Definition
Scabies refers to an infectious and extremely contagious infestation of the skin, caused by a mite: the disease involves, in particular, the flexor surfaces and folds of the skin.
Causes
The causative agent of scabies is the mite Sarcoptes scabiei hominis, responsible for the intense and implacable itching: the parasite, penetrating the skin - albeit on the surface - deposits the eggs, from which larvae will be born which mature in about 2 weeks, creating damage .
Symptoms
Scabies is characterized by intense itching and the formation of papules and blisters on the skin: the symptoms begin after 3-4 weeks after infection, and are often fomented by other bacterial infections. The erythematous-papular eruption can also extend to the entire body surface, generating impetigo, boils and folliculitis. Severe scab: formation of ulcers and skin crusts, alopecia, involvement of the nails.
NB Scabies tends to degenerate especially in people with HIV or in immunocompromised patients in general.
Information on Scabbia - Drugs for the Treatment of Scabies is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Scabbia - Drugs for the treatment of Scabies.
drugs
In case of ascertained scabies infection, it is first of all necessary to remove all the mites from their skin with their eggs, in addition to treating the itch; it is imperative, then, to carry out a disinfestation of domestic places, paying particular attention to the sanitation of clothes, sheets and blankets where the patient rests. The drugs used in the treatment of scabies are used both for topical and systemic use.
Anti-infective drugs against scabies (acaricides):
- Permethrin (eg Scabianil, Scabiacid): it is recommended to apply the cream (5%) over the entire surface of the body, and wash after 8-12 hours. If the hands were washed before this time, reprocess them again with the drug.
- Malathion (Carbofos): apply the product throughout the body, including the scalp, neck, face and ears. The preparation is available at 0.5%; wash the body after 24 hours. If the hands come into contact with water before the 24 hours, repeat the application. After 7 days, reapply the product.
- Benzyl benzoate (eg Benz Be FN) this drug should also be applied over the entire body surface, even if some areas are asymptomatic. Repeat the application the next day without washing: a shower can be performed after another 24 hours. Sometimes, scabies may require a third application. Consult your doctor.
- Ivermectin (s. Stromectol): to be used exclusively in the case of ascertained hyperkeratotic scab that does not respond to topical pharmacological applications. The drug in question is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, to be taken orally at a dose of 200 µg / kg, in combination with other topical active ingredients.
Drugs to appease the itching associated with scabies
Drugs to appease itching are also used after resolution of the skin infection because eczema and itching rarely disappear when the responsible parasite is removed.
- Crotamitone (eg. Eurax Cream, Crotaglin, Veteusan): apply 2-3 times a day, as prescribed by your doctor. The drug is indicated for adults suffering from scabies itching. For children, the cream should only be applied once a day.
- Topical corticosteroids: used to reduce itching and inflammation after effectively treating scabies. For example, diproprionate betamethasone (eg Diprosone, Celestone, Bentelan) is a corticosteroid indicated to appease pruritus and eczema also associated with scabies. It is available in the form of ointment, cream or gel of 0.064 g of Betamethasone dipropionate. It is recommended to apply the product once or twice a day, respecting the doctor's instructions.
- Sedative oral antihistamines: for example, cyclizine hydrochloride should be taken at a dose of 50 mg 3 times a day. Consult your doctor.
- You can also take targeted antibiotics in case of scabies and bacterial infections.
NB In case of scabies infection, it is advisable to subject all family members or cohabitants to drug treatment. Furthermore, during treatment with drugs, the product must be applied over the entire surface of the body, paying particular attention to the interdigital spaces and to the level of the nails.
