Scabies is an itchy skin rash caused by a tiny burrowing mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. Where the mite burrows, intense itching may occur and at night the need to scratch may be stronger.
It is contagious and spreads quickly through close person-to-person contact in a family, child care group, school class, nursing home or prison. Because it so easily spreads, health care providers recommend treating the entire family and/or any close contacts.
It is an easily treatable condition. Medicated skin creams or pills kill the mites that cause Scabies and their eggs. Itching, however, may not stop for many weeks even after treatment.
Scabies is often in the folds of the skin. It may, however, appear on many parts of the body. It is most often found:
In infants and young children, common sites of Scabies usually include:
Scabies is caused by a tiny eight-legged mite. It is the female mite which burrows under the skin to make a tunnel, in which it then lays eggs.
When the eggs hatch, the mite larvae come up to the skin’s surface and that is where they mature. These mites then spread to other areas of the skin or to other people’s skin. Itching is caused by the body’s allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and their waste.
Pets do not spread Scabies to humans, because the Scabies mites which infect animals, do not survive or reproduce in people. Coming in contact with an animal with Scabies, however, can cause brief itching if the mite gets under a person’s skin. But, the mite dies in a few days, so treatment is not required.
Common symptoms of Scabies include:
Itching happens due to the body’s allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and their waste
These are made due to the actions of the burrowing mite, Sarcoptes scabie
If you have had Scabies before, the symptoms can start within a few days of exposure. If you have never had Scabies before, it may take up to six weeks for any symptoms to show. You can, however, spread Scabies even if you do not exhibit any symptoms.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Scabies using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Dietary Adjustments: It is advised to consume fresh green vegetables and fruits, and it is better to avoid spicy foods which can lead to inflammation and irritation.
Panchakarma Therapies: Panchakarma therapies help in detoxifying and cleansing the body. It consists of several therapeutic procedures that help in eliminating toxins from the body and promoting overall health and well-being.
Lifestyle Modifications: By adding regular exercise, maintaining good hygiene and utilising stress management techniques, one can effectively manage Scabies.
HACCP Certified Ayurvedic Medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.
Ayurveda is India’s traditional system of medicine which includes the usage of herbs for rebalancing the body’s energies and improving overall health. In cases of skin diseases such as Scabies, specific combinations of Ayurvedic medicines are used which concentrate on the removal of the mites as well as recovery of the damaged skin. Listed below are a few recommended Ayurvedic herbs which help in managing Scabies:
Neem: it can help reduce skin redness and inflammation of the skin caused by Scabies.
Turmeric: it can reduce symptoms of Scabies and provide relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea tree oil: it is an effective topical treatment since it relieves itching and heals the rashes on the skin.
Aloe vera: it helps to calm down severe irritation and infection of the skin. It also controls the condition of Scabies and helps to heal the skin.
Scabies infestation causes intense itching which leads to scratching and damaging of the skin. The infestation may last for years without treatment and has been called the seven year itch.
The main symptoms of Scabies are intense itching and rash in areas of the body where the mites have burrowed. The itching is often worse at night when skin is warmer.
It is recommended not to have sex or close physical contact until the full course of treatment has been completed. It is also advised not to share bedding, clothing or towels with someone who is infected with Scabies.
Scabies mites burrow into the top layer of the skin, where the adult female lays eggs. The eggs hatch in 3-4 days and develop into adult mites in 1-2 weeks. After 4-6 weeks the infected person develops an allergic reaction to the presence of mite proteins and faeces in the Scabies burrow, causing intense itching and rashes.
Temperatures in excess of 50 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes can kill mites and their eggs. Wash bedding, clothing and towels in hot water and dry in a hot dryer for maximum effectiveness.
Scabies happens on the body but usually not on the head or neck area. Itching with Scabies is severe and often worse at night.
While Scabies can be frustrating and uncomfortable for several weeks, proper treatment can get rid of the mites and help ease symptoms. It may take up to two months for the skin to heal.
