by Michelle Sprecher

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: June 17, 2008

How do you know that you might have contracted scabies? Scabies is most notably recognized by a very itchy rash consisting of small red papules that sometimes form a crust or scab. Sometimes the tunnel the mite creates is visible as a red line under the skin. These signs may take two to six weeks to be noticed though, so if someone that has been in close contact with you has come down with scabies, it may be prudent to be treated for scabies also.

The internet is a good place to view pictures of what scabies skin or the scabies rash looks like. Search for scabies on a medical site to view the condition. It is quite easy to diagnose one's self by comparing the picture. A visit to the dermatologist or doctor will be able to help with the diagnosis and scabies treatment. A skin scrapping will be viewed under a microscope to determine if feces or eggs from the scabies mite are present.

The scabies medicine of choice contains permethrin 5% or malathion as a second choice. These are administered as topical creams or lotions. For an alternative scabies cure consider one of the effective all natural topical treatments. Natural treatments come in the form of lotions and drops used in the bath water. Search the web for natural cures for scabies to find alternative treatment that does not require a prescription.

A form of an antibiotic is usually used during the treatment also. Some doctors consider the prescription antibiotic bactrim and scabies to go hand in hand when combating scabies. Bactrim is most notably used in the treatment for bacterial infections or in this case for the infection that is caused by the itching of the areas where the scabies mite has left behind feces and dead skin cells. Doctors are finding bactrim helps to fight scabies infection from the inside out in addition to any topical antibiotics that may be used. Pomegranate capsules have been found to help in the healing process also if you are going with the alternative natural treatment.

Whatever your form of treatment for scabies make sure to follow through on the complete treatment time recommended otherwise the life cycle of the scabies mite may not be broken and will result in another outbreak. You should plan to dedicate up to twelve days (depending on what treatment plan you follow) to break the lifecycle of the mite. If after completing your treatment you see new outbreaks occur, this means that there are still live mites active. You will have to undergo treatment again; seek your doctor's help in guiding you to a new treatment. Itching will gradually disappear as healing occurs and the pink new skin will eventually turn to normal color.

It is recommended to treat the entire family and living and play areas. Contact those people that have had close contact such as at schools, daycares or playmates or any person who has had physical contact or shared bedding with you. It has been shown that the "itch" has been around for ages and seems to peak every 15-25 years. It is currently wide spread in North America and does not differ between social, ethnic or age groups. If you suspect scabies, seek treatment as soon as possible to keep your outbreak at bay.

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