitis or eczema) can cause the similar symptoms, doctors need to examine the person to determine the exact cause and prescribe the best course of treatment. Even if a person wants to try natural remedies, a doctor should be consulted before doing that.

Treatment for Scabies

The treatment for scabies is focused on eliminating the scabies mites and its eggs from the body.

Scabies can be treated and prevented by natural oils. The most effective oils are:1)Lavender oil. One should clean the affected surface, and then rub it with lavender oil and alcohol. This soothes the skin and prevents itching.2)Neem oil. One should apply drops of this oil on the affected area twice a day. Also, one might take a bath in water 150ml of neem tree oil.3)Tea tree oil. This is one of the most effective treatments for scabies. It should be applied once in the morning and once at night for the best results.

There are also various topical creams that might help one get rid of scabies. These include sulfur creams, permethrin and antihistamines. One should follow the instructions that are on the label, or consult a doctor about the usage. Although they may have side-effects, such as skin irritation and pain, and may emit a bad smell, they are highly effective and kill the scabies thoroughly.