Scabies

If you or a loved one has ever experienced scabies, you know just how uncomfortable and disruptive the condition can be. Help is available through the care of Frank Samarin, MD, and the team at Mountaintop Dermatology in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Call the office to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online.

What causes scabies?

Scabies is an infestation of the skin that occurs when tiny burrowing mites infiltrate the outermost layers of your skin. It’s uncomfortable to think about, but these tiny creatures burrow into your skin and lay eggs. When those eggs hatch, the larvae move through your skin, eventually maturing. 

Scabies can spread from one person to the next very easily, provided those individuals have close contact. The mites are often transferred through shared clothing or bedding, and between people who touch one another frequently. Infestations are transferred in family groups, between small kids at school or in daycare, and in older adults in residential care settings.  

What are some signs I might have scabies?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when to seek treatment for scabies. The primary symptom is a severe, persistent itching sensation. Many people notice that their itching worsens at night. 

Additional signs of scabies in children and adults include:

• Skin rash that looks like small red bumps or blisters
• Small red or raised lines on the surface of your skin
• Itching in areas where you have folds of skin
• Areas of skin that appear infected, often from scratching

In severe cases, areas of skin become thickened with a crusty appearance. This indicates that there are tens of thousands of mites within the skin. This level of infestation is usually only found in individuals with compromised immune function. 

Are there treatments that can help with scabies?

Fortunately, there are treatments that can eliminate scabies infestation. All treatment options are only available with a prescription from a medical professional, so avoid over-the-counter products that claim to cure scabies. 

Topical treatments include permethrin cream, which delivers chemicals to your skin that kill mites as well as developing eggs. Sulfur cream is also an option, and is applied at bedtime and rinsed from your skin the following morning. 

Oral medication is also an option. If topical creams don’t provide measurable improvement, Dr. Samarin can prescribe a course of pills to eliminate the infestation. Drug therapy is also a good option for advanced infestations or for people who have immune system issues. 

If you or someone you love experiences any changes in your skin or symptoms that don’t improve with time or self-care, reach out to Mountaintop Dermatology to book a diagnostic exam. Visits can be booked online or by phone at your convenience.