flickr.com/photos/waferbaby/5218778631/in/photolist-jn9eZG-jn8HTP-bySEmr-qVGnRv-8XaB4V-ieESv-8qcwc-3hkT4F-9h654j-3hqh1o-3hkSEg-3hkTsT-3hkU98-3hqi51-3hkTGv-3hqhqh-3hkSfH-3hqg9w-3hqfWC-4JKR1R-4TUQus-8ZgiD3-8ZhBoC-c2197J-awbhoG
Scabies is infestation of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. I normally tell patients that “good people get this” as EVERYONE who gets this feels icky (that’s my medical term for it).
Where does this infect your skin? Most commonly in the skin folds, fingers, wrists.. but, it can infect anywhere.
Are there symptoms? Yes. Intense itching, which is usually worse at night. Even after treatment, you may itch for up to one month. This is due to the dead scabies mites (under the skin) causing a localized allergic reaction. Benadryl at bedtime can help initiate sleep and decrease itching.
How to treat this? Permethrin is a cream that is placed on the skin (chin to toes) and kept on overnight. It’s then washed off after 8 hours.
Scabies is not life-threatening, but the severe persistent itching and (occasional) infection of the skin from scratching can be debilitating.
If you have itchy skin, see your doctor…
Dr. Leslie Greenberg's Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.