Scabies: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Regarding scabies, body and clothing cleaning?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I've been experiencing itching all over my body, particularly between the fingers of my ring finger and on the sides of my elbows, where there are also some red bumps.
Additionally, my armpits and buttocks are itchy, and my limbs feel itchy as well.
The itching resembles that of scabies and appears symmetrically on both sides, which makes me worried that it might be scabies.
One day, I felt itching on my feet while at the library, and after showering at home, the itching did not improve; in fact, I started to feel itching in my limbs.
However, the intensity of the itching is not as severe as that of a mosquito bite.
At night, I feel like there is something moving under the covers, but I'm not sure if it's just my anxiety playing tricks on me; it hasn't affected my sleep so far.
Since the overall symptoms don't seem severe, I'm afraid that if I see a doctor, they might think I'm overreacting.
However, I have small children and a pregnant woman at home, and I'm worried that I might be in the incubation period and could infect them.
Is it possible that this is scabies?
My second question is whether using diluted disinfectant (currently using a diluted version of Epi-Bron disinfectant) on my body and using medicated soap would be effective.
Also, since it's a bit challenging to achieve high-temperature sterilization at home, would it be okay to take my clothes to a laundromat and request high-temperature disinfection? Could this potentially spread to others? Thank you, doctor.

Yīshēng nín hǎo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/26

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Without actually seeing the lesion, it is impossible to make a definitive diagnosis.
If it is very concerning, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Disinfectants are not effective.

Reply Date: 2019/05/26

More Info

Scabies, also known as sarcoptic mange, is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the infestation of the skin by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as intense itching, especially in the areas you mentioned (between the fingers, elbows, armpits, and buttocks), along with the presence of red bumps, are indeed characteristic of scabies. The itching is often worse at night, which aligns with your description of feeling like something is moving under the covers.
Scabies is typically spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infested person, but it can also be transmitted through shared clothing, bedding, or towels. Given that you have children and pregnant individuals at home, it is crucial to address your symptoms promptly to prevent potential transmission.

Diagnosis and Treatment
To confirm a diagnosis of scabies, it is essential to see a healthcare provider. They can examine your skin and may perform a skin scraping to identify the mites or their eggs under a microscope. If scabies is confirmed, treatment usually involves topical scabicides such as permethrin cream or oral ivermectin, which are effective in killing the mites and alleviating symptoms.

Self-Management and Prevention
While waiting for a professional diagnosis, here are some self-management tips:
1. Avoid Scratching: Although it is difficult, try to avoid scratching the affected areas, as this can lead to secondary infections.

2. Hygiene Practices: Wash your clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle. If you cannot wash items in hot water, placing them in a sealed plastic bag for at least 72 hours can help kill the mites.

3. Disinfecting: Using diluted disinfectants like the one you mentioned (e.g., bleach solutions) can help clean surfaces, but it is not a substitute for proper medical treatment. While it may help reduce the risk of transmission, it is not a definitive solution for treating scabies.

4. Professional Cleaning: Sending items to a professional cleaner that can ensure high-temperature washing is a good idea. This can help eliminate any potential mites from clothing and bedding.

5. Avoid Close Contact: Until you can confirm whether you have scabies, try to minimize close contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals like children and pregnant women.

Potential for Transmission
If you do have scabies, it is possible to transmit it to others, especially through close contact. The mites can survive off the human body for a short period, which is why washing and disinfecting shared items is essential.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may suggest scabies, only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially considering the potential risk to others in your household. In the meantime, practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with others will help minimize the risk of transmission. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing scabies effectively.

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A clinical assessment may need to be conducted first before recommending medication.