DEAR DR. GOTT: My daughter and granddaughter contracted scabies about one and a half months ago. They have developed skin conditions due to the treatment. My daughter has covered everything in plastic, sprays with enzymes, soaked in sulfur baths (thus the skin reaction), and is at her wits’ end because she is still seeing red marks on her skin and is afraid to treat herself any further. What is your recommendation? Please help!
DEAR READER: Scabies is a condition caused by a mites that burrow into the skin, sometimes causing extreme itching and irregular red lines with tiny blisters or bumps above the burrow tracks. It is highly contagious but readily treatable.
Scabies infections in adults are often noticed in the folds of the skin, such as between the fingers, in the armpits, around the breasts, waist, wrists, or male genitalia and on the inner elbow, soles of the feet, knees, shoulder blades, or buttocks. In children, the scalp, face, neck, soles of the feet, and palms of the hands are most commonly affected.
Treatment involves the use of one or more topical ointments to kill the mites. Itching may last for several weeks after the mites have been eliminated. For those who may experience complications due to altered immune systems or who fail to improve with topical medication, oral ivermectin may be prescribed.
Home remedies to relieve the itching include cool compresses, over-the-counter antihistamines and calamine lotion. It is also important to wash all linens, clothes, blankets, etc., and dry them on high heat. Items that can’t be washed should be stored in securely closed plastic bag for up to three weeks in order to starve/kill the mites.
You state that you daughter is afraid to treat herself further. I take this to mean that she hasn’t seen a doctor for a prescription. Clearly her methods aren’t working, but without a proper diagnosis this may be because she is attempting to treat herself and her daughter for something they don’t have. Both need to be seen by a physician for examination, testing and treatment. Self-diagnosis of any condition is almost always a bad idea, especially by those without a medical background. It can delay proper diagnosis, treatment and, in some situations, lead to irreversible complications.