Treatment Steps

Treatment Steps

     The important thing is to prepare for treatment.  Here are the steps that worked for me:

1. I went to my dermatologist and after we both decided I had scabies he prescribed Permethrin Cream 5%.  I know this is a pesticide but it's the only thing I've used that works.  I don't mean to knock the holistic "cures," but none of them worked for me.  I like to stick to proven science. 
2.  I went to my local pharmacy and picked up latex gloves and Benadryl.  The latex gloves are used so you can go about your day-to-day activities after you apply the Permethrin Cream all over your body, and you don't get it on the random things you might be touching.  
3. Next, I waited until Friday to apply the Permethrin cream so I had an entire weekend to dedicate to cleaning and and eradicating this nuisance.  TO BE CONTINUED... 

Diagnosing Scabies

Diagnosing Scabies

     Day 1:  I woke up to find a couple red dots on my back.  They were small, faint and they didn't have any typical blistering that's usually associated with scabies.  In my particular case the marks briefly itched after I got out of the shower, but the itch quickly subsided. 

(Day 1: Scabies on Back)

     Day 2:  On day 2 I notice that I had one mark on my inner thigh on one leg, and two marks on my inner thigh on my other leg, as well as a couple more marks on my back.  

 

 (Day 2: Two Scabies Marks on Inner Thigh)

 (Day 3: Two more scabies marks show up on my other inner thigh)

 (Day 3: Additional scabies marks on my other thigh)

 (Day 4: Scabies mark on my stomach)

     If you search Google Images for "Scabies Rash" you will see all kinds of major, gruesome rashes.  In reality the scabies rash typically starts out small as they begin to lay eggs and produce feces, which cause the rash (gross I know).  This can occur on multiple parts of the body at once.  These rashes, or marks that resemble bug bites will sometimes appear in large clusters, and sometimes be exclusive to one mark on your body.  There is no standard.  This is why if you suspect scabies it is important to see your dermatologist and begin treatment at this stage to avoid a wide scale spread of marks that can cause permanent scarring and endless sleepless nights.  

 

Background Information and My Personal Story

Background Information and My Personal Story

     Before I get into the treatment that worked to cure my scabies, I thought I'd give you a bit of background on my specific circumstances in the hope that it will help you fully eradicate your scabies.  First and foremost...DON'T FREAK OUT!   

     I'm a 28 year old male from Dallas, Texas.  I come from a family of doctors so they were able to help diagnose me (as well as my dermatologist).  I know that most of you currently reading this do not have the luxury of medical experts in your immediately family, but I advise everyone to see a doctor ASAP if you think you might be infected with scabies (see next entry: Diagnosing Scabies).  

     I've been completely loyal to my girlfriend of six years, and she in turn has been completely loyal to me (don't roll your eyes.  It's true!).  We sleep in the same bed most nights, and usually cuddle for a little while before we venture  to our separate sides of the bed to sleep.  

     It's unclear how I became infected with scabies (for the second time in my life), but there are multiple ways to contract scabies in adulthood.  Typically scabies are obtained from direct, prolonged body-to-body contact with someone that has scabies, but there are other ways to contract scabies as well.  These are my thoughts on how I contracted scabies:

•      My girlfriend, a nurse practitioner, is asymptomatic at the moment.  She has no typical symptoms in common with the diagnosis of scabies (eg. intense to moderate itching at night, burning/itching sensation after a hot shower, a rash that looks like little bug "bites"/blisters, etc.).  It's important to note that there is no standards for the diagnosis of scabies!  Scabies affect everyone differently, and scabies affect people from all social classes.  This isn't a third world disease!  Since my girlfriend works at hospital there is a good chance she contracted scabies there and brought them home.  Since she has never been infected she would not show symptoms until 2-6 weeks post exposure.  I, on the other hand, could show symptoms in 1-7 days since I previously contracted scabies when I was in junior high.  It is important to note that while asymptomatic one can still pass on scabies to others.   

•      While it is uncommon, you can get scabies from a handshake or laying on the same sofa and/or bed as someone who has scabies.  If you notice rashes/red bumps in the webs of an individual's fingers then there is a chance that they could be spreading the virus through casual contact.  All that said don't become a hypochondriac as many do when they find out they have scabies.  Be calm and be logical.  

•      While sexual contact can spread scabies it doesn't mean that it is an STD due to the fact that there are many other ways to contract scabies!  In fact many leading dermatologists are working to remove this stigma, and declassify scabies as an STD. 

All that said, it is impossible to know how I originally contracted scabies.  I had to come to terms with the fact I had scabies and begin an effective treatment!