Dermatology, by video or in person
Scabies
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Scabies
- Intense itching, worse at night
- Small red or dark bumps, sometimes in short wavy lines
- Rash between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, waist, groin and buttocks
- In babies: rash on the palms, soles, head and face
- Several people in the same home itching
Scabies is an itchy skin infestation caused by a tiny mite that burrows under the skin. It spreads through close, prolonged skin contact, so it moves easily through families, hostels, boarding schools and care homes. The itching is usually worst at night and often affects several people in the same home. Treatment is a cream or lotion applied to the whole body, or tablets, and everyone living together must be treated on the same day, or the mites pass back and forth. Itching can continue for a few weeks after successful treatment.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Intense itching, worse at night
- Small red or dark bumps, sometimes in short wavy lines
- Rash between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, waist, groin and buttocks
- In babies: rash on the palms, soles, head and face
- Several people in the same home itching
- Sores or crusts from scratching
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you or your child has a night-time itch with a rash, especially if others at home itch too, or if itching continues more than four weeks after treatment. Go to a hospital if the skin becomes hot, swollen and very painful, if there is fever with the rash, or if thick crusts cover large areas, which can happen in older or unwell people.
Treatment options
- Permethrin cream applied to the whole body from the neck down, repeated after a week
- Ivermectin tablets in some cases, prescribed by a doctor
- Treating every household member and close contact on the same day
- Washing clothes, towels and bedding in hot water, or sealing them in a bag for three days
- Antihistamines or soothing creams for itching that continues after treatment
Common Questions
Why do we all need treatment if only one person itches?
People can carry the mites for weeks before they itch. If only one person is treated, the others pass the mites back, and the infestation keeps returning.
Is scabies a sign of being dirty?
No. Scabies spreads by skin contact, not poor hygiene. Anyone can get it, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.
Why do I still itch after treatment?
The skin reacts to dead mites for two to four weeks after treatment. If new burrows or spots appear after that, a second treatment may be needed.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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