How do you get rid of scabies?
Ah, mystery solved! You finally got to the bottom of what’s behind all the intense and incessant itching you’ve been experiencing. Yep, all signs point to scabies – an invisible mite that burrows into and lays eggs in the epidermal (topmost) layer of the skin. We know. Not the news you were hoping for. And, if you have scabies, the number one thing you’re likely thinking is “how can I get rid of these pesky little skin invaders?” While scabies can be really uncomfortable and a pain to deal with, it doesn’t pose a serious health risk and can be treated discreetly online. Let’s take a closer look at this skin condition.
What does scabies look and feel like?
Skin is intimate. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and a big part of how you experience the world and interact with those around you. It’s part of the physical expression of who you are. And when something is affecting how your skin feels and looks, it can be really distressing.
It’s important to know that anyone can get scabies. And, thankfully – with the right treatment and some patience – scabies can become a distant memory.
Scabies symptoms
- Itching – Intense itching is the most common (and annoying) symptom of scabies. Itching is often especially noticeable at night – making it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
- Rash – A skin rash that resembles little red raised pimples is another common symptom associated with scabies. The rash can affect any part of the body, but is often found between the fingers, on the wrists, in the crook of elbows, armpits, waistline and buttocks.
- Skin changes – Some people who have scabies also notice thin raised lines that resemble little channels just below the skin’s surface – signaling where the mites burrow into the skin.
How do you get scabies?
Scabies is really contagious. Not casual-handshake contagious, but close contact contagious. So how do you get scabies?
1. Direct transmission
Scabies is most often passed through direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. This means that if your sexual partner gets scabies, you can get it too. Or if your child gets scabies at summer camp or daycare, you’re also at risk.
2. Indirect transmission
Scabies can also be passed through contact with infected objects, as itch mites can live on everyday household items for up to three days. That’s why washing and isolating (think plastic bags) infected clothing, towels, bedding and toys is an important preventive measure.
INSIDER TIP
Don’t scratch that itch! We know the itch associated with scabies can be intense. But scratching could lead to an infection and make your skin feel worse. Relieve itchiness with an over-the-counter topical anti-itch lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream.
How do you keep scabies from spreading?
Controlling the spread of scabies can be tricky. That’s because people who are exposed for the first time may not exhibit any signs or symptoms for up to 6 weeks – but they’re still contagious during this timeframe. That’s why, even if they don’t have symptoms, people who live together need to be treated. Proactively treating everyone in a household is the best way to prevent scabies from recurring weeks later. The key is to catch scabies early, get treatment and take the necessary preventive steps.
Online care for scabies
Scabies can easily spread to roommates, partners and kids. Get online treatment for everyone in your inner circle.
Online treatment of scabies
Online care is a great option for treating scabies. You can get a discreet diagnosis and individualized treatment plan without leaving your home. What a relief!
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