Scabies

Scabies is a contagious infection that is caused when mites create burrows in the skin, consequently developing severe itching around the areas of its burrow. Small, red bumps might also develop on the skin along with itching, indicating inflammation under the skin. The intensity of the itch might increase during the night.

Scabies is highly contagious and can easily pass from one person to another just by touch. It can affect men and women of all ages and living situations. Because of this nature of scabies, our doctors recommend treatment for the entire family or peer groups.

To cure this, the treatment kills the mites buried in the skin and the itching goes away within a period of five days to few weeks. Once the eggs are killed, you still might feel itching for several days, but it’s nothing to panic about as it is the usual pace of treatment. In case the treatment is not taken, mites continue to reproduce in large numbers in the skin causing severe itching and sores.

When to seek expert advise

For a preliminary examination you can visit a doctor at the Family Health Services. You can also consult the doctors at the Internal Medicine Services​ at The Aga Khan University Hospital if you experience any of the above symptoms. The initial symptoms are very much like other skin conditions like eczema​ and dermatitis but the doctor will help you identify the infection through a thorough check-up. Scabies cannot be eliminating by bathing with hot water (contrary to common belief) or over-the-counter medicines/ ointments.