Mites on the skin cause a condition that is better known as Scabies. It is a highly contagious condition and can be spread easily by just shaking hands, sharing clothes, combs, brushes, bed and bath linen or sexual contact with an infected person. Lice are an entirely different species, and do not usually affect the skin – they infest areas with thick hair, such as the scalp and the pubic area. The sarcoptes scabies mites are small mites that are grayish, almost transparent and wingless insects. The mite lives on human skin or hair, survives by feeding on human blood, and lays eggs underneath or on the skin. It takes almost 2 weeks after infestation for the symptoms to show. The symptoms of scabies are severe itchiness and sores from scratching on the body. One can also get sick with fever and headache from the infected bites. Other symptoms that can be seen are a rash which is rough, grainy and red between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, breasts, waist and genitals.
Scabies is best treated by a doctor, however there are few home remedies that can be used to effectively reduce the itching and get rid of the mites or lice. Calamine lotion and cold soaks can be used to get relief from the itching. Also pain killers or an over-the-counter antihistamine will help in reducing the irritation and pain caused by the itching. Application of an anti-louse lotion after bathing with soap and water can sometimes help in removing the mites. A mixture made of equal parts of Margosa leaves paste, mustard oil and turmeric powder can be applied to the skin for an hour before washing off with water to help heal the lesions. The mixture must be applied for seven to ten days for best results. Drastic methods like using harsh soaps, alcohol or applying kerosene on the skin will worsen the condition and damage the skin, and hence must be avoided. All the clothes, bed and bath linen must be washed with soap in hot water and dried in heat on the day the treatment is started. It is also necessary to vacuum clean the house and car. This is to avoid re-infestation and recurrence of scabies.
To prevent scabies clothes must be washed after wearing them once or twice. All bed and bath linen must be washed often. General hygiene must be maintained by bathing or showering every day. Sharing of personal items such as combs, headphones, hats, gloves and other similar items must be avoided completely.
answered by G M