Scabies is an infectious skin disease which is caused by mites. Scabies mites lay eggs, reproduce and grow on the skins of human (mostly men). These mites can cause severe itching, skin rashes and lots more damages to the skin. Sometimes itching extends up to several years as they rapidly spread on other parts of the skin.

Scabies symptoms are pretty similar to eczema, psoriasis, insect bite and other skin irritations. Therefore it gets difficult to diagnose scabies.

Diagnosis of Scabies

Mites make burrows on the skin and can be detected. Doctor will put mineral oil (few drops) onto any burrow and scratch out little portion of the affected skin. One can see mites, their feces and eggs through microscopes.

In some cases, mite burrows are not easy to identify. In that case, apply blue black ink on the skin. While applying ink, you will notice that ink is clotted at some portion and rest is blotted away.

Another method of diagnosis is wood’s light. In this method, a particular antibiotic solution is put on the skin and later skin surface is wiped. The solution’s specific light wavelength makes burrows visible to the doctor.

Skin rashes and high itchiness are also scabies’s characteristics.

Treatment of Scabies

Scabies can be treated with medical lotion, solutions, creams, medicines and others. Even self care at home can be advantageous.

However, prevention is the best treatment of scabies. Try to avoid contact with the affected person. Don’t share cloths, bed sheets or intercourse with the affected person. Also, treat the person having contacts, sexual contacts etc with the affected person, preventing him from the infection.