Scabies is caused when Sarcoptes Scabiei, a species of mite, burrows under the skin resulting in inflammation and itching. While most people with scabies will be infected with approximately 12 mites, patients with crusted scabies, a more aggressive infection, can be infected with thousands. Scabies, although more prevalent in children, can occur in any age group. Although not expected during pregnancy, expecting mothers often want to know how to treat scabies during pregnancy.
Treating Scabies Naturally during Pregnancy
If you contract scabies during pregnancy, rest assured that infestation will not affect your fetus. Talk to your doctor about your options as there are no recommended natural treatments for scabies.
How to Treat Scabies When the Natural Way Doesn’t Work
Although it is difficult if you are in contact with someone who is infected, you should try to avoid getting scabies during pregnancy. Scabies is easily shared through contact with skin, sexual intercourse, or in some exceptional cases, clothes and linens. If you suspect one of your family members has scabies, contact your doctor. Due to the ease of transmission and retransmission, all household members and sexual partners of the infected patient must be treated as well.
If you suspect one of your family members has scabies, contact your doctor. Due to the ease of transmission and retransmission, all household members and sexual partners of the infected patient must be treated as well.
Most pregnant women will be treated topically with permethrin. Other treatments your doctor may suggest include benzyl benzoate 25%, crotamiton, or malathion 0.5%. All of these treatments are topical.
Two medications you should not take during pregnancy are lindane and ivermectin.
The elderly, immunodeficient, and malnourished are particularly susceptible to crusted scabies, a more aggressive form of scabies. Crusted scabies is characterized by crusts of skin that hold copious amounts of mites and eggs. This form of scabies is more contagious due to the sheer number of mites. In this form of scabies, it is possible to spread mites through clothes and linens. It is recommended that people with crusted scabies see their doctor immediately. They will need to be treated quickly in order to avert an outbreak.
In this form of scabies, it is possible to spread mites through clothes and linens. It is recommended that people with crusted scabies see their doctor immediately. They will need to be treated quickly in order to avert an outbreak.
Want to Know More?
- Treating Mosquito Bites Naturally During Pregnancy
- How to Treat Itchy Skin Naturally During Pregnancy
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. Scabies: diagnosis and treatment. British Medical Journal. 2005 Sep. 17. 331(7517): 619-622.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1215558/
2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (August 14, 2014). Ectoparasitic Infections: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guidelines, 2010.
https://www.cdc.gov
3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (November 2, 2010). Parasites – Scabies.
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/epi.html
4. European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. (May 26, 2013). Scabies.
