Scabies treatment
The aim and principle of the treatment of dross is the elimination of the parasites responsible for the dross. In order to achieve this, drugs can be taken, which are called anti-scabies preparations. Overall, the scabies can be treated very well.
It should be noted, however, that the drugs used can have strong side effects and therefore, especially in risk groups such as pregnant women and small children, it should be considered which drug is suitable. The available drugs can be applied directly to the skin or taken as tablets. The side effects of the tablets, which are hardly ever used in Germany, are usually stronger than those of ointments applied directly to the skin.
The most common active ingredient used for scabies is the so-called permethrin. The duration of application can vary, although the parasites can often be eliminated after 2 weeks. However, the symptoms may persist for several weeks after the parasites have been eliminated.
Within 12 hours of starting treatment with permethrin, there is usually no longer any risk of infection for other people. In addition to the application of the anti-scabies preparations as part of medical treatment, there are some home remedies that can also contribute to the healing of scabies. Since the mites are also on the clothes and bed linen of the affected persons, all textiles should first be washed at 60° or stored in a closed plastic bag for 4 days so that the mites die. General hygiene measures can also help to suppress the reproduction of the mites.The use of oils to be applied to the skin to kill the mites cannot be recommended as the effectiveness of these products is doubtful.
Is there an obligation to report scabies?
There is no general obligation to report a scabies disease. This means that if a person, regardless of age, is diagnosed with scabies, the treating physician does not have to provide the health authorities with any information. It should be noted, however, that managers of community facilities are obliged to notify the Health Department of any known or suspected infection with scabies within these facilities. Such community facilities include, for example, kindergartens, schools, old people’s homes or asylum accommodations.
