Tags
childhood infections, Children Skin Dermatologist, Dr Lynn Chiam, Family Skin Clinic, Laser Clinic Singapore, parasitic skin infections, Pediatric Skin Singapore, Scabies, Singapore Dermatologist, Skin Laser Clinic
Scabies
Scabies is caused by the scabies mite (a parasite). It causes intense itch which can be worse at night. Scabies commonly affects the hands, wrists and fingers. It can also affect the elbows, armpits, nipples and buttocks. In males, the genitalia are often affected.
How do you get scabies?
The parasite burrows into the skin of infected patients. It is transmitted by close person-to person contact, and by sharing same bed or clothing. The whole family can be affected as scabies is quite infectious.
How is scabies treated?
The mite can be killed by the use of effective medication like Benzyl Benzoate Emulsion, Malathion or Permethrin. Attention should be paid to the specific instruction on how the medication should be applied.
Why does it itch even after treatment?
You may still itch for some days to weeks after correct treatment. This is because of the development of a hypersensitive reaction of your body to the dead mite. Your doctor will prescribe anti- itch medication and steroid creams. Do not apply excessive amounts of the anti- scabies medication.
