Scabies is a very itchy skin problem, that commonly affects the hands, wrists and fingers. It can affect the elbows, armpits, nipples and buttocks. In males, the genitals are often affected. The itch is worse at night.
Cause of Scabies
The scabies mite causes this condition, which is a small parasite that burrows into the skin of infected patients. It is usually transmitted by close person-to-person contact, and by sharing the same bed or clothings, especially among children and people with poor hygiene. The whole family can be affected, as scabies is quite infectious.
Treatment
The mite can be killed rapidly by the use of an effective medication. Attention should be paid to the specific instruction on how the medication should be applied.
You may still itch for some days to weeks, after correct treatment. This is because of the development of a hypersensitive reaction of your body to the dead mite.
Is it necessary to treat family members ?
Any family member with itch, or those with close body contact, or share the same bed or linen with the patient, whether affected or not, should have the same treatment at the same time.
Your doctor would usually supply sufficient medicine for all of them.